Laid back sound-ML336...is that good or bad?


I've heard people say Mark Levinson is "Laid Back". Is that bad.I enjoy good music ,vocals and bass .Is this an amp that will deliver.MY SPEAKERS A B&W N802
otoohot
Otoohot, I think of "laid back" and "forward" as terms relating to whether your system plays the music so that you get the sense of being seated further away or closer to the musicians you're listening to. In this sense, it is purely a matter of taste. I happen to prefer "laid back."

Obviously, different folks can and do assign other meanings to "laid back" (but I think in those cases the term becomes rather vague and redundant with other terms that are commonly used to describe audio system performance). Like Jtinn said, you'd have to know more about what people meant by "laid back" before you could make use of those comments you've heard.
Otoohot, the 336 is versatile in my experience. What's the pre you're using? I've heard a 336 play (with a 38s) "laid back" in the sense of being relaxed, detailed w/out being dynamic -- keeping me on my feet, as it were.

I also heard the same 336 rocking (or dancing, or hopping) with a very dynamic, tube pre. This was in the same system, we were auditioning pre's.

Choice boils down to whatever tickles your fancy, really!