Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I basically agree with Guido, but I would modify his statement as follows (changes are in brackets):

... a warm sound is a tone that has a [lower] midrange preference, and perhaps a touch of pillowiness in the mid and mid lower bass. A rich sound for me has significant exposure of harmonics throughout the range, [particularly lower order even harmonics], from low bass to higher treble, without distortions.

Of course, usage of these terms among different audiophiles varies widely, and sometimes they are used interchangeably. But strictly speaking, IMO, "warmth" relates to frequency response, and "rich" relates to harmonic balance.

Regards,
-- Al

Hi Guidocorona, that is a big difference between warm and rich sound, which do you prefer? , going by your description, I would prefer the rich sound, nothing wrong with a little warmth though.

Hi cerrot, so you are saying that a rich sound has a front to back better sound stage to the presentation?

I was thinking of my response and then read what Guido wrote and realized I would say the same thing. Al articulated further and I agree with what he added and with his summary that warmth is frequency related.

The lower midrange emphasis is most commonly associated with warmth but it can also come with slightly suppressed high frequencies and bass that is either, or both, rolled off at the very low end and perhaps a bit "fat" or somewhat less than detailed/defined. IMO a rich sound is all about tone and harmonic structure and is always a good thing. I also find the terms "dark" and "bright" interesting but different in that I would characterize them as describing a frequency shift either lower (dark) or higher (bright) that can be independent, or in conjunction with, being warm or rich.

All of these are preferences and Guido makes a good point that a system can sound both neutral and rich, which I find a very good combination, but would add just a touch of warmth and darkness to achieve the sound I enjoy.

Thank you Mitch and Al.... I concur completely with your tightening up of my original definition....

Yes Audiolabyrinth, my pref is for neutral+rich.... I often call this kind of sound "complex", which is what I usually seek... Although, I freely admit that on occasion I do fall for the seductiveness of just trace amounts of comfie pillowing in the lower mid bass... Provided the integrity of the rest of the frequency band is unaffected... Vienna Acoustics DIe Muzik anyone *Grins!*

G.



Regards, G.