" I have a particular aversion to forward-sounding speakers, and have owned ProAcs for years. I would never have used that adjective for them. For much of the time drove Response 2.5s with Cary SE/PureA/Triode."
They can be forward sounding, but it depends on the gear. I had the 2.5's myself. Sometimes people think of forward sounding as bright/harsh. With ProAc, that's not the case. The presentation is more immediate and upfront. Its like sitting closer to the music. If you don't like that quality, it can be dealt with using system matching. When I had my 2.5's driven by some amps (ARC VT-100, VAC 30/30, Ayre V-5, Pass Aleph O's, Krell KAS-250), they sound forward. If I put them with more laid back amps (Rowland 112, CJ Premiere 11, ML 331), they sounded much more neutral.
They can be forward sounding, but it depends on the gear. I had the 2.5's myself. Sometimes people think of forward sounding as bright/harsh. With ProAc, that's not the case. The presentation is more immediate and upfront. Its like sitting closer to the music. If you don't like that quality, it can be dealt with using system matching. When I had my 2.5's driven by some amps (ARC VT-100, VAC 30/30, Ayre V-5, Pass Aleph O's, Krell KAS-250), they sound forward. If I put them with more laid back amps (Rowland 112, CJ Premiere 11, ML 331), they sounded much more neutral.