kalali,
I guess my version of "polite" sort of ties in with dynamics. The much older Vandy's sounded, to me, like about mid hall at a concert rather then being closer, but not right on top of the performance. You just didn't hear the "punch" of the music when it got loud with them. This has nothing to do with an imbalance of frequencies or colourations that some speakers have. That was common years ago, but much less so now. I agree with you that you don't want tweeters that sizzle. The older model 2c had a severe upper frequency dip that just made the speakers totally un-involving and lifeless to me, in the treble range. The Ci's less so, but still reticent. The new Carbon tweeter that I have in my Treo's doesn't sizzle at all. It is only airy and very transparent. The ceramic coated tweeter that Vandersteen uses in the 2Ce sig.II and 3A is also smooth and airy, but not quite as transparent as the Carbon Tweeter.
Stereo5......I believe you have or are getting the GoldenEar Triton Reference. I would love to hear that loudspeaker. I bet it is something special!
Kalali.... Some years ago, one of the big audio mags made a Gossary of Terms for audiophile sound. Can't remember which one or when.
Cheers,
Tim
