Audio Physics ...Bright or forward?

I listened to the all new Avantera. One thing i was not satisfied with was the forward sound. I had hoped they would be more homogenic. In my experience, bass did not at all integrate well with the top. The mid and tweeter felt much more forward. I really felt all vocals sounded close-miked. The side mounted bass section was a disappointment, talking integration.
I also hoped for a better resolving ability.

I've heard Virgo 25, Scorpio 25, Avanti and Cardeas.
Heard the Virgo, Scorpio and Avanti in one showroom, Cardeas at a friends place.

I agree with an earlier comment that AP speakers actually have quite different characters. Whereas the Virgo and Scorpio had somewhat similar sonic signatures, the Avanti was touch different. I found the Virgo + Scorpio significantly more musical & delicate and more hologaphic, but a little to the point of having almost too much 'glitz' and blurring dynamics a bit. This might be what you mean by "bright"
On the other hand, the Avanti threw a wider stage but was neutral to the point of feeling a touch thin. Very critical type of sound.

All AP speakers seemed quite difficult with positioning to me, and need to it rather deep in the room to bring out their potential.

Showroom was running them off Simaudio & Trigon gear.

Won't comment too much on the cardeas as (I'm sorry to say) my friend positioned them in a way that was quite evidently unfavorable (due to practical living space requirements)

Insomniac, i heard the Cardeas briefly at a show. After my arranged demo of Avantera, the store and importer, both told me Cardeas is way more demanding from room, position, electronics and cables. They also adviced towards Avantera. Perhaps due to the fact, i felt they were trying to tell me, system should be totally rearranged for the Cardeas.
Avantera was positioned well, but bass was shy compaired to my own PL 300. I found the top section coherent, but less resolving (example: hi-hat (open close, cymbals: crash, ride etc.
All was less resolved than my own PL 300. Bass seemed coming from rows back and not very coherent in soundfield. As that was not all, bass was heard as lower in volume and had no weight. The top section seemed way more forward. I grew tired even though we changed source and re-positioned them. I listened to sorted genres of musical styles, with very well known recordings for me. For the money, it was simply not worth it. I doubt i had even paid same as my PL 300. I could not settle for these, feeling at home. I listened 3 hours to be sure.
Even so, store claimed this was the best speaker they've used in this room. Looking at the room, i am sure my system had been doing better all in all.