Are warm or colored speakers disrespectful of musicians/producer/engineers?


Sure, they may be pleasing to the ear, but don't non-transparent speakers (and other gear) represent presumptive editing--across the board, regardless of the musicians' intent?
Just a provocative thought.
Let's be nice to each other if this thread takes off.
m669326
As someone who spent many years working in recording studios, I can tell you that, in my experience at least, the final mixes of most music are a series of compromises made by the engineers to account for the many different acoustic environments the music will end up in.  Small speakers were used to simulate car audio, cassettes were played on boom boxes, and large in-wall monitors were usually only to impress the clients.  I don't think the idea is to have a final, accurate mix they want everyone to hear.  Just something that sounds good everywhere.  Audiophile lables like Chesky and MA may have a different method because they know their products are aimed at people with high-end systems, so they likely skip the boom box test. 
Good point, chayro.   It's hard to believe that those who in good faith long for "transparency" or "musician's intent" go to many concerts, where the sound is different in every hall and in every seat within that hall, just as it is different in every listening room.  The obsession or belief in the sanctity of an artist's "intent" has been largely discredited (or despaired of answering) in literature, and to a lesser extent in drama and art--music seems lagging behind.  Many audiophiles (on this one and only this one) topic seem still to be struggling at the gate.
Even with speakers I believe to be grossly unrealistic sounding I still think there was some well-meaning designer who had some type of sound in mind. Not all of us gauge accuracy the same, or as important.

I want accuracy and detail, but if it has to hurt with intense treble sibilants, I'm out. I'll err just slightly to warmth than to pain. If you want to leave the room, might as well sell the gear. I listen for hours at a time with stunning clarity and detail, full bass and never a hurtful treble moment with full output to over 16k. (Bless the sealed ribbon.)

So, I do not feel it is disrespectful to buy the speakers with the sound one prefers for enjoyable audio listening. And as many have pointed out, there are so many variables out as regards recording, live venue experiences and personal likes. I thought the purpose of owning all the gear was to enjoy the music?   

Good thread O.P. Makes us think.


When I pay for a product I use it as it suits me. If I want to use a screwdriver as a chisel or vice versa, then so be it. As to speakers and equipment, Not everyone has the $$$ to purchase the High Fidelity equipment. The too, ignorance abounds about how the music sounds live. Then too, most musicians could care less about having a high end stereo themselves. Can they then offend themselves? I don't think so. Nor do I think any would feel disrespected. If they were that would be OCD pettiness IMO. Also, how would they know what YOUR music system sounds like unless they heard it? 
As a musician myself, I'd just be glad you are listening to my music, even if it were with  a wireless phone with pin head size speakers. Consider this. Sometimes using something strictly as intended is not as good for the Mfg. Jimi set HIS guitar on fire. Pete Townsend busted his to pieces.  I suspect Gibson & Fender sold many more guitars after those incidents.