laid back speakers

We seem to have lost the original poster. My take on his post is that he
believes his amp -- Nakamichi AV-8 -- is tonally "bright" and he wants to
find speakers that are tonally "warm" to counteract this effect. So, when he
says "laid back" -- I think he's talking about tone, not necessarily
dynamics.

But, after doing some research, I have a hunch that the brightness is a room
problem.

I went to www.audioreview.com to read what Nakamichi AV-8 owners have to
say about the unit.

Not one owner in 37 reviews called the amp "bright."

Here are some of the comments --

"Very clean, warm sound."

"The sound is sooo warm."

"Clean, warm sound, decent power."

"Warm, clean sound."

"Has that Classic Nak warmth."

"Excellent, warm, full amplifier."

http://www.audioreview.com/amplification/a-v-receivers/Nakamichi/
PRD_118692_2718crx.aspx

Not to beat a dead horse, but "WARM" *is* in the ear of the beholder, so the
original poster may be hearing the same amp as "BRIGHT" or it may be that
the brightness is coming from somewhere else in the chain -- like the room.

It'd be helpfull if we could get a description of his listening room.

On this we finally agree, Rsbeck!

In my going completely against conventional wisdom, most solid state gear, to my ear, has a warmth, thickness, and lushness, that should not produce harshness in many instances. Tubes tend to give sparkle and brilliance that can come off as harsh or bright if one is not careful. I realize I am now going to have a lot of other people down my throat, but I have to be honest. Over the past year, I have systematically come to this conclusion. Again, I realize it goes against what has become doctrine.

I remember Nakamichi being very non offensive gear from when I used to be around it, but I didn't mention it here until you brought it up.

I have Vandersteen 2CE Sigs driven by a Tbe Audio Design 150 and a McCormack DNA-1. In this set up I can't describe them as "laid back".They sound nuetral and balanced. I had B&K equipment prior and they sounded softer but, still nuetral. I cannot remember ever hearing a speaker sound "laid back". IMO if a speaker sounds "laid back" t would seem that they are missing some of the music and the electronics should be checked to see if they are a good match..