laid back speakers

I can assure you, confidence is not something I lack.

Give them a try, Rsbeck.

Not that you'll believe me anyway, but the Frieds are also not warm. They are more open and clear. Despite being 4 ohms, you can drive them with low power tubes well, in addition to solid state amps. I'm biased, but I think the transmission line bass is a real plus. Most people haven't experienced it, but the transmission line midrange is even MORE important. The transient response is pretty amazing, significantly less smearing of the notes.

We'll have a minimonitor coming soon, so you'll have your pick of true TL speakers from $1750 up to $65K. The operation is beginning to gain traction, and our dealer network is coming around this spring.

I had a good friend who owned VR1's. Not a laid back speaker - not at all....

Tomryan

In the spirit of "reverse thread", yes, I second Paradigm. Also, Magnepan, Martin-Logan, some Coincident Tech models, some Totem models...

These are over $1000, aren't they?

I'm surprised you have Coincident in that list. I've heard a number of models and own the Super Eclipse Series II. You would have to own a very crunchy solid state amp to make the Supers sound bright. Many think the Coincidents are a little lacking in sparkle (of course, I don't. ;-)).

Regards,

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.