what make a "warm" sound?

mrbofus
mrbofus Posts: 297
edited January 2010 in Electronics
As in receivers, many mention the H/K will have a more warm sound.
And "warm" is mentioned alot in different aspects. Could someone please explain what makes "warm" sounding equipment?
-Greg
Sharp Aqous 40" LCD
Onkyo TX SR-507 AVR
Onkyo DX-C390 CD Changer
POLK RTI8 Mains--Cherry
the rest...in process...slowly!!
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited January 2010
    I'm not sure what technically makes a system sound warm...

    I do know what warm means to my ears and how I define it. I have a HK AVR 354. When listening to music from my IPod from both this unit and my old Onkyo 606, the HK has a balanced sound. When listening to an orchestra with the Onkyo the piercing instruments - trumpets, violins, oboe's, stood out above all else in way that was annoying to my ears. WIth the HK, the sound is balanced, and the instruemnts that are even known to have a warm timbre - viola's and cello's, bass clarinet, english horn, etc. - sound full and balanced with the rest. Keep in mind, these are with the same speakers playing the music.
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  • rallyshark
    rallyshark Posts: 417
    edited January 2010
    I'll give it a shot. I know what it means, but I'm not sure how to explain:o My best effort: Warm= full and smooth, not fatiguing and not bright, better for prolonged listening to music, and not usually as good for HT, but there are exceptions. I would also put HK,Marantz,Denon(some) in that category. Many would consider Onkyo neutral to slightly bright, and Yamaha's tend to be bright from what I've read, but I don't have personal experience with all of these. Someone will chime in soon who can explain this much better than I. I hope that helps a little:)
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  • mutelight
    mutelight Posts: 1,054
    edited January 2010
    It depends on one's own interpretation but when I refer to audio having a warm characteristic I usually think of it with a subtle roll off in the higher end or "darker" sounding. "Warmth" can also be achieved via analog processing where you are actually inducing small amount of harmonic distortion in the signal.

    When referring to the H/K receiver, the sound is more laid back without as much emphasis on the higher end like in Yamaha and Pioneer receivers which are on the brighter side of things. There is not a "better" aesthetic to audio, it is purely up to the listener as to what they prefer.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2010
    I agree with the above descriptions but I think there are more things to consider than just an AMP, Receiver, AVR and other sources.

    Synergy is key. A nuetral amp with bright speakers will sound bright IMO.

    There are a lot of considerations.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,233
    edited January 2010
    I can give a definition on what "warm" is.

    Warm is when a system sounds natural or comfortable to listen to. Rich in mid bass with lots of clean bottom end. Highs calm and natural sounding , nothing out of place.
    If you listen to a female voice and she moves you without hurting your ears then this is warm.
    Dan
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  • mutelight
    mutelight Posts: 1,054
    edited January 2010
    thsmith wrote: »
    Synergy is key. A nuetral amp with bright speakers will sound bright IMO.

    I completely agree.
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  • mrbofus
    mrbofus Posts: 297
    edited January 2010
    And H/K etc... give that sound? Vs the Onkyo= bright?
    Currently I have a new onkyo SR507 that was a gift so I wont be changing to soon. I guess I really need to hear different systems for a better understanding. I do understand the explainations, I just need to hear them.
    Thanks
    Greg
    PS I have RTI8's- are these considered to be "bright"
    Sharp Aqous 40" LCD
    Onkyo TX SR-507 AVR
    Onkyo DX-C390 CD Changer
    POLK RTI8 Mains--Cherry
    the rest...in process...slowly!!
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