Philosophical question: Do I want speakers that are aggressive, accurate, or laid ba

[theaudiohobby]

Ah, words! Some posters seem rather suspicious of "detail" and "air", suggesting these things are often just "grain".

"Detail" is the resolution of subtle sounds; "air" is (a) the convincing reproduction of spatial clues and/or (b) a life-like sense of the ambiance of a performance venue. "Grain" is a harsh, serrated edge to the higher frequencies mainly.

It is true that the inexperienced listener might, for a time, confuse the sharpness of grain with detail or air. However over time grain is fatiging and disagreeable. Genuine detail and air, on the other hand, grows on you very much.

To me, detail and air are essential if a speaker is to be considered accurate, and equally as important as accurate tonal balance.

Thanks Feanor for a splendid explanation,

When I am in acoustic performances, I hear the air around the instruments, afterall all the players are not sitting on top of each other, however I do not hear grain . On piano, I hear the air between notes and oh so sweet detail.