What do they mean when they say “It sounds warm?
There are many subjective terms used to describe slight differences in frequency response, distortion, noise, etc. Thanks to Bruce Bartlett and Pro Audio Review, we present this Sound Quality Glossary. This glossary puts a meaning behind many different, common terms. There is no guaranty that people mean the same thing when they use these terms. However, these definitions give insight into why a system sounds the way it does and may also help bridge the communications gap. Airy: Spacious. Open. Instruments sound like they are surrounded by a large reflective space full of air. Good reproduction of high-frequency reflections. High-frequency response extends to 15 or 20 kHz. Bassy: Emphasized low frequencies below about 200 Hz. Blanketed: Weak highs, as if a blanket were put over the speakers. Bloated: Excessive mid-bass around 250 Hz. Poorly damped low frequencies, low-frequency resonances. See tubby. Blurred: Poor transient response. Vague stereo imaging, not focused. Boomy: Excessive
