The sonic character of the B&K Reference was middle of the road, all the way. It had a strong midrange balance and a neutrality that didn't seem to emphasize any one octave, even at the frequency extremes. It leaned toward dryness and the analytic. It didn't demonstrate any particular or exaggerated strength in any area, just overall balance and solid, unquirky performance. It never felt as if it were straining, no matter the volume.