05-Sep-2016, 13:26
I believe the perceptions of the Phantoms are magnified by the psychological disconnect between their visual size and the size of their sound.
I only have a modest D120 + $1K speaker system (inc. ribbon tweeters). Every now and then, I read a rave about the Phantoms, and I think I'd better give my 2 Whites a chance again (on heavy Partington Dreadnought stands, 1metre from the walls, same position as my floorstanders).
Initially, I always think they are astounding... they produce a dynamic & dramatic sound waaayy beyond their size, and I wonder why I bother with all the clutter.
After a couple of days though, I realise that music is too 'cool', the bass dry, and vocals are less realistic/emotive than via my ribboned speakers (only vocals though - instrumental colour is still pretty damn good). Eventually, I even ended up preferring my KEF LS50's as well, even though they are a little boxier than Phantoms.
If you ask me, the Phantom's true forte is with A/V, as the LFE effects are the only thing that truly lets them stretch their legs. And I really do mean - the rumbles they made during a couple of movies frightened me in a way my REL T2 subwoofer never did!
I only have a modest D120 + $1K speaker system (inc. ribbon tweeters). Every now and then, I read a rave about the Phantoms, and I think I'd better give my 2 Whites a chance again (on heavy Partington Dreadnought stands, 1metre from the walls, same position as my floorstanders).
Initially, I always think they are astounding... they produce a dynamic & dramatic sound waaayy beyond their size, and I wonder why I bother with all the clutter.
After a couple of days though, I realise that music is too 'cool', the bass dry, and vocals are less realistic/emotive than via my ribboned speakers (only vocals though - instrumental colour is still pretty damn good). Eventually, I even ended up preferring my KEF LS50's as well, even though they are a little boxier than Phantoms.
If you ask me, the Phantom's true forte is with A/V, as the LFE effects are the only thing that truly lets them stretch their legs. And I really do mean - the rumbles they made during a couple of movies frightened me in a way my REL T2 subwoofer never did!
JRiver v25 (Windows) >> 220Pro/CI >> PMC Twenty5.23 + twin KEF KC62 subs. One White Phantom.
