10-Dec-2015, 08:47
I agree that hearing differs. And a single Phantom sounds like a spot in near field. Normal, for mono playback and also normal for compact stereo systems like many sound bars or sonos, b&w zeppelin and the like. The low diffraction of the Phantom minimizes reflextions when set up with toe-in in a triangle with the listener. Other speakers with direct and indirect drivers or different than dynamic drivers spread more. One might like this or not. But a pair of Phantom silver set up in a triangle to the listener do not sound like a spot when listening to music recorded to fill the soundstage. I cannot comment on differences between the Ensemble and a pair of Phantoms and do not doubt midi's impression that the Ensemble has a wider soundstage. But I have difficulties to accept that a pair of Phantoms sound like a spot when korrectly placed and set up.
