Premier vs Gold sound and reolution

[Damon]

... are amongst the few really true full range speakers, and therefore their placement is even more important than with most other speakers ...

This is sometimes overlooked, with phantoms because of the apparent simplicity of the system, but setup and positioning is absolutely key to the end result.

I think this is a really valuable reminder about the Phantoms, and as @Jean-Marie says, position is easily overlooked. Because they are so small, and only have one cable, it is very easy to assume they can be put anywhere and sound good.

I have no doubt that I'm talking to myself more than others here; I'm often slow to pick up on things that are obvious to more attentive hi fi persons. But the message hit me because I'm musing about reducing or simplifying my system, to go to a smaller set up, and to have less money invested in the equipment. That is my feeling based on my listening habits. I just don't listen to music as often as I used to, or for as long. Our current set up is compromised by the space I have for it, and J-M's point made me realize that most speakers will be compromised in that location.

I am personally very happy with the Devialet amp, and so I was thinking of a Ensemble system, or something similar. But I suspect my room and the location will have the same effect on any equipment. Hmmm.

@tomsag to your points, I think that many speakers have a mid-bass bump in frequency response. This is not necessarily bad, as it gives a sense of greater bass that is certainly pleasing. My impression is that the Phantoms don't have that bump, but do have much more low frequency capability. As Jean-Marie says, placement may make the mid bass reproduction better for your ears and room. I see that you are aware of that already. I'm no expert on Phantoms, but my memory is that the Golds are reported to be 'softer' or 'smother' in the upper midrange and treble as they have a different tweeter.

Are you using using one or two Phantoms?