real hype, phantom sound

[nugat]

Its amazing to me how wildly different consumer reviews are on this, ranging from enthusiasm where Phantoms replaced systems multiples its cost to this review where Phantoms are really poor speakers.  While there is personal taste involved, it is difficult to reconcile the chasm between the two extremes.  

I do appreciate all the reviews.

I do wonder how your dealer set up the Phantoms.  Were they on stands?  Tables?  Away from the walls?  Right up by the walls?  etc.

Thanks,
MtnGuy

I think Phantoms  are simply and unneccessarily overhyped. They are "poor" in comparison to big traditional speakers like Dali Grand which are  three-way, 5-driver big boxes, especially when powered with great amps like Air Tight (BTW 2x22w !). Yet better than existing speaker docks/wireless systems, or entry and maybe even mid-level sets. But also pricier. Inspite of what Devialet would like us to believe, they did not break any laws o physics. They vastly improved the engineering though. Some people  still prefer big V8 to small turbos. 
The dealer put them on some stands and away from the walls.