Auditorium 23 SoloVox...


are they really sensitive to placement?

I've got the five year upgrade itch; plus I've got a new listening room configuration to deal with. My listening room "was" once a 15ft wall of mostly windows which allowed me to place speakers 4ft out from the wall or move them in and around the corners. The downside with that room (other than the big German Shepherd who dogged her post in front of one window): it was a huge open ceiling rectangle that continued onto the dinning and kitchen area, much like a big loft. Well the wife also had an itch and we remodeled (even though it was my money my opinion did not weight in). Suddenly I've been reduced to a near(er) field experience. I now have a 20ft or longer wall but there are entry doors on either end. The speakers can be no more than 2 ft. from the wall. My listening chair is about 8ft. from the speakers and I have another wall 2ft behind my head. So it's more intimate than before although the ceiling remains open and pitched.

So besides comments like you got screwed, I'm looking for advice to rectify the situation. Over the years I've worked my way through the Vandy line, Maggies and Merlins. Now I have a desire to move towards more efficient speakers.

I was very interested in the Audio Note HE model, but alas it prefers corners and I have none. Thus here I sit reading the Jules Coleman and Michael Lavorgna reviews wondering whether this SoloVox would work in my environment. Coleman didn't seem to have too much of an issue placing the speaker, but Lavorgna must have spent days moving his library from one wall to the other.

I'm very interest in anyone's trials and tribulations with the SoloVox, or any other efficient speaker that is less sensitive to placement. I'm also anxiously anticipating DeVore's two-way Orangutans. Thanks!
dpe

Showing 3 responses by dpe

Rrog,

I'm already experimenting with the sound panels, and yes it may come down to the stereo or my wife. Although the dog comes with me (as well as any new speakers that I purchase) :-).

Anyone care to comment on the SoloVox? Or are they not that popular?
Thanks Chashas1 and 4musica44107! You guys have been very helpful. Bottom line Michael Lavorgna's review was closer to the truth with regards to placement, although I don't remember any mention of room size issues. As a matter of fact (and I'll need to review the article) I though if anything the SoloVox was very intimate; especially at lower levels of volume, and, as you've mentioned 4musica44107, extremely articulate when listening to solo instrumental and acoustical ensembles which is my pleasure as well.

Also thanks for the Verity plug. Many years ago I did demo a loaner pair of Fidelios and went with the Merlins instead. I'll check out the Finns and Leonores, although I've never been a fan of the rear woofers.
Aronsss, yes I've heard the Tannoy Kensingtons and have very much enjoyed them. They are a bit too elegant for my living area and I prefer the look of the Glenair 15, although again like the SoloVax, I've never listen to these.