I wouldn't say the Solos offer "astounding full range sound" as this would be "astounding" hyperbole. What, then, to say of their Duos and Trios which double and triple the number of woofers? However, they do provide bass extension far in excess of what you'd think a 5" woofer could do, especially in a small room.
And!! They do like power, the more the better (and this goes for the quality, too). They tend to sound a bit dark and recessed (but oh so lovely) when underpowered. Too bad you couldn't find a used Mesa Baron tube amp (150 wts) for your budget. This is what I used and the power output is adjustable from 35wts triode to 150 pentode and the sound of amp can be adjusted with tube rolling.
Please try as much as possible to go with at least 100 wts of real, high current power. And you should probably use an active pre-amp for the extra gain stage.
By the way, this speaker is one of the first to design terrific goods looks along with good music making. If you can, try to find someone who can lacquer finish the rosewood sides - Platinum did this as an option at the end the their run and it was beautiful.
Finally, I recently saw a pair of Solo Signatures (with the granite sides and special stands) at a local dealer. A $4,500.00 set up for $1,500.00. If I wasn't running SETs I'd have bought them just for beauty and as a second pair. Now that I think of it, i should have bought them and a used 2nd amp! Oh well, carpe diem!
And!! They do like power, the more the better (and this goes for the quality, too). They tend to sound a bit dark and recessed (but oh so lovely) when underpowered. Too bad you couldn't find a used Mesa Baron tube amp (150 wts) for your budget. This is what I used and the power output is adjustable from 35wts triode to 150 pentode and the sound of amp can be adjusted with tube rolling.
Please try as much as possible to go with at least 100 wts of real, high current power. And you should probably use an active pre-amp for the extra gain stage.
By the way, this speaker is one of the first to design terrific goods looks along with good music making. If you can, try to find someone who can lacquer finish the rosewood sides - Platinum did this as an option at the end the their run and it was beautiful.
Finally, I recently saw a pair of Solo Signatures (with the granite sides and special stands) at a local dealer. A $4,500.00 set up for $1,500.00. If I wasn't running SETs I'd have bought them just for beauty and as a second pair. Now that I think of it, i should have bought them and a used 2nd amp! Oh well, carpe diem!