Speakers with imaging "Free of the box"

Tvad,

You are far too modest. In any case, congratulations and how do they compare to the VR4's...?

You are far too modest. In any case, congratulations and how do they compare to the VR4's...?
Shadorne (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

The Sonata III disappear better (image better), and are more refined in the highs and upper mids. The bass is a bit bloomy and uncontrolled relative to the VR4 Gen III HSE. It's a small, niggling point. The VR4 were more resolving overall...really a reference loudspeaker.

My wife and I prefer the appearance of the Sonata III. Each speaker has it's strengths and weaknesses. I'm more apt to forgive a speaker for its bass performance than I am a top end that's too aggressive. So, at this juncture, I prefer the Sonata III overall, but they are not hands-down winners versus the VR4 Gen III HSE, IMO.

As I am still experimenting with amplification, pre-amplification and wire, my opinion may very well shift.

MBL 101E

I second Exlibris - MBL 101E, or if your room won't allow them, either the 111 or 116. :)

I use my Nagaoka horns facing a rear wall approx 5' away from the wall, speakers 9' apart.I sit probably 7' behind the speakers. The sound is in the space between the speakers and the rear wall and sound does not appear come out from the speakers. Even If sit off axis It still has a good soundstage between the speakers.