I heard the speakers in NJ; I live in Massachusetts. It was 4.5 hours each way.
The dealer was excellent as was the speakers (overall). I'm sure setup could be tweaked a little - as it's subjective to a certain degree (apparently you smooth out humps, not flatten them or it will sound EQ'd)
I agree that it would be good to re-audition them - even if in same room, with same equipment. I considered Rockport Ankas and auditioned them 3 times. I'm not up for that much driving anytime soon however.
Overall I liked the speaker a lot - I just wasn't expecting such huge, larger than life imagery or the distortion at loud volumes. That being said, my Aerials produce a smaller-than-life soundstage, although they image very well and timbre is great. Piano sounded different on the 5As - another aspect I would like to audition again, but I don't know that the timbre was incorrect - I might just be too used to the Aerials. Sometimes you have to get used to the sound of a speaker.
I agree that in theory, the design of the 5A seems excellent.
The dealer was excellent as was the speakers (overall). I'm sure setup could be tweaked a little - as it's subjective to a certain degree (apparently you smooth out humps, not flatten them or it will sound EQ'd)
I agree that it would be good to re-audition them - even if in same room, with same equipment. I considered Rockport Ankas and auditioned them 3 times. I'm not up for that much driving anytime soon however.
Overall I liked the speaker a lot - I just wasn't expecting such huge, larger than life imagery or the distortion at loud volumes. That being said, my Aerials produce a smaller-than-life soundstage, although they image very well and timbre is great. Piano sounded different on the 5As - another aspect I would like to audition again, but I don't know that the timbre was incorrect - I might just be too used to the Aerials. Sometimes you have to get used to the sound of a speaker.
I agree that in theory, the design of the 5A seems excellent.