After spending some time with the system, one thing I can say about it is that the music it makes is supremely realistic in its tone. I used to play the guitar and harmonica, and have attended quite a few live unattended western classical concerts.. I have not heard any speaker in my auditions which can render instruments as beautifully and realistically as the B&Ws. Acoustic instruments on these speakers sound simply superb.
My primary choice of music is classical (Indian and Western), classic rock, some jazz and blues, Old Hindi songs of Rafi, Kishore, Hemant and Lata, Songs of Tagore and old bengali film music.
But I am continually exploring music and my choice of music many a time does not follow a pattern.
The signature of the speakers is essentially warm and fatigue-free. The sound of these speakers dont attack the listener, but just flows. In that sense, these speakers are not the best choice for people who listen mostly to hard rock, heavy metal, hip hop or techno like dubstep, as the treble may sound too tame. But since I dont like a bright treble, for me these speakers fit like a hand in a glove.
The midrange is super smooth and detailed. Vocals have the emotion and the tiniest inflections in them making the singer stand out with a life like detail. Highs are super extended and airy, without a touch of sibilance except in the harsher recordings, like some of the heavily equalized pop albums or old recordings. The crash and shimmer of cymbals in an energetic jazz recording, rapid fire high passages of Eric Clapton, or Lata singing in her highest pitch, the speakers can give it all.
The bass is fantastic for a speaker of its size. Yes it cant go down to the lowest octaves of a double bass with the authority of a good floorstander, but kick drums have the energy to make the heart go thump.
Incidentally, the low frequencies are the area where I am facing the problems currently, as my room has significant modes in certain frequencies.. causing reverberation and boom.
The most awesome aspect of these speakers is the imaging and the soundstage. They just extend from wall to wall.Currently these speakers are along a 10 feet wall, and the soundstage is just as big. Earlier I had these speakers along a 15 feet wall, and the soundstage was just as big. And it is deep as well. At times, when fallen into a reverie during my late night listening, I have suddenly been startled thinking someone was knocking or making a sound from outside, then to realize it was just the music.
The speakers respond well to placement. I wont say they are fussy, because as long as its not stupid like sticking them in a corner, the speakers sound good firing straight through(unless it is the room which is fussy).
With the correct recording, the speakers literally disappear.. stand out of the soundstage leaving just the music. The live Pulse recording of Pink Floyd is an experience in itself, I never heard it like I heard it with this system and can never tire listening to it.
But a classical brings out the best in these speakers. The dynamics, both micro and macro, the scale of a full fledged orchestra reaching its crescendo or the quietness of the whispering passages in Adagio or Largo are all presented fantastically.
On the other hand, the typical variations of Ravi Shankar on his Sitar or the inflections in the Sarod of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan are not missed an inch.
The dynamics, soundstage, imaging and tone are perfect for classical.
I have a lot of work to be done in my room. The side walls are almost bare, and I have a high ceiling. I can feel that when I can control the flutter echoes and the low frequency issues, the system will sound even better.
Enough subjective ranting. Now I go back to my work. Have to finish fast and return home to have a longer time to spend with my new beauties.
Edit: Just to clarify, this system obviously has it's limitations. I would have got even better music if I had gone with higher quality components with a higher price.
But for the price I paid, I am happy and content.
And in case someone is wondering from the title. I seriously overshot my initial budget of 60k