platinum audio solo's

Sean34,I used a Sound Valves 35 watts per channel tube amplifier, and a matching tube preamplifier, and the sound was musical, articulate, detailed, and with thrilling bass.
Audiophile buddies agreed. This was in a small room.
These go used on Audiogon for about $600, and are a fine value, especially because there is bass extension, and detail, not usually available at this price, but so important to the fun of many recordings.
I know Ed feels this must be either physically impossible, or biased, but that's what one group of careful listeners heard.
Whenever there is such a radical divergence of opinions, I prefer to attribute this to damage or malfunction of the component under test, poor component synergy, or wearing out of my hearing aid battery. Just kidding.
Just put each posting into perspective, by going back to the other postings here, and elsewhere on the internet, using google.com search engine.
If you want any specific questions answered about system, and room matching for these speakers, feel free to email through the Audiogon member email exchange.

I have the Solos in my setup for a little more than 3 years now and having great success partnering it with the Ayre V3 amp (100 watts SS) and an AS Passion passive pre. My room size is 15.6 x 10.5 x 8 and no problems with the "loudness" factor ie: it will go as loud as I want with most modern CD recordings. If you are interested, the details to the rest of my setup can be found at the following link in AA; http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/3896.html
The Solos in my system is not "thin" sounding as experienced by others and I gather it all comes down to matching of the other components in your system and careful setup/placement of the equipment as well.
Good luck.

I use Platinum Solos in my home studio with a Mac G4 and Digidesign 001. For reference, I have 5 systems at home with speaker systems ranging in value from $1,100-$12,000.

The Solos sound really good in my set-up. They are smooth and unfatigueing with a full midbass and reasonably transparent mids.I have an extra sub in the closet that I've considered adding, but they sound extended enough on their own in a smaller room.

Voices are wonderful. They throw a deep and layered stage. I don't find the highs bright at all--just about right (but I'm pushing 50).

I've driven them with as little as 30 watts (Aloia) to as many as 225 watts. They do like power but will do well with less if you don't push them too hard (they actually sound quite good with my Adcom 5400--125 watts--that some find on the bright side).

There are other good choices. I reently heard the Von Schweikert VR1 that were really nice and threw a big stage...but I'd still go for the Solos for their liveliness and dynamics.

Haven't heard them with tubes, though.

I also use to own the Solo's and they are great speakers,very smooth in all the bands,excellent presentation,bright?..first time I hears the Solo's considered bright.Fantastic bloom and extended highs,bass is acceptable for a small speaker but dont expect deeeeppp bass.These montiors are very reveiling so basically source matching is very important.Its a classic monitor.

These guys are all over the map.

1. The Solos need a TON of quality power AND current. MOSFET designs seem to work particularly well. I had best success with an old Acoustat TNT-200 and a Sunfire 300. I tried an ARC D-115MKII (110 tube watts per channel) and it was grossly inadequate. I also tried a Classe DR-9 (100wpc with MASSIVE current) which sounded splendid, but only at moderate volumes. Finally, I tried a McIntosh MC-7150 (150wpc with autoformers) which was a total JOKE!

2. There is nothing bright about their presentation. They are revealing, but not overly so. None of the amps that I tried sounded bright or thin. Not sure what Ed was using to drive his, but as long as it's decent quality, you shouldn't have a problem.

3. Bass response is tremendous. Period. Not "just for their size" - or - "considering that all of that sound is coming from a 4" woofer." They go into the low 30's with ease. Unfortunately, however, the port is rear-facing and they need to be AT LEAST 2-3' from the back wall. In a small room, I just wouldn't recommend them. You'll be very frustrated.

I would concur with Ed_Sawyer regarding the Aerial Model 5s inasmuch as they are a FABULOUS speaker - especially for a small room. I disagree that they TROUNCE the Solos. They're both excellent, but for a small room, the Aerials win hands-down. They, too, however, require lots of current and QUALITY amplification. The Classe DR-9 that I mentioned previously was a HEAVENLY match with the Aerial Model 5s in my 11'X13' room.

Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me privately if you need more info.