Acoustat HT system

Sorry, I can't remember, but didn't the 1+1's come with a sub? It's been 15 years since I've heard them, but I don't remember them as having the dynamics comapared to today's speakers. Yes, they produced a wonderful soundstage and were quite musical when properly setup, but I don't think they'd make a great HT speaker. I have a pair of Acoustat 2+2's that are boxed and garaged because they just didn't produce when in the HT evironment. They sounded great and had decent dynamics with a 100W class A amp when used for music, but not so wonderful when used for HT. Soundstaging just is not as critical because you have a center channel where most of the voices come from. Even though you have a small room, I think you'd be better suited by using your vandy's (possibly upgrading to signatures), and buying a good sub. I also agree with Sean-Acoustat's were never known for being efficient speakers and my center channel had to be turned way down and the mains way up to try and match the acoustats- but my center channel still was much too prevelent. I thought it might be because of lack of content to the mains, but when I used a more efficient speaker, it made a huge difference.

I own 1+1's and have used them as the main front speakers in a home theatre system. I do not recommend them for this purpose. Low efficiency, less than great dynamics, and planar dispersion patterns do not make for a convincing audio/video experience. The dispersion pattern was what I objected to the most. I obtained better results using small box speakers such as the PSB Alpha.
The 1+1's remain my standard two-channel stereo reference. Ive had them nine years and love them dearly. It's just that they don't cut it in video surround-sound applications. Hang onto them for music use! Where else can you get an almost full-range electrostatic for about $500?

I once owned a pair and liked them very much. I agree with the duke, however, that they are not dynamic enough for HT.

will