I have had mine for about nine months now. I am driving them with the new Music Reference RM-200, BAT VK50 preamp and the Electocompaniet mk2 CDP. I auditioned the new Virgo 3's( very dissappointed, did not sound like a full range speaker, lacked bass. Then I auditioned a pair of Fidelios and almost bought them---but I made the mistake of listening to a pair of Encores---had to have them. They were so transparent, huge soundstage,so much detail it was crazy. The speaker can be used with the woofer pointed foward or backwards depending on your room and your system. Like any piece of equipment you need to listen to them in your system and let your ears and heart decide for you. For me, the speaker really drew me into the music, all the emotion, and that is really why I bought them!! Good luck.