Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Physic Virgo 2 Speakers by Champion

Model:	Virgo 2
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$5300
Description:	3 way floorstanding loudspeaker
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Physic
Model Picture:	View

Review by Champion on January 04, 2002 at 04:49:19
IP Address: 203.109.252.18

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for the Virgo 2

I bought a demo pair at around US$2000 from a dealer to replace my Genesis 8300F speakers. I have listened to a few other speakers before I made the purchase, including Vandersteen, Monitor Audio, B&W, ProAc, and Image (New Zealand made). At the dealer's place, it was driven by Rogue Audio pre/power amps, while at my home, it is Audio Research + Plinius pre/power amps. The speakers are placed according to Audio Physic recommendations.
My impression on the speakers can be summarized as below:
- Very good soundstaging and imaging. Appropriate size, 3-D. I can't say it recreate the soundstage in real size, as I don't not what it is supposed to be in the recordings and also I don't attend concert often, but it does not feel like it is compressed at all. Although it takes a bit of time to achieve the best soundstaging and imaging, you can get a reasonable result as long as you give enough space between the speakers. When placed properly, the depth and width are first class, and the players are just in your room.
- Smooth midrange and high. It never gets edgy (unless the recording is really bad). A little 'lay back' for the highs and is extremely extended (when compared to ribbon highs, like my Genesis). But it is very involving and you never get tired of it. I think this characteristic is good for acoustic music, jazz and classical, but not the best speaker for rock.
- Bass goes quite deep and is punchy. A bit of midbass warmth but I believe it can be solved by placement (giving more space between the speakers for example, reduces the warmth. Too close together just doesn't make it to sound right). Plays drum 'music' very well (eg. Sheffield Drum Record), good drum size and authority, but not the best - e.g. better by ATC or more expensive speakers.
- Very detail. Give you all the details in the recordings. Because of this, you can clearly hear the acoustic nature of the studio/recording room, and you will know easily whether it is a small room, a large hall or a church etc. I think the well-made cabinet contribute alot in this aspect.
In summary, when the placed properly, the Virgo's just bring you there, to where the music is recorded. I know they are made of cheap drivers, but the combined result is just great, so I don't care (a Pentium CPU is made of silicon or sand, isn't it?). The Virgo is certainly one of the best speakers for acoustic music and jazz.
I may follow up after I have used it for a longer time and experienced with different placement and gear. Thanks for reading.

Product Weakness: Not the best speaker for rock music, a little bit of midbass warmth.
Product Strengths: Ability to create a 3D soundstage, Imaging excellent. smooth from midrange to treble, very detail. Best for acoustic music, jazz and classical.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Plinius SA100mk3
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research SP3a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Teac VRDS10N + Audio Alchemy DDE V3.0
Speakers:	Audio Physic Virgo
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest, Tara Labs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Pop, Classical, Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	19' x 14' x 8'
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Not the best speaker for rock music, a little bit of midbass warmth.
Product Strengths:	Ability to create a 3D soundstage, Imaging excellent. smooth from midrange to treble, very detail. Best for acoustic music, jazz and classical.