I bought the Philippians bookshelves yesterday and they work pretty well with my cheapo Lepai 2020 amp. My initial impression on another thread (7th post):
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,188583.0.htmlWith my budget, I was torn between the Philippians and the Wharfedale 10.1/10.2. I heard the 10.1 at Listening Room and was quite impressed with the booming bass and the "kalansing" of the tweeters. But physically i found them very puny. They sounded great but I had to listen to Philippians to make a rational decision. I met up with Jose in Makati (his number is posted at
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,188601.0.html). A cool and genuinely nice guy, he won't do hard sell and just let product do the talking.
I had with me U2, Franco and Slapshock CDs. U2 because I love the music of the 80s. Franco and Slapshock because they sounded harsh on my home setup and car stereo. I wanted to punish the Philippians. Hehe. U2 would probably sound good on any system and the Philippians did not disappoint. But Franco, I don't remember which tracks anymore since I was pressed for time, there were details which I heard for the first time like (1) the ride cymbal intro in one of the songs (2) the panning of vocals or was it guitars? Vocals were clear and stood out. Slapshock on the other hand, as I mentioned in my other post, was musical.
But I wasn't sold just yet. The Philippians is good but somehow I missed the booming bass and the bright cymbals. That's how I listened to music since I was in Grade 7. Gusto ko bumamayo ang bass. Maximum bass, high and almost full treble. I'm mid-range deaf. I wasn't sold just yet and wanted to listen to the Wharfedales once more. Jose obliged and plugged in the Wharfes. In less than a minute I was sold on the Philippians. Hehe.
It's really a matter of taste and I'm not an audiophile. I just listen to music that I like. But the Philippians will not overwhelm you with bass and treble. Bass and treble is what will leave a mental imprint. This is what some speaker manufacturers will capitalize on. Philippians will tend to underwhelm ones' senses. Vocals are clear, some instrument will jump out of the speakers. Subtle effects can be heard. It will lull you into thinking that everything is so relaxed and ... underwhelming. But side by side with the other brand, it shines. Take it home and it will change your perspective on how you listen to music. The booming bass is not booming after all but ngongo.