I think they will work well if you can get them far out into the room (away from walls and corners). These speakers have a huge bass hump (resonance) not unlike the Wilson WP series. If you cannot get them out into the room then I fear you will loose most of the clarity of the lower midrange to the overwhelming resonant bass.
Success w. large speakers & moderately sized rooms
Firstly, I apologize in advance for those who I've already made aware of my upcoming situation in previous threads. However, I feel this specific topic may benefit a large number of Audiogon members. I am going to be installing a pair of large, full-range speakers (Focal Nova Utopia Be) in a moderately sized listening space (20 x 13). Why am I taking on such a risk provided the multitude of sonic complications associated with such a decision? Firstly, the Nova's are speakers I've dreamt of owning for several years and an excellent opportunity became availabe to acquire a pair locally. Secondly, I have a fairly powerful amp (McIntosh MC402) that should be adept at controlling the Nova's 13" woofer. Lastly, my room is treated with GIK acoustic panels and ASC Tube Traps to reduce any possible doubling over of the low frequencies. Based on the information presented above and those with similar experiences with large speakers in medium rooms, will I be able to obtain long-term happinnes with the Nova's? Thanks in advance.