From my somewhat limited experience combining digitally reproduced dry stops with actual pipework, it seems both benefit from the ability to be placed within a case and speak from an elevated position relative to the listener even, and perhaps especially, in a small space. With loudspeakers the case is the same with one addition. I've found much more pleasing results are had if the speakers are NOT pointed toward the listening space unrestricted. All of my speakers are placed within the casework adjacent to the pipework and directed upward. My reasoning is that with few exceptions the actual pipes speak in close proximity with many reflective surfaces and, except for front pipes in the casework, rarely to the listener unobstructed.
Conversely, whenever I've placed the speakers aimed directly at the listener (me), the sound is synthetic noticeably inferior to those placed interactively with the immediate environment. As yet however, I still find the digital 8' Open Diapason suffers greatly. It just doesn't deem to replicate the warm fullness of pipes, especially in the lower registers.
Conversely, whenever I've placed the speakers aimed directly at the listener (me), the sound is synthetic noticeably inferior to those placed interactively with the immediate environment. As yet however, I still find the digital 8' Open Diapason suffers greatly. It just doesn't deem to replicate the warm fullness of pipes, especially in the lower registers.