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£15k $22k to spend on speakers...but which?

Over the years I've built up a system I like but I've saved the speakers till last because I want to spend enough to get them right. It now saved up and am about to embark on this purchase.

My system is Audio Research Ref 3 & 110, Transparent Super speaker cable and a Melco N1/Chord Hugo (which sounds really good) and Rega RP8 turntable.

I've (initially) narrowed down my speaker selection to:
Wilson Sabrina
B&W 800 D3
Focal Sopra 2
Sonus Faber Olympica 2

I listen to everything from choral and piano through pop to Frank Zappa, jazz, progressive rock and orchestral. I like accurate reflection of the human voice, clarity and good deep dry bass.

Should I look at used Sophia 3? Anything else I should add to my list.

I'd be really pleased to hear people's views as, of course, it is almost impossible in the UK to hear comparative listening tests between these different brands.

Thanks

Matthew
mwelliott99
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

I would consider a used or demo pair of the Sonus Faber Elipsa SE Red. They are a very special speaker and much better than the Olympica. Tone did a nice review of them.

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/sonus-faber-elipsa-se/

I have a similar system to yours. I am using a Ref 110 to drive a pair. This is a magical combination. It has that "in the room" sound. The soundstage is three dimensional. The bass is tight and well defined.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
A rich man has about the same chance of entering audio nirvana as a camel has of passing through the eye of a needle. Sorry, couldn't resist. ;-)
zd542
5,339 posts
 
For your situation, I would read reviews of speakers in your price range, and pick the ones they say are best.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,880 posts
 
Matthew, could you tell us the size/shape of your room...and whether you plan on using room acoustic treatments. The room size/shape is very important in deciding on a particular speaker.
soix
9,669 posts
 
There is a pair of Rockport Aviors for sale here in your price range that are worth a look, as well as a pair of Vandersteen Carbon 5As. I'm not sure if your amp will drive either of them optimally, but if it can either of these would be fantastic I'd think. My personal choice in that price range used would be Joseph Audio Pearls, but they're never available used. Wish I were in your shoes, and best of luck.
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