3a l'integral nouveau Vs. Verity parisfal encore

Cat,

If my previous communications didn't make it clear, in my experience the Verity is far, far "denser" than either the VSM or the deCapo - if I get your analogy. The physicality of music is more dramatic on the P/E. OTOH, individual instrumental lines "float in space" more eerily on the VSM, IMHO. The newer Merlins certainly are superior to previous versions in their ability to convey impact, but don't reach the level of the P/E. You may prefer the VSM or the Verity (a case could certainly be made for either), but by the narrow standard you've identified I can't imagine that the VSM (forget the decapo) could match the Verity.

Perfect!Thanks.

I have had Verity Parsifal's for 5yrs, and I can't be happier with the sound, the quality of fit and finish (makore in my case), and ongoing customer support (ie advice on placement, tweaks, cables, amps etc.). I haven't heard the other speakers mentioned - other than the Merlins - too long ago, but certainly auditioned them.

I'm no audiophile really, but as I audition new gear for the system, I am never interested in getting a new set of speakers. These things hold their own to $30k speakers out there in my experience.

They are alive, rich and full, yet very detailed (not bright, though). Their detail lends them to application with neutral tube gear. I've never heard "thin" applied to Verity - and my experience is that they punch way above their weight class for presence and filling a room full of music.

If you go Parsifals - consider getting the new plinth b/n the bass and monitor from Verity, and send me a note re other tweaks I've found very helpful.

The other spaekers are great - I can't compare and contrast for you; but I can tell you I've never had a better ownership experience and these are speakers with a wide, gorgeous presence!

"thin" is not a word I would associate with my VA POs. Fully bodied is... As to the "visceral impact" you spoke of, before my current listening room, I was in a smaller one where the base cabinets were pointed forward and there was more attack. In my current room the overall sound benefited by having the base cabinets rear firing while I did loose some attack, the pros far out weighted the cons.

Keep in mind, that I have the Ovations which my present things differently than the Encores.

My Speaker History goes something like this: B&W DM3000 > B&W 805 Matrix > SF Concertos > SF Grand Pianos > SF Electa Amator II > (life changed big time) > 3A MM De Cappo i > Devore Gibbon Super 8 > Verity Audio Parsifal Ovations.

As you can see, my tastes started off very "detailed" and evolved to a real “musical” experience, driven by the adage “it is more important for me to hear “why” the performers are on stage, than it is to hear “where” they are on stage”….

Enjoy the journey!

BTW: The customer service of VA is top notch

Thanks guys for the input they are at the top of my very short speaker list!