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Avalon Acoustics vs Wilson Audio

I would like to know how Avalon's sound compared to Wilson's. I heard that they have a similar sound, but just want to make sure from other peoples experience. I have heard, Sophia 3's, Sasha w/p, and the x2. I liked all 3 models. I haven't heard any Avalon's yet. I will definitely be looking to audition. Just thought I would ask for now.

My budget ($15k-$30k)is pretty broad for the sake of keeping an open mind. Realistically I'm thinking $20k'ish. That price is just for the pair of speakers mind you.

My current setup consists of Paradigm studio 60's v.5 (mains), cc-590 v.5 (center), studio 10's v.5 (rear's), Arcam avr-600. Primarily its an HT system, but I use it for music alot as well. It's a pretty good sounding system, but I've grown out of it for music. Its a superb setup for gaming and movies though. This is pretty much why I'm thinking of a dedicated 2ch setup.

Second option, is to upgrade my current system with better speakers. Use an outboard dac dedicated for music in conjunction with the avr-600. It would still be a 5ch system in the end though.

Any thoughts?
kazmann
james63
534 posts
 
The front end was Audio Research sp17 preamp, CD5 CD player, and Classe' CA-2100 amp.

I have heard the Sophia 3 before on musical fidelity equipment and thought it sounded better than the front-end above. I thought they lacked bass impact on the audio research/classe combo.

The 802diamond had a lot more bass impact and slam (i like hard rock). The highs were much cleaner, detailed and extended. The mids were better on the Sophia though. The Sophia's mids are not as detailed but sounded more open and natural. B&W's mids are like a microscope into the recording. I heard background singers I completely missed on the Wilsons. But the sound-stage seemed a little un-naturally focused (small some how). I should note that the 802damond is a good bit more forward than the 802D.

Anyway at the end of the day I found the 802diamond more engaging. The Sophias were nice but left me wanting more in a number of ways. I will probably not buy either of these speakers though.
madfloyd
411 posts
 
Just a warning about going with Wison: if you like instrumental music, they are great, but they tend to be very fatiguing with vocals: sibilants and other consonants will shred your ears at times - not on all material, but a lot of it (even good recordings).

In my opinion, the Sasha and Sophia 2/3 are great speakers but the tweeters have been modified to sound hi-fi, which can sound nice on classical music and jazz, but the vocals are unnaturally painful. Even with careful setup and fine upstream components (where this characteristic can be somewhat mitigated), you are going to have to contend with this.

Again this is my opinion, not fact. I have heard the Sashas several times, at least three times set up by Wison, and own them myself.
nolitan
865 posts
 
Madfloyd, i have a pair of Wilson Sophia 3s & i agree with you initially that they can be fatiguing especially at higher vol levels. But after a good 200-500 hours, they are non-fatiguing at all on any kind of music.
I think its just a break in issue.
briabub
2 posts
 
You guys have a great thread going here! I find it interesting that the 802D has entered the thread. I started looking into new speakers 2 months ago and I have narrowed down my search to the Avalons, Sophia 3's, and the new version of 802D's. Please post any opinions that you have on these 3 being driven by 150W tube amps. Do the Avalon Indra's give up too much on the low freq end vs. the Eidolon's. Thank you.
james63
534 posts
 
Madfloyd,

I do not find the Sophia 3 fatiguing either. Maybe you are sensitive to it? But you own them so I will not argue...

Just a thought though, could it be the midrange breakup node you are hearing and not the tweeter? From Stereophile's measurements it looks like the tweeter does not come in until 3k which should be pretty much out of the vocal range of most singers(not all). The mid seems to break up around 4k and is only down 5-10db at that point.

Anyway just a thought, and still a great sounding speaker.
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