Speaker audition recommendations?

Well I went and auditioned the Golden Ear Reference’s and the Paradigm Persona 3F’s. The references are quite large. Bigger than what I thought. I was not blown away by these speakers. The lacked the nice highs and midrange. It maybe the bass was overpowering. The definitely have a wide soundstage. The Persona F3’s were much better in terms of dynamics, mid’s and highs and very smooth and balanced. Could not compete on the bottom end and soundstage with the GE’s. I would like to audition the Persona’s at home. They are stunning looking and more to my taste.

Vandy Treo CT would be on my my short list in this price range. I've only heard the non-CT version - and quite liked it. Made in US, too. I haven't heard the Persona line but not surprised you like them, based on drivers and technology (altho' I wish the midrange driver wasn't so big).

.....The references are quite large. Bigger than what I thought. I was not blown away by these speakers. The lacked the nice highs and midrange. It maybe the bass was overpowering. The definitely have a wide soundstage......

Did you happen to take note as to where the bass dial was set? Anything clockwise of 12 could very well cause overpowering of the bass with respect to the mid/tweeter. The bass can be adjusted +/- 7.5 db, and the reason for the control is precisely to tame the bass when/if needed. 

For that matter, when auditioning any speaker that has some kind of level control over one or more drivers it certainly makes sense to take note of where those controls are set, and adjust accordingly.

For that matter, when auditioning any speaker that has some kind of level control over one or more drivers it certainly makes sense to take note of where those controls are set, and adjust
accordingly.   


That may explain it then.

Hmmm, perhaps it will affect the subtleties(level controls) but not the overall sense of what a speaker does.
I, too, auditioned Golden Ear and have to say I found them lacking. Hey, everyone's ears are different, but your post reminded me of what I remembered...
I second Beetlemania's recommendation of the Vandersteen Treo's. I have the non CT version, but they are impressive-Especially so, against the Golden Ear.
Bob