I have heard: ML CLX (without subs which i've heard make a big improvement), Magnepan 3s (which exact model?) Thiel 7s, SF Stradivaris (own them), Quad 2905, Rockport Merakii/sheritan ii (extremely impressive...would luv to hear bigger rockports), YG Acoustics Anat Prof II, Hansen Prince, B&W 800/801/802. I have also heard (and could not luv) the Wilson Watts 6-8, sophia, sasha, MaxxII.
In all, I have never been "captivated" so much as when i heard the Wilson Alexandria's (Series 1) run by Krell Evo One/Evo2, ARC CD7...except when i heard older Grand Slamm IIIs run by ARC Ref 110/Ref 3 and CD7. Though Alexandrias seemed more accomplished in nearly every way, i prefered the sound generated with greater tube influence in the system with the IIIs. Still remember that day and it is a reference point over the last 25 years of listening.
I have spoken with 5-6 of you in the last week, 2 dealers (who are on the other side of the world and sell both SF and Wilson) and also Wilson themselves about a possible trade for a pair of Grand slamms and (subj to in-home audition) fingers crossed!...i intend to trade in my Strads for the Slamms. it was (as posted 18 mos ago here) the only speaker which i have heard which i would "trade up" for with my current Strads. (Alexandrias well out of reach at the moment, and cannot find any opportunity to hear the bigger rockports which would likely be my only other consideration given my experience with merak/sheritans.) Enjoy everyone!!!
