It always amazes me to read threads such as this one. Many people simply state their opinions based upon what they've heard, which of course is a reasonable thing to do. When comparisons are made, however, what amazes me is how little knowledge is revealed with regard to the MANY other variables involved in discussing the kind of component in question, in this case speakers. "Beeper 99" gets at this a little bit when he discusses what happened in his case with regard to speakers and amplification.
I've not heard all the speakers in question under the exact same conditions, or at considerable length with many different components (including rooms). So I may not be of much help to the original poster either. What I did want to add, though, is that I have owned Rockport Antares for several years, and have heard them in my home with many different combinations of equipment, including different amplifiers, wire, room treatments, etc. I have also heard the speakers (and, incidentally, Merak/Sheritans) outside my home on more than one occasion. I have heard them sound slow and thick sounding. I have heard them sound extremely fast, transparent, and lean. And I have heard them sound pretty much everywhere in between. I hope this of some small help to the original poster, the moral being to listen for yourself and be aware that other factors are in play. Unfortunately this may not make your search for some expensive speakers any easier, or less anxiety provoking.
To Washline: I agree with you completely with regard to "badmouthing" and "private subjective reaction". What appeared to be the essence of Rcrump's post to me, however, was "...to promote a brand you sell." When dealers or manufacturers post here on Audiogon, in discussions among audiophile consumers, I think the line between honest, impartial contribution and self-serving behavior is very thin indeed.
I've not heard all the speakers in question under the exact same conditions, or at considerable length with many different components (including rooms). So I may not be of much help to the original poster either. What I did want to add, though, is that I have owned Rockport Antares for several years, and have heard them in my home with many different combinations of equipment, including different amplifiers, wire, room treatments, etc. I have also heard the speakers (and, incidentally, Merak/Sheritans) outside my home on more than one occasion. I have heard them sound slow and thick sounding. I have heard them sound extremely fast, transparent, and lean. And I have heard them sound pretty much everywhere in between. I hope this of some small help to the original poster, the moral being to listen for yourself and be aware that other factors are in play. Unfortunately this may not make your search for some expensive speakers any easier, or less anxiety provoking.
To Washline: I agree with you completely with regard to "badmouthing" and "private subjective reaction". What appeared to be the essence of Rcrump's post to me, however, was "...to promote a brand you sell." When dealers or manufacturers post here on Audiogon, in discussions among audiophile consumers, I think the line between honest, impartial contribution and self-serving behavior is very thin indeed.