I replaced the Carmel 2 with the Magico A5, which are close in price. I liked the Carmel, but the A5 are in a whole different category (no sub needed), more appropriate to compete with the Hailey, at almost twice the money.
Maybe price wise, but not performance. The A5 is in another realm, and as time goes by, I only realize it more. Typically I start to hear the issues and get restless, didn't happen yet. YMMV.
I am a Carmel 1 user who currently have the Carmel 2 on loan from the dealer in Singapore. The 2s are way above the 1s. The first thing I noticed was the clarity and details. I thought the 1s were excellent in imaging and separation but the 2s brought this strength to a new high. Background darkness is even darker and there is more bite and attack. Unfortunately for me, I listen to a lot of black and thrash metal and the 2s being more unforgiving, can't do it for me. Really heartbreaking for me but for most audiophiles, this would not be an issue
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