Wilson Audio, Talon, Rockport and B&W

It will depend on the type of music you listen to, how you listen (loud or low, sitting in the sweet spot etc) and on the remainder of your equipment. I had very good sound w. N801s but changed to WP7s. I changed my entire system to creat a new synergy which I prerfer for low volume listening. There are plus & minuses to both systems but like the WP7s significantly better. I never heard the Talon but I am usre they sound great. I heard the 800s & didn't feel they were broken in @ the dealer & was disappointed. There are so many variables it will be difficult to tell what to do without varied & extensive listening. WP7s are magic, the Rockports definitely have thier own sound as do the Talon. It will be a difficult choice. All are great speakers. I would also listen with your prefered music to make the choice.

Actually the Mira, Merak, Antares, and Hyperion all use custom Audiotechnology drivers with polypropylene cones, and the Sheritan woofer modules use a 12" Eton driver with a kevlar/nomex composite cone.

While it's true that these are all fitted with rubber surrounds, I'm afraid JTinn's remark about the drivers being made of rubber was written in the same spirit that ultimately made Dan Rather so special in his chosen field.

Andrew Payor
President, Rockport Technologies

Lol, I got a good laugh out of that last comment Mr. Payor. I've never heard your speakers, but know that Bobby palkovic gives them his highest recommendation and frequently suggests them to potential customers. His recommendation is enough for me; from listening to his speakers, it is obvious he has a ear for music.

Thanks for the laugh,
Jason

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.

Zellers: The truth is the truth. If you want to make this about me being a dealer and less believable, go ahead. There is nothing for me to gain in this post. None of the speakers mentioned are lines I carry.

I have a great deal of experience with the Hyperion's, Antares and some limited experience with the Merak/Sherritan's. I hold to my statement. The characteristics of the drivers Andy Payor uses are that of being slow, thick, lacking dynamics and transparency. It shows through in his speaker, which happen to be very nice looking and fairly well built. The speakers are always very musical and nice to listen to, but in the long run, I and prior Rockport ownerss have heard other speakers that are much more lifelike and overall more enjoyable.

Andy: Yes, I know they are polypropylene, but they do sound rubbery.