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Need help choosing spkrs I've never heard

This is the first time I've used Audio Forum but need assistance fm my fellow 'philes. I need to downsize and I've short listed the following: Paradigm Signature S8, Von Schweikert VR-4 SR and Aerial 9. While I have heard at some point or another, vaious models fm these vendors, I've never heard any of the specific candidates. No dealers of any within 200 mi, so really looking for you input. Other's I have owned - Revel Salon Ultimas, Infinity Betas, Genesis 200 Mk IIs and Legacy Focus 20/20. Hopefully that will give you an idea of my sonic tastes - accuracy, a more forward presence, holographic "you are there" depth and imaging, but this time around, due to being in a connected town house, deep base (so long as it's clean!) is not as important. Front end is Sony SCD-777ES, Kora Hermes, Sonic Frontiers L-3/Power 3s. I read in a thread that a lot of guys have their mind made up before they post "which should I choose, this one or that?" - but in this case it's a level table and I'm open to input. Have to make decision by Monday 3/17/06. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO ASSIST!
triller
aida_w
308 posts
 
Don't do it!!!
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
It seems for the amount you have spent before and the amount you are looking into now would justify a day or two off work and a road trip............ am I wrong?
pthai
32 posts
 
Ditto what the other guys are saying about auditioning. You must add Wilson Benesch Act to this list if it's within your budget. They are a piece of art and perform just the way you described above.
audiokinesis
2,728 posts
 
If you truly know yourself when it comes to your loudspeaker likes and dislikes, and if you know enough about loudspeaker design to recognize what you're looking for when you see it, then yes there's a good chance that you could make an excellent choice sight unseen.

Unfortunately if your speaker choice is going to be significantly swayed by the recommendations you get here on Audiogon, you probably aren't there yet. The majority vote doesn't settle anything, nor does the well-crafted prose of the most eloquent proponent of his or her favorite speaker.

All of which brings me around to saying the exact same thing my friend Brian said - embark on a pilgrimmage and seek out the answer. Four grand well spent will get you a lot farther than eight grand poorly spent. Drive or fly depending on what it takes, and have fun doing it!

You've owned some very nice systems. I'm quite familiar with the Betas and Genesis systems, and have heard the Revels and Legacys. My favorite among them is the Betas. Omigod that was a lovely, lovely loudspeaker! A beast to drive, but feed it well and it would sing for you.

My worthless recommendation? Of the speakers on your list, the Von Schweikerts will come the closest to emulating the Betas. Given your description of your connected townhouse situation and your stated sonic priorities pardon me if I put my dealer hat on and nominate the Gradient Revolution as another possibility (e-mail me if you'd like and I'll try to justify the nomination).

Best of luck in your quest,

Duke
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
844 posts
 
I agree with the dont but without hearing. But they also can sound quite different with your own room and equipment. Here are two options. My dealer (about 6 hour round trip away)is willing to order and then I get to listen in his store prior to buying. If I like and buy, then he installs and gives a 30 day in home full cash refund if for any reason I do not like them with my home system.
The other option is to find speakers near you on your short list at a good used price, audition it in the seller's home, and then be able to resell easily if you dont like it in your system. This takes patience but patience sweetens passion.
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