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Dynaudio, Wilson, Avalon, Aerial

I need some advice. I have narrowed my search of speakers down to a few that dealers in the area have and that I have listened to (for the most part). I will likely buy used and I will not buy a pair of speakers based solely on reviews. I would appreciate that you keep your comments to the speakers that I have mentioned even though there are probably many great speakers out there at a similar price. Another consideration is my room. It is acoustically challenged and needs work. It is 16 X 20 with cathedral ceilings – reflective, boomy in the 100 to 200 Hz area and very bright. I plan to work on this but since it is a “family” room, only so much can and will be done. And, what ever I get, I will need to be able to match it with a center speaker for theater. Okay, the list:

Dynaudio C2s – new or used
Dynaudio C4s - used
Dynaudio Temptation (used – still too expensive)
Wilson Sophia 2 - new
Avalon Eidolon Vision- used
Aerial 20 T - used

I found the C2 had great imaging and wonderful delivery of information especially in the mid-range. They had a bass extension in the mid-bass and a lack of low bass (sounded a little punchy/unrealistic). They also lacked a little natural brightness in the upper mid-range, making voices sound a little flat. My local dealer does not have the C4s but said the bass issue is even more exaggerated unless one has a very large room. I have heard the opposite from a few who own them. I was hoping the C4s would be the answer. The temptation would definitely be great but unless they are having a fire sale, they are too expensive. The Wilson Sophia 1 sounded “bigger than life”/forward. They did not have the imaging of the C2s but the sound was flatter across the board. The midrange lacked a little of the realism that the C2s have and I found the tweeter a little jagged. I am still waiting to hear the Sophia 2. The Aerial 20 Ts sounded great in the highs and lows but I was not all that blown away in the midrange. In addition, they are very vertically directional. I am going to hear the Avalon’s this weekend however; the dealer only has the diamonds. I will have to derive my opinion of the Vision from what I hear. One other point of reference, I have ruled out Thiel, B & W, Martin Logan, JM Lab, and Revel (being replaced). So, what do you think?
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hikejohn
69 posts
 
I listened to the Ariel 20 and Sophia 1 speakers....I ended up buying the Wilson Sophia 2 (which will soon be changed out for WP 8s)...in listening to the Sophia 1...they were OK....but didn't have the detail and accuracy of the WP7s...and in the store show rooms always seem to have a mid bass issue...a broad rise there and seemingly little deep bass....the Sophia 2 corrected most issues for me...in particular in bringing the transparency of the WP7....and the salesman...who I trust in much...claimed he could set them up in my room (16'26', 9' ceiling) without the mid bass issues....he did that and I am happy with them....and moving along to further upgrade the amps....and settling on proper speaker cables...
Hope this helps
John
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
What are your thoughts about Vandersteen? They are imaging champs.
kthomas
911 posts
 
I'll submit a biased endorsement of the C2's. I own a pair and use them in my 14x19x8 room. My room is panelled and carpeted, so doesn't have some of the acoustic issues you mention. One thing I really like with the C2's is the DDC - I don't know what that marketing acronym stands for for sure, but the "feature" is that the sound you hear is more of the direct sound, and less reflected sound. I use a Tact RCS for music playback, and it made a large difference with my Dyn Confidence 3's, but with the C2's the change is much less noticeable.

I've seen several pairs here on Audiogon recently for mid-5K in price, which seems like a steal to me. A matching center can be had used for $2500-3000, which also seems like a good deal - again, I'm biased, as this is the setup I have. I love movies / HT as well as music.

Do you already have amplification picked out? That would probably make a difference as well.
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