16K to Spend. Help me make the end all Upgrade.


Hi, I'm in the process of upgrading my speakers; Aerial 10t's. I need to upgrade the speakers for a couple of reasons, one being the waf. I'm looking to get the best 2ch stereo speakers out there for 15-17K. I'm currently looking at Revel Studio2s and Dynaudio Saphires (although I don't think they're physically attractive so waf would be a factor), also possibly interested in JM labs 1037be's. I really wanted to get people's opinions as to what else is out there, what's better or comparable to these speakers. I don't want to upgrade these speakers again so I'm looking for something to hold me over for a long time to come.
baraeryo
does your wife have an aversion to speakers over 5 feet high and 18 inches wide ? i am reluctant to suggest panel speakers because of the potential of displeasure with the size.

is there anything you can do to get her to modify her opinion ? perhaps offer her something in return to allow you to purchase the speaker of your choice ??
Oh man, listen long & hard before buying the Wilsons. Many threads you can search w/ pros & cons, but safe to say that opinions on them are greatly debated.

As a former Avalon owner, I agree that they look great. They are sensitive to matching electronics, but I'm guessing your Pass amp would be great match, if not overkill.

Personally, I prefer others already suggested: Merlins, Veritys, Vandersteen5A, but to each his own. Please consider room placement requirements of whatever you're considering. A great speaker against a wall usually isn't a great speaker anymore; don't spend and fool yourself. Cheers,
spencer
Good advice from Sbank. It would be a pity to spend big bucks and not get good sound because of placement issues. Aside from size, the suggestion of the Vandersteen has the advantage of the speaker offering some flexibility as to bass response should you require placement close to a wall.

Again, I suggest looking into the Gradient Revolution because of its great flexibility and intended placement close to back walls and corners.
In the right setup, Wilsons can be amazing with their high resolution and the way they hang images in 3D space. Out of all the Wilsons, the Sophias have the advantage of being the smallest and (relatively) easiest to move into optimum position.

BUT!

Wilson speakers came out of Dave Wilson's need for better playback monitors. They are revealing first, musical second. In a professional setting or a no-compromise dedicated listening room, they can be stunning; compromise their placement and room treatment, and you won't be enjoying them so much.

The problem you have here is that you gravitate toward no-holds-barred ruthlessly revealing speakers, while you need to make a concession to placement and decor, the very factors that make ultra high-res speakers unpleasant to listen to.

Placement of any speakers is important, but some more than others, and Wilsons more than most, which is why the purchase of any Wilson speakers includes in-home setup and placement by a factory-trained dealer.

Have you given a listen to any Sonus Faber speakers? They are gorgeous-looking, beautifully made, unfailingly musical, and yet provide a far greater level of detail and resolution than one would expect of "pretty" speakers. The newer "Cremona M" floorstander is relatively modest in size, very full range, and made of hand-placed staves of honey-stained maple, with black accents.

Sonus Fabers are very natural-sounding, but plenty dynamic, and fairly time-coherent. many of their models come with adjustable height feet to adjust the slant of the front panel for best time coherence.

And I guess that's MY long-winded way of saying I also agree with Spencer Bank.