Nova Utopia Be or Dynaudio Temptation\Wilson Maxx


This is my first posting, so hi there from Australia.

I'm having a hard time deciding on my next speaker purchase and hopefully I can hear some of your thoughts so I can finally make a decision.

I currently have a pair of Dynaudio C4 and I’m looking at upgrading to JMlab Nova Utopia Be, Dynaudio Evidence Temptation or Wilson Puppy\Maxx. Or if anyone knows anything about the new Focal Utopia range I would be interested.

I have previously owned the Dynaudio Contour s5.4 and C2, B&W 802, Wilson Sophia and other bits and pieces. Amplification is currently Gryphon Antileon. Source is currently Mark Levinson 30.6 DAC and Mark Levinson 31.5 Transport. With MIT Oracle 2.1 speakers cables and MIT Oracle 2.2 interconnects.

I am leading towards Nova Utopia as I liked the sound of the Wilson Sophia and have been told that the Nova sound similar. I don’t know if the Dynaudio Evidence Temptation is better than the Nova Utopia or if I would prefer the Wilson Watt Puppy \ Maxx.

But then I guess it comes down to the usual ‘personal preference’ ‘room size’.

It's not easy to find and listen to this speakers in Australia so if anyone has any information or experiences....
r_paton
If you like the Sophia then my suggestion would be to stick to simpler three ways rather than Appolito designs (which use two midranges to increase output/avoid compression but all suffer from lobing issues). You may prefer the sound of the Sophia's simpler design (even if it may lack the dynamics of a big Appolito, such as the Temptation).

I'd suggest Dynaudio Saphire as an option or if you want more dynamics (less audio compression at higher levels) then go for PMC and ATC three ways. I may be reading more into your preferences than is justified but remember two transducers making the same sound and sitting side by side inevitably produce lobing - it can be a pleasant spacious sound but inevitably the reflected soundfield from floor/ceiling will not match the primary field and you may lose some "naturalness" on the sound...of course you gain spaciousness, better dispersion control and more dynamics...so like everything we are taking trade offs here. Two cents.
R paton,

Very,very classy setup.

I personally prefer the Nova Utopia.

I must say that I have never been impressed with any of the Wilson's speakers.

The Nova Utopia is less clinical,and less analytical and I think would be a good match with the powerful and fierce Gryphon.Certainly a no brainer if you listen to a lot of female vocals,baroque and chamber musics...

good luck!!!!
If you want Novas you need to move quickly as to my knowledge production on the current Utopia series has ended.
what about Gryphon Atlantis? should be a good match with your Gryphon amp.

not a fan of Wilson or JM Labs because of their tonality which is tilted up to my ears. Shardone also made a good point on the issue with multiple midrange drivers; it's pleasant to listen to but not necessarily accurate like the big MBL.