Improving on the Sonata IIIs, which speakers?

It would be tough to "improve" on the sound while stepping sideways in the same price bracket. You may get a different sound, but those are excellent speakers for the $. If it were me, and I were looking for something different, I'd look at Coincident (which I own) which would probably offer a more detailed picture rather than the slightly warm, rounded qualities I'd expect from the Sonatas (and I only mean that in a complementary way). Also Merlin. I'm assuming that you need to stick to something in the more sensitive range. There's also Reference 3A's flagship which sounded really great in several rooms at CES and RMAF....I think it was the Grand Veena. Plenty of others in that price bracket...of course look for something that suits your amp(?). If you don't need sensitivity then that stable of options increases in size dramatically. Another superb option in the more sensitive offerings would be Daedelus, though you may have to pony up the bones as they very rarely show up used. That certainly would also give you a very unique change in appearance. Lou's joinery is second to none - his speakers have a very hand made fine furniture look to them, in a very traditional sense. They are made entirely of solid woods. They are outstanding speakers which I've heard several times, both at the shows and at the Modwright showroom.

Have fun!

PS My response overlapped Almarg's input so I had not seen it at all when writing my own. I will therefore say that I 'second' the recommendation for Daedelus! Good suggestion! I have heard the DR-ma and they are outstanding, but as Almarg indicates, if you have expectations of the low end set by your Sonata III's you may be disappointed. The Ulysses are amazing, in every respect, but in another price bracket. I think Lou has a couple of in between options which I have not heard.

Thanks gentlemen.. very much.

Jax2
you're mighty close on the IIIs sound there.

i had another thought or was just flat wondering about something in the PSB lineup. The Syncro top model, or the two towers offered in the platinum series, T6 & T8.

both were well visited by John Atkinson & Wes phillips, respectively quite recently. the Sync by JA, The Plats T8s by Wes Phillips. Both would be within my probable means.. if bought wisely.. or used.

i'm not above preowned, especially with speaks.

i feel I could get away with 90db units too. My former flags, the PC 10.5 Phase Techs at 87db 4-2ohm seem easily enough driven by the amps I own now.

'Course they ain't the IIIs either.... but power wise I think I'm ok there.

newbie
i dig... man do I dig... They've been atop the short short
list far too long now. They mean or command a stronger spirit and greater time period along with a favorable sale to acquire though.. Crap. oil well.

Thanks much so far folks, really.

Never heard Sonatas but I own PSB T-6s and am happy utilizing Naim components. A better value than the other two but sound is comparable. Fairly sensitive with good bass.

I don’t like the thought of losing the Esotar II tweeter

Have you considered anything in the dynaudio lineup since they manufacture the tweeter? My room is about the same size as yours and I love the Dyn C1's with my sub.