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£15k $22k to spend on speakers...but which?

Over the years I've built up a system I like but I've saved the speakers till last because I want to spend enough to get them right. It now saved up and am about to embark on this purchase.

My system is Audio Research Ref 3 & 110, Transparent Super speaker cable and a Melco N1/Chord Hugo (which sounds really good) and Rega RP8 turntable.

I've (initially) narrowed down my speaker selection to:
Wilson Sabrina
B&W 800 D3
Focal Sopra 2
Sonus Faber Olympica 2

I listen to everything from choral and piano through pop to Frank Zappa, jazz, progressive rock and orchestral. I like accurate reflection of the human voice, clarity and good deep dry bass.

Should I look at used Sophia 3? Anything else I should add to my list.

I'd be really pleased to hear people's views as, of course, it is almost impossible in the UK to hear comparative listening tests between these different brands.

Thanks

Matthew
mwelliott99
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,875 posts
 
Matthew, could you tell us the size/shape of your room...and whether you plan on using room acoustic treatments. The room size/shape is very important in deciding on a particular speaker.
soix
9,591 posts
 
There is a pair of Rockport Aviors for sale here in your price range that are worth a look, as well as a pair of Vandersteen Carbon 5As. I'm not sure if your amp will drive either of them optimally, but if it can either of these would be fantastic I'd think. My personal choice in that price range used would be Joseph Audio Pearls, but they're never available used. Wish I were in your shoes, and best of luck.
soix
9,591 posts
 
Oh, and just saw a pair of Magico S5s for sale in Europe that might also be worth a good look.
chayro
2,997 posts
 
If you are looking for a speaker you will love for a long time, there is no other way than to audition it in your system and in your room. You can never know what speaker acoustically clicks with your room and taste without trying it. A friend heard my speakers in my system and immediately went out and bought a pair. As much as he loved them in my system, he told me they sounded thin and bad in his room. I know it's hard to audition sometimes, but just know it's a total crapshoot. On the positive side, you may just luck out and purchase something blind that works perfectly for you. I happen to be a fan of the Sophias - in fact, they're the only Wilsons I like. If you like vocals, maybe a pair of Harbeth Monitor 40s could work for you. They are wonderful in the right room and, IMO, Harbeth does voices better than anything I've heard. Good luck, really.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Maybe he is not such a rich man, just a very good saver. But if he is - you are right, not a chance.
I would say that OP's approach is wrong at the root. First you choose the speakers and the source, then fill in the rest. So, my suggestion would be to sell everything, Rega table too, and start with new speakers. Why Rega too? Because it will not be up to the task.
The OP wants to get it right, that's good.
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