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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
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
I have a client who owns the Wilson Audio Sasha and he uses the AR 100SE for power. This is not able to create a 3 dimensional stage with the Wilson. Beside this the controle and dynamics are very limited. We will sell his speakers and also his power amp.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Like choosing between 4 types of cheese whiz, consider finding some Vitavox horns.
soix
9,591 posts
 
Acoustic Zen Creschendos are a relatively easy load and may also be worth considering given your criteria.
teeshot
123 posts
 
As a Magico owner, I would say that S3 S5 and Q3 are not well suited to your amp because in my experience Magicos sound their best with high current solid state amps. As an all round speaker the Wilson Sophia 3 would be high on my list. I have heard Sabrina with tube power at an audio show and my reaction was it sounded very complete. I also like Audio Physic Aventera with a tube amp.
bcgator's avatar
bcgator
355 posts
 
Hi Matthew, you've gotten lots of great advice already, I'll just chime in that I recently got to hear the new 802D3 and the Olymica III - not the exact speakers you're considering but close enough that it's relevant. They're just too different for you to pick without hearing together.

The Olympica had a luscious midrange, so smooth and sweet and pretty. But there was very little low-end. If you said you were a classical/acoustic/jazz listener, I'd tell you to run to your nearest dealer and buy the SF. But if you love to crank The Clash or Zeppelin 2 quite often, I don't think the SF is the speaker I'd pick. The Wilson Sabrina may be even better than the B&W and SF, I've just not heard them yet but hope to soon. Point being, to my ears, two of the four speakers on your list are not at all interchangeable - they're very different. Like tiramisu vs. trifle!
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