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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
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!
david12
1,454 posts
 
Some good ideas here. I am seeing more references to Aries Cerat speakers. I had never heard of them till recently, they do look interesting. Reading reviews, they suggest a recent Aries speaker at half the price, sounds better, I think it is $11000.

Looking at the amps, I have to say Wilson's love ARC amps. I heard a set up recently with ARC LS17, REF 75 and Sabrina's and it sounded wonderful. You can get Sophia 3's for a good bit less than new Sabrina's and that may be a good choice.

As a personal suggestion as I use Daedalus Speakers, the Ulysses speakers look fantastic in a variety of solid wood cabinets, sound better and may be just what you are after. That is what I would go for, if I had the money. They are direct sale only, but a large number of US users are happy to demo theirs, just ask Lou at Daedalus, for your nearest demo possibility.
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