Raidho D2.1

What sets raidho apart from most other dynamic speaker manufacturers is their own diamond coated midrange/woofer drivers and planar magnetic tweeters.  They are perhaps the most pure sounding drivers out there, rivaling the best electrostatic and ribbon speakers. They are fast and extended without being fatiguing over the long run, similar to a well designed electrostatic speaker without the limited dynamics.  They image superbly.  The cabinet of raidhos are nothing to write home about. It's your standard ported HDF cabinet with aluminum baffle which the drivers are integral part.  However, there are very good competing designs out there, some costing less. Raidhos like power. Most prefer solid state with them, but I like a Bob Carvers tube mono locks on mine. You're not going to get Wilson or Magico level dynamics and bass punch with Raidhos.

Thanks for you take. Most importantly I'm looking for natural, life-like tonality along with 3-D imaging and a soundstage wherein the speakers seem to disappear. I think I could  be content with well controlled and tonally defined bass sans punch. I'm leaning towards solid state, i.e., Viola Labs...

Dracula = What are some of the "competing designs" that interest you?

@dracule1 Where are you located? I was told by my local dealer the D2 to D2.1 upgrade was 8250 USD. 15000  sounds more like a D3 to D3.1 upgrade. I agree with your assessment regarding the sound quality of the D series. I would add the diamond coating creates a blacker background letting you hear more lifelike music. I disagree with your opinion of the cabinets. Mine are walnut burl and look a lot better than the standard piano black.

That said I too own D2's and am driving them the Aavik U300 (started with an Octave V110 tube integrated). I finally heard D1.1's at Axpona. I also started with the D1's and from what I heard at Axpona from the D1.1's was faster transients. It also sounded a bit louder with an even deeper low end. Almost like someone removed grills from the front of the speaker. But I hate to compare what I heard at Axpona vs my system because one HUGE difference were the cables used at Axpona. The new Ansuz DTC cables are quite an improvement over my Ansuz Ceramics. I say that because I've had 2 demos of the DTC cables - the first was in my home when Lars was in town last October. Honestly the DTC power cord brought my system up to a whole new level. 

@2ndliner  Another thing about Raidho is speaker placement. You want them at least 9ft apart - 3 or more ft from the walls toed in pointed toward your shoulders.

Hi xti16 = I have seen some of your posts elsewhere where you have spoken about your experience with Raidho. Is it possible to give you a phone call? Thanks!