Upgrade from Audio Physic Virgos to ???


Hi Folks:
I've been enjoying my Audio Physic Virgo IIs for about a year and a half now, but am getting the upgrade bug. I'm keen to hear some upgrade suggestions. I love the Virgos, especially the soundstage they provide. However, I'm assuming that with more $$ I should be able to get even speaker for my money. I'm particularly interested in hearing from ex Virgo owners who've upgraded and have been happy with their new speakers. I'm also particularly interested in high efficiencey designs as I may move to lower output amps like SET or OTL. A couple of speakers I'd be interested in are JM Labs Mezzo Utopia, AP Avanti III and Coincident Total Eclipse. My room is relatively small though (the Mezzo Utopia may be more appropriate given room restrictions) at about 14by16 feet. Current system includes Blue Circle BC2 amps (75wpc, class A), Supratek Syrah preamp, YBA CD1a cd player, Teres 135/OL Silver/Shelter 501mk2 vinyl rig. Thanks,
Outlier.
128x128outlier
About 2 years I went from virgo II's to Wilson Watt/Puppy 6's. Wow. Should be a good match with your current set up. 6's are pretty reasonable used. Bass will extend much lower, better detail, better transients, more focus. Stage and depth some, what you have a pretty good at imaging!
Outlier -
I'd agree with other comments that getting the "synergy" right will provide you more improvement for $'s than simply replacing Virgos.

Two years ago, I compared Virgos II to JMLab Mini Utopias and bought Mini Utopias. Now that I have Meadowlark Osprey, I realize that a really good full range speaker is better than a superb speaker that only goes to 45hz. If you love the Virgos for the soundstaging then suggest you audition the Alon Lotus Elite Signature. While not as good at soundstaging as the Alon I found the Osprey a more complete speaker.

What rack are you using ? I had an Arici 4 shelf which made a significant improvement. Four months ago I went to RixRax Hoodoo partly due to usability issues. And it is also outstanding. With your Teres, using really good rack and/or shelf can make a big difference.

Are you using a power conditioner ?
I had AudioPrism Foundation 3 for last 3 years then bought a used XE-12. The XE-12 made a audible improvement. Since you are considering going to HT then getting a really good 8 or 12 outlet device would provide you significant improvement. Jim Weill told me that 12S is noticeably better than XE-12.

Another relatively inexpensive audible improvement, for me, was moving from BDR cones to StillPoints under my XA777es and ZH-270.

If you want to go with Coincident speaker then suggest you talk with Israel Blmue and audition the MP300B. If you like the sound then sell your BC2 mono amps.

- Ken
I went from Virgo I through various contenders (Avanti is a big, bad Virgo; Coincidents are, by "coincidence" very much like Virgos) before settling on W/P 7s. The Wilsons were the only speakers that could equal the imaging of the Virgos and surpass their range, dynamics, resolution, coherency and overall musical involvement. I wholeheartedly agree with Jfrech that a used pair of W/P 6s could be the quantum leap you seek. Your BC2s would make them sing whatever song your limbic system can handle.
Hi!

I also have Virgo II, and I would not change them. By the advice of a friend I tryed to put Marigo dots and driver bands on my speakers and the improvement was huge, more bass and even more sound stage, more dynamics - cost only about 300 USD. I also use Enacom Speaker, that fits with the Virgos.
If u try these u would not be disappointed.
add a sub (better yet a pair of subs)to the Virgos and you will have a world class speaker system...IMO