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Best analytical loudspeakers for strings (midrange)?

Folks-

I am interested in comparing Wilson Yvettes (can obtain a discounted price, and which I have used in my house) versus Paradigm Persona 3F or 5F passive loudspeakers.

My system now combines McIntosh preamplifier, hybrid amplifier, PS Audio DirectStrem DAC, and transport, TIDAL server. My listening room is 300 square ft and has been optimized sound insulation (absorption and reflection tested using an audio engineer).

Although I love rock, electronica, jazz, and classical music, I want to be able to have high-resolution separation of different strings (violin, viola, cello, bass) in orchestral music, or even as solo instruments. I am a scientist, and I want to listen to high resolution ("clinical") sound.

Any advice? I have Wilson WattPuppy 7's and love the resolution, but I want to upgrade these speakers. I know that Vandersteen, Magico, etcetera are all great speakers as are many other brands, but I have limited my options at this point in time. 

Are the Paradigm Persona loudspeakers a better alternative to the Wilson Yvettes for string resolution?

Thanks in advance for any advice. - Gerry


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willemj
1,036 posts
 
Harbeth M30.1? See here: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/harbeth-monitor-301-loudspeaker/
Your room is not that large, but maybe the Harbeth SHL5+ is also feasible, for a bigger sound and more bass extension. Alternatively, you could combine the M30.1 with dual smallish subwoofers (plus Antimode 8033 room eq), or even the Audiokinesis Swarm system, again with the Antimode (but visually the Swarm might be too overwhelming): http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audiokinesis-swarm-subwoofer-system/
How much power does the power amp provide (good speakers usually like a lot)?
gerryah930's avatar
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gerryah930 OP
144 posts
 
willemj-

I was using a McIntosh 275 VI tube amplifier (I like the tube sound, but it did not provide enough current for the Wilson loudspeakers. I am now using PS Audio's BHK 300 monoblocks, which provide sufficient current to drive the speakers.

Thank-you for the recommendation - Gerry




shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
+1 Harbeth. Also add ATC to your shortlist. ATC are used by Telarc. Also used by jazz artists like Diana Krall as well as film, television and broadcast. Countless Universities and conservatories like Peabody Conservatory use them.
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oranfoster
128 posts
 
Hi,
    I'm with shadorne, ATC's are sound microscopes. The motor assemblies of their in-house made drivers are massive and manufactured to an extremely high standard. Their Super Linear midrange driver has a magnet that weighs nearly twenty pounds, nearly half the weight of the stout ATC SCM 19 two way monitor. The SCM stands for Studio Control Monitor, by the way. 
~Oran.

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