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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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oranfoster's avatar
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.

cedargrover
302 posts
 
I think you should be looking for a speaker that has pistonic behavior at least throughout the entire midrange. Vivid.  Vandersteen 5A & 7MKII.  


gpgr4blu
1,094 posts
 
The Wilson Yvettes should do the job. The ATCs are also among the best especially in the midrange which is one of the best in the industry. The ATCs will not have the dynamics of the Wilsons however. Paradigms, not so much.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Any of the Quad ESL's! A midrange sound to die for!
willemj
1,036 posts
 
Indeed. I have the 2805 (plus sub&Antimode 8033) and they are the most revealing, natural and disappearing (apart from their bulk...) speakers that I have ever heard (I have had Quad stats for more than 40 years). Their biggest limitations are low end extension (hence the sub) and loudness level (not an issue in a smaller room). If you have room for them, the bigger 2905 series addresses both extension and loudness to some extent, but they are even bulkier, and they need a bit more space behind them.
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