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Wilson Audio Sabrina . . . I'm smitten. Should I consider others?

Went on a small audition trek last week and heard the following:

Tekton Double Impact SE (I was curious based on the posts/comments)
Magico S1 MKII
Magico S3 MKII
Devore Fidelity Orangutan 0/96
Wilson Audio Sabrina

The Wilson Sabrinas were not initially on my list, but when I stumbled across them while searching for Focal Sopra 2s, I couldn't resist.  The Sabrinas were very impressive.  In fact, after hearing the Magico S1 and S3, I went back to hear the Sabrinas a second time to confirm what I had heard.  They were initially driven by the ARC Ref6 preamp and the new ARC $30K monoblocks, but the second trip I asked if they could be driven by more economical equipment, so they used the LS28 and VT80.  The source was the dCS Rossini both times.  Because there was no A/B comparison of equipment, I really didn't notice any drop off in performance.  

The Sabrina's price point is my upper end, but I'd like to achieve a no stone unturned level of search/comfort before I pull the trigger.  Most brands are not easily accessible in Kansas City, but I'm willing to make the effort if justified.  Are there any other loudspeakers I should consider in this range?  I listen mostly to older rock, blues, jazz, and female vocals  Streaming with something like an  Aurender A10 will be my primary source.  My goal is to decide on the loudspeakers for this system, and work backwards into the components.  That'll be a future question.  Appreciate your time and help.
kcpellethead
helomech
1,694 posts
 
Who in KC sells the Wilsons and Devores?
lukaske
307 posts
 
Go for the best! The Ilumnia magister (ilumnia.be). Sound’s very natural. Pure detail,a beautifull surround, because the driver is floating on a magnetic field. I’ve hearded a lot of speakers,but this one is “the top”: voices, Instruments,the balance between high,mid, and low , is superb verry holographic  ( 3-D). I’ve put them on the esoteric f-05. : you don’t stop listening. A friend used the Ear monoblocks: just greath!!!
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,729 posts
 

paul79


you are a lucky soul to own those Pearl 3 loudspeakers. In fact, you are the only one across multiple Audio forums that I have read about owning this model.  Same can be reported about the Pearl/Pearl 2, not many owners out there.  What other gear is in your system?


Happy Listening!

chayro
2,996 posts
 
I would not buy any of those speakers new from a dealer without a home audition.  No matter how it sounds in the store, you need to hear it at home to know if it works in your room.  If you're buying used, that's another story.  You're paying half price and you can afford to take a chance.  Any dealer who sells those brands should arrange a home demo if you are truly serious about a purchase.  Good luck.  I like the smaller Wilsons much more than the big ones personally.  
kcpellethead OP
137 posts
 
Thank you all for your responses. Scheduled an audition to hear the Vandersteen Quattro CTs again. The dealer also has the Joseph Audio Perspectives, and encouraged me to hear them as well. Also going to make another trip to hear the Sabrina’s again, but in a different showroom with different equipment, which should be a good test to confirm what I heard was not the equipment nor the room. If I am correct, I’ll inquire about a home audiction. I appreciate all of you taking the time to weigh in.

@helomech - nobody in KC has those brands. I traveled to hear them.

@paul79 - thank you for your very gracious offer. What I’ve read about the Joseph Audio Pearl 3s tells me it’s a world class loudspeaker. Unfortunately, it’s not in my budget at this time. Even used, it’s a bit more than I want to spend this time for,this system. 
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