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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
ejr1953
915 posts
 
I took a year or so, visiting all sorts of audio shops in my search for a new pair of speakers.

On one visit, before my listening, the salesman asked me of I preferred "analytic" or "musical" speakers, interesting way to put it.  I thought for a moment and said I prefer "musical".  Before auditioning a pair of Magico S5's he called them "analytic".  I suspect the Wilson's would also be considered "analytic" by most.
kcpellethead OP
137 posts
 
Several have asked about the Tekton Double Impact SE and while I don't feel qualified to answer this in the appropriate way, I'll just do what I can . . . . . I had a lot of anticipation to hear them, so I heard them first.  They were paired with equipment that was moderately priced compared to the equipment used in the Magico, Wilson Audio, and even Devore Fidelity auditions.  Even before hearing the other brands, the Tektons did not impress me more than my GoldenEar Triton Ones.  The seemed a bit flat or two dimensional.  They lacked something, but I cannot truly put my finger on what it was.  In summary, they just weren't my taste.  

I can see where someone might say the Magicos are analytical, but I'd say the Wilson Sabrinas are musical.  I just drove 3 hours each way today to hear them again, in a different room, with different equipment, and so wanted them to sound different/worse, but they didn't.  I have one more audition, the Vandersteen Quattro CTs again early next week.  I don't want to be predisposed, but it's going to be really hard.

I can't say this enough. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to respond here.  Your answers are all part of my learning process.
prof
3,474 posts
 
@kcpellethead

You haven't mentioned yet:   What did you think of your audition of the Devore speakers?

It's been a while since I heard the Magico S3, but having auditioned a bunch of speakers lately I personally preferred the Devore 0/96 and 0/93 to the Magico A3.   (I found the Devore speakers richer sounding, yet very open and transparent on top, with an even more convincing presentation for drums than the A3).


kcpellethead OP
137 posts
 
@prof I wanted to love them. I purposely saved them for last. I am drawn to their look and finish. Partially my fault, it wasn’t a great audition. I didn’t bring any music. I had been relying on Tidal to stream and this showroom was located where service was spotty. Also, I felt like I sat in the near field (not sure I used that term correctly), so everything was off. Without getting a good read on the them, I can’t really say. It would have been a tall order to surpass what I heard from the Sabrinas, but I was so hoping.
prof
3,474 posts
 

kcpellethead,
FWIW:

I've auditioned the Devore speakers numerous times now, and have found that the right distance is pretty critical.  I have to be 8 feet back at least, at which point they snap in to focus both tonally, coherence, and soundstaging.  Sit closer and it seems the sound starts to compromise - the highs start to roll off a bit, they are a bit less open and snappy, less coherent, etc.

I also love the way the Devore's look over many other techno-speakers.
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