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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
soix
9,582 posts
 
"Measuring "perfectly flat" means absolutely nothing. Measuring evenly, relatively linear and smooth ON, and smooth fall-off OFF axis is critical for good performance (some prefer a slight gentle, smooth slop down, 2-3 dB on-axis from 20Hz to 20KHz). Some of the speakers in question here have severe deviation from that."

@sciencecop -- so, according to your calculations, speakers that deviate from soft 2-3 dB deviation don't sound good?   Can you back this up with any real-world assessments or measurements?


pokey77
1,269 posts
 
It'd be nice to get this thread back on track.
pokey77
1,269 posts
 
I failed to mention in my post that I have auditioned the Treo CT and the Quatro Wood CT. McIntosh and Ayre gear were used respectively. For me, neither demo conveyed the emotion and sparkle that the Sabrina does, consistently. I've heard the Sabrina's many times and they never fail to bring joy.

OP, let the speaker that conveys the most emotion be the winner. Don't pay too much attention to specs etc. Just them talk to you and you will know when you have heard "the one". May your ears and heart be your guide. And have fun along the way.
danzspkrman's avatar
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danzspkrman
72 posts
 
I think you said it best pokey77. Sounds like Sabrina IS your girl ‘kcpellethead’ It is OK to be smitten with this girl. She is a beautiful work of art, not unlike the A3 we now enjoy. Most important thing go for the gear that grabs your emotion. You do that your investment will be one that will provide many years of listening enjoyment😀😎😀🎶🔊🎼
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,765 posts
 
kcpellethead,

I live within 60 miles of KC.  I was just in Saint Louis and went to Music For Pleasure. Nice place, no pressure environment,  but they don't carry the Sabrina, and they aren't big ARC fans, so I guess I'll have to make a road trip to Chicago.

Where did you go in Chi Town to listen?

Thanks 

JD
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