Avalon Acoustics vs Wilson Audio

I spent quite a bit of time comparing Avalon Eidolon Vision, and Wilson WP8 and Sasha, before settling down on the Avalons. The two brands sound, really, as different as can be. Both are incredible speakers. It all comes down to what sound you prefer more. Sometimes I wish I had more money in my bank account, and more space in my house. I might have purchased both if I could, and enjoyed each one depending on my mood....

Wilsons are incredibly clear, resolving and detailed, with amazingly fast dynamics & bass slam. Negatives for me are that Wilsons sound too analytical and metallic (for example, a traditional violin loses its wooden-case flavor, and sounds more like an electronic violin), and cause a bit of listening fatigue. Avalons sound much more transparent, holgraphic, and tonally accurate (i.e., traditional violin sounds the way it should), and throw off a huge sound stage, although not as clear and detailed as the Wilsons. One analogy I have heard is that Wilsons are great if you want to listen to examine the quality of a CD recording, and that Avalons are great if you just want to listen to music.

One caution though. Both brands demand the very best quality in amplifiers and cables to bring out the best in them. Hate to say it, but I don't think your Arcam will cut it...

In the end, you really need to audition these speakers to decide which brand YOU (and NOT anyone else) like better, and make sure you do the speakers justice by pairing them with high quality amplifiers and cables so you can hear how incredible they can sound!

IMO, I have to agree with the above poster.Ive listened to Wilson and Avalon alot.I could easily live with the Sasha or Sophia3(both excellent speakers)but if I was dropping cash, Avalon would go home with me.

Although at times Wilson can be a fun speaker to me the Avalon makes them sound musically disjointed. The Avalons do an amazing job at blending their drivers and the speaker sounds as coherent as can be. For me this is critical in recreating the illusion of the sound of real music. That being said there are obviously many who find Wilson's sound musically rewarding.

Avalon and Wilson have different objectives in mind when it comes to reproducing sound and you have to decide which of two comes closest to the virtues you desire.

best,
Tom

I've owned Ascent IIs, Monitors, and still own Eidolons.

After listening to WP7s, Sophia 2s, and WP8, my vote goes to Wilson. WP7 and Eidolon used prices are roughly the same.
The Eidolon's accuton and possible the crossover makes it borderline grainy and very intolerent of anything that doesnt have a syrupy-smooth high-end. Not so with the WP7s and above. With Avalons you buy woodwork, with Wilson you buy auto body shop craftsmanship.

And I assume Eidolon Diamonds are similar in $$ with Sashas?

My vote goes to the Avalon Eidolon Diamonds. A good friend has had both WP8 and now owns the Avalon Eidolon Diamonds and the difference are close between the two speakers as far as quality of sound and build quality goes. That being said when, I go over to his house I want to keep listening. Just one more song just one more record. That never happened with the WP8s.