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Avalon Acoustics vs Wilson Audio

I would like to know how Avalon's sound compared to Wilson's. I heard that they have a similar sound, but just want to make sure from other peoples experience. I have heard, Sophia 3's, Sasha w/p, and the x2. I liked all 3 models. I haven't heard any Avalon's yet. I will definitely be looking to audition. Just thought I would ask for now.

My budget ($15k-$30k)is pretty broad for the sake of keeping an open mind. Realistically I'm thinking $20k'ish. That price is just for the pair of speakers mind you.

My current setup consists of Paradigm studio 60's v.5 (mains), cc-590 v.5 (center), studio 10's v.5 (rear's), Arcam avr-600. Primarily its an HT system, but I use it for music alot as well. It's a pretty good sounding system, but I've grown out of it for music. Its a superb setup for gaming and movies though. This is pretty much why I'm thinking of a dedicated 2ch setup.

Second option, is to upgrade my current system with better speakers. Use an outboard dac dedicated for music in conjunction with the avr-600. It would still be a 5ch system in the end though.

Any thoughts?
kazmann
nolitan
865 posts
 
I agree w/ Elberoth that Wilsons now have a different sound than before.
Its not hard or sterile. Its actually warmer, fuller, quite musical to say the least.
Since I have not heard the avalons, i cannot comment on these speakers but am sure these are also very good speakers no doubt.
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
I second Nolitan and Elberoth. I've owned Eidolons for over 10 years now. I dont think that even WP7 is less musical than my Eidolons (not diamond, not vision).
kazmann OP
17 posts
 
Man its really going to be a tough decision just from the sound of these comments. I really like the Wilson's because they are revealing. I like audio that doesn't lie. A speaker that's revealing tends to be the most accurate "to me".

I don't know maybe the Arcam is enough maybe it isn't? Peter Moncrieff did drive seven 802d's with the avr600. The ones he had were the last generation 802d's which were about 2-3db less efficient than the current 802d's. The current Sasha is more efficient than even the new generation 802d's. Now I know the avr600 isn't the best sounding thing in the world, but its still a pretty darn good piece this. It sounds better than Krell, and Rotel to me. Maybe Ayre separates down the road perhaps?

Options are limitless
nolitan
865 posts
 
Kazmann

the sophia3 are revealing but at the same time, modest gears sounds really good with them.
I heard my dealer use a luxman integrated amp w/ an ipod as source. It sounded better than what it should sound.
I dont think you can go wrong with these new wilsons.

good luck
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
Can't help you with the Avalon vs. Wilson thing. However, you are taking quite a leap from Paradigms to either of these. And the upgrade will be underwhelming with your current system. And if you really use it for mostly HT, you will still never get the best music performance out of any high dollar speaker when you optimize them for movies. This goes for electronics AND positioning.

Shakey
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