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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
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
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I agree w Shakey but for slightly different reasons. The Wilsons, or any other highly resolving speaker is gonna reveal the limitations of your upstream components. You didn't mention your source, but the Arcam, although v. good for an HTR, is not gonna deliver the goods. The Wilsons will let you hear their limitations quite clearly. I'd recommend putting the $20K into a high quality integrated w HT bypass, a top notch source, and a good pair of fronts. There are lots of possibilities. I'm a tube guy and could heartily recommend a VAC integrated and a pair of Merlin VSMs. For $20k you buy them new. If you went used, you get Merlin TSMs for the rears and a new (v. hard to find used) Merlin center. For Solid state, maybe a Pass integrated (not sure which speakers would mate best, but there are tons of options in the price bracket you are talking about).
bjesien
1,308 posts
 
Some of the above comments regarding stereotyping may be correct in my case. I am familiar with the old Watt Puppy 8, Sophia 2 and the Maxx 3. Never heard the newer models. I will have to give another listen because based on some of the comments they must sound really nice.

You might consider resale as well. Wilson stuff really seems to fly out the door when it goes up for sale. Don't know about Avalon resale.

Finally, you will want to budget in some other upgrades to get the best performance out of any of the above speakers.

Tough decision but I'm not feeling sorry for you.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
The current Sasha is more efficient than even the new generation 802d's.

Yes that is true. But it is not low efficency that makes the speaker difficoult to drive - it is the impedance curve (1.8Ohm minimum in case of Sasha) and phase angle.

IMO Sophia 3 would be much better choice - cheaper, easy to drive, not as revealing as Sasha (or Eidlon Diamond), better dynamics than Avalon. I wouldn't even think twice.
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
really, it depends on listening preferences (but wilsons will cover more musical genres than avalons). if it were me, frankly, i'd do the following:
A) buy wilson WP 8s or Sophia 3s
B) have dealer set up properly
C) use balance of budget for better electronics & room treatments

i own WP6s, and after years, i still find fine tuning them to bring heretofore unknown revelations on my recordings, while being very musical (thanks to good gear, proper cable matching & removing AC grunge).
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