I haven't heard the previous versions of the Sasha, but the new one is a great speaker. Its superb with music and movies. It features a new midrange driver that was co-designed with its supplier exclusively with Wilson. Whatever they did does wonders because I really enjoy the Sasha.
Bjesien, I'm very grateful to even own what I have now. So I can't complain. I'm a fairly new audiophile, and I don't want to make mistakes with my purchases. Believe me I'm not anywhere near loaded nor do I make a 6 figure salary. I will agree with you about a budget on source upgrades though. I haven't quite factored that in yet, and I should. I should be doing a budget for everything and not just the pair of speakers.
Elberoth2, that is what I worry about in the Avalon's (dynamics and detail). Those two qualities I would say are extremely important in a listening experience. If it sounds to warm or too lush I do not perceive that as a natural sounding speaker. I don't think those characteristics in sound is a viable solution to my goal. Then again I may hear them, and think differently.
If for whatever reason I decide not to go with the Sasha and/or Avalon's "assuming I like them" I will go with the B&W 802d's. I like the 802d's better than the Sophia 3's personally. The 802d is a really fast speaker. It might even rival the Sasha in speed. Now granted the 802d doesn't quite have the imaging qualities of a Sasha, but the sound quality is similar. One of my local dealers does carry both brands, I should see if I can arrange a side by side comparison.
This is where I feel I'm at right now for potential setups. It's one or the other as I've mentioned before.
-2ch- *est* >$40k
speakers: Sasha or Avalons
source: Jeff Rowland, Ayre Acoustics, Simaudio
cables: Analysis-plus solo crystal oval 8 speaker wire, and solo crystal interconnects / xlo electric
-HT- *est* <$30k
speakers: 802d's/htm2d cen.
source: Avr600, Ayre Acoustics qb-9 dac, or Simaudio 300d dac
cables: Analysis-plus oval 9 speaker wire
I already have a Shunyata Hydra 8 v.2 power conditioner, a Richard Gray 400pro power conditioner, 12ft and 8ft pair of Analysis-plus oval 12 speaker wire, and 9ft Analysis-plus oval 12 bi-wire. For audio source I'm currently using a custom computer I built that fits in my rack connected to my avr600 via digital connection. All the following is in use on my current setup.
I know in the end its really up to me to decide which path I should take, but it is really nice taking all the advice I can get. Thanks guys