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Which one? Paradigm persona 3f, Revel Studio2, Audiosolution Figaro L, Goldenear reference

Guys, I am new here and have been following many topics here. I am like an audio enthusiast (not a audiophile by any means) and just did my 2 channel stereo with B&W 702 S2 with Naim Unity atom: It is also connected to TV via optical cable in living room. They sound very good overall and am happy with it.
Now, I am planning to complete a home theater in basement: I am considering 2 options.
1. Either using my B&W 702 S2 as part of 7.1.4 set up in basement and get a new 2 channel stereo.
2. Keeping the current set up in living room and buy a separate set of speakers in basement for 2 channel stereo for music and L/R for home theater.
I went to audition B&W 802 D3 and 803 D3 at Houston, while I was on business trip. At the same place, I auditioned Audiosolutions Figaro L and XL. Those speakers sound "amazing". The sound stage, bass were excellent. The mid were very good. The highs were not as good as B&W, but very close. I have selected them over B&W 8 series above. I am close to get Figaro L. But, have heard a lot of reviews on paradigm persona 3f, revel studio2 and goldener reference (somewhat within the price range, I am willing to pay). Has anybody had to make decision with similar speakers. Any body with expereince with above speakers ?, especially audiosolutions. I will soon go for audition of paradigm, revel studio2 and f228be. Hard to find a goldenear dealer for audition close to Indianapolis. Is there any other speakers in this price range (10-13), that is worth ?. I did audition Focal soprano N2 and very good overall. Still in the list of probables.
I had auditioned Dynaudio contour 60. Not my taste. 
romney80
fastfreight
957 posts
 
Hello, I can comment on the Revel, Paradigm and B&W.  I have had 802N's for some time.  So I have auditioned the newer 802's, and find them too bright.  I still enjoy the Nautilus is one of my systems.
I wanted to like the Paradigms.  Pretty, choice of finishes, WAF etc.
But too bright and harsh...I liked certain recordings only.  So I bought a pair of Revel Studio 2's.  Easy to listen to, non fatiguing and I liked them more and more.. They love highly resolving components, and continue to surprise me, not fatigue me. 
I recently swapped my Studio 2's plus some bucks for the Salon 2's.  I have a large room and the upgrade was significant in terms of richness and bass.

And yes, I agree that the Revel's, Studios or Salons. are now going for about half retail and a bargain.

Upgrade the two channel and use what you have for the HT.

Thanks, Ken
joejoe
69 posts
 
Think I'd go with the one the sounded best to me. 
rhale64's avatar
rhale64
22 posts
 
Joejoe said it best. Go with the ones you like the best. But at least give the Aerial's a chance. If you don't like them fine with me. 
snbeall
63 posts
 
I think Ovation in Castleton has Goldenear on audition/display...
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,863 posts
 
I had the Salon2 but my little 250/425 wpc int couldn’t really get them woofers woofin. I just went through a bunch of speakers in the salon2 price range and they were all really good, but you’re going to have to decide what is the most important cause none of them excel at everything and, unfortunately many ‘hi end’ speakers fall flat once you get them home and plug them into your old components. 
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