@lalitk Next weekend I am going to a buddies home to hear the Audio Solutions Figaro L speakers. Without hearing either at this time (AT i will come see you soon to get a listen) I can report back at some time in the future what I heard. My experience with ceramic drivers with owning Talon speakers, replacing paper cone drivers in an old Infiniti speaker with ceramic drivers,I heard a much cleaner, more detailed and dynamic sound with the ceramic drivers. They made my old Vandersteen model 5 speakers sound slow in comparison.
Now considering $45,000 versus the Figaro $10K speakers, the Figaros I am told are wonderful sounding from two people that have good listening skills. BUT they are on the warmer sound of things. Are the Minos worth $35K more is the real answer. BUT from my experience, you get what you pay for and what you can hear with the equipment you are using.
For example, I have heard the Vandersteen model Seven speakers on several occasions. I never felt like I wanted or needed to consider them over my Vandersteen model 5As. They were better but I never felt over twice the list price plus I purchased mine used for one sixth the price. Now that being said, I build my own components. The person I purchased my 5As from had purchased the model Sevens so I took my DAC there to hear it in his system. Swapping out his highly regarded DAC for my DHT R2R point to point wired DAC was an eye opening experience. That is when I really heard the differences between the 5As and the 7s. It was a noticeable difference within less than 30 seconds. Now I know what the extent of the performance of the model 7s and I want a pair. It was one of the best sounds that I have ever heard. Anyone have a pair they would like to sell me very cheap!
So it just goes to show that you have to understand the potential of any component and how to get the system to work together.
Happy Listening.
