I have only had a brief stretch with a Devialet amp I had on trade. Had a longer stretch with a Micromega which I found quite similar in terms of sound profile. I found both deliver amazing detail and are quite neutral and will expose the flaws in any speaker.
I am not shocked at your opinion of the Krell & B&W combination for a variety of reasons.
Prior to starting my company I spent a bunch of time demoing every standmount and small floorstander I could under $20K (and a few over) and these three were brands I spent some time with. I always found something I didn't like which is why I ultimately started my company.
I think there are three others that are standouts and I would look at very seriously:
If Marten is available, you must hear them. Brilliant speakers and will deliver an amazing soundstage. The Oscar and Parker lines can be had at modest prices.
Wilson-Benesch's Geometry series if they are available. One of the best engineered speakers in the world. These will be smooth and natural and soundstage is utterly amazing.
Vivid is a little pricey and styling is not for everyone but Laurence Dickie is one of the most brilliant designers alive. If you like the styling, you will never own another speaker. If you don't like the styling....
As far as brands go, I would seriously look at Wilson, especially if you have had a positive experience. At a not crazy price, the Sabrina is amazing. I have listened to them driven by a Devialet integrated. I have demo'd Vienna Acoustics and Spendor as well with Devialet and these would be supremely good choices.
I personally will export to Dubai for my brand Verdant Audio but there is no chance you would hear them in advance. I would take them back if you don't like them but return freight will sting a little. I would also revise my recco from your experience with B&W and advocate for my Nightshade. The Blackthorn has a slightly forward tilt to it's sound profile I don't think you would like. I ran both my speakers with the Micromega and would be surprised if you weren't happy with the combo but it wouldn't be an easy purchase.
I am not shocked at your opinion of the Krell & B&W combination for a variety of reasons.
Prior to starting my company I spent a bunch of time demoing every standmount and small floorstander I could under $20K (and a few over) and these three were brands I spent some time with. I always found something I didn't like which is why I ultimately started my company.
I think there are three others that are standouts and I would look at very seriously:
If Marten is available, you must hear them. Brilliant speakers and will deliver an amazing soundstage. The Oscar and Parker lines can be had at modest prices.
Wilson-Benesch's Geometry series if they are available. One of the best engineered speakers in the world. These will be smooth and natural and soundstage is utterly amazing.
Vivid is a little pricey and styling is not for everyone but Laurence Dickie is one of the most brilliant designers alive. If you like the styling, you will never own another speaker. If you don't like the styling....
As far as brands go, I would seriously look at Wilson, especially if you have had a positive experience. At a not crazy price, the Sabrina is amazing. I have listened to them driven by a Devialet integrated. I have demo'd Vienna Acoustics and Spendor as well with Devialet and these would be supremely good choices.
I personally will export to Dubai for my brand Verdant Audio but there is no chance you would hear them in advance. I would take them back if you don't like them but return freight will sting a little. I would also revise my recco from your experience with B&W and advocate for my Nightshade. The Blackthorn has a slightly forward tilt to it's sound profile I don't think you would like. I ran both my speakers with the Micromega and would be surprised if you weren't happy with the combo but it wouldn't be an easy purchase.