Hi OP,
Interesting thread and I am sure you get more opinions than you need!
I am all SS stuff and love maximum resolution and soundstage without harshness or fatigue. Not an easy combo! I have had or auditioned B&W, KEF, Proac, Focal and Revel.
The Proacs had amazing treble, and clarity, but I found the floor standers a bit 'boomy' with their ports. Impressive bass, but a bit much.
The new B&W were 'over exciting' and seemed boosted in the highs.
KEF'S vary widely within their product line.
Focal did not excite me.
Ah the Revel's: seemingly underwhelming until you just keep listening, and then they grow and grow on you. I mean the Studio's, which can be found used for close you our price range. Great imaging, no fatigue, and the treble is adjustable if you need. I have moved up to the Salons, as I have a large room and they 'fill the air' much better. I always believe a good sub helps,,,REL in my case. Can't return a used speaker, but I found mine local used, so auditioned on the same day as several others in store.
Harbeth - I want to hear these.
Well reviewed speakers are not hard to sell if you want to move on later...lower end harder I think, as are fringe brands.
and I know nothing as Shultz would say about the Fritz or Salk.
Finally, silver wires in my system were not a good match; they added harshness or brightness. I now use Audience AU24 SX interconnects and speaker wires in one system, and Au24 SX interconnects with homemade 8 gauge copper speaker wires in the other ( long runs).
The Audience stuff is smooth sounding, which is great synergy for my SS equipment (Audionet :) and Mola Mola.
My other speakers are B&W 802N's and I got them used three years ago for $4100. The are nice, less overly bright than the newer ones, and a great deal at 4k. But I like the Revels better.
Good luck! Ken
