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Speaker upgrade

I would like to hear thoughts on upgrading my speakers. I am very happy with my current system, but am thinking of upgrading the speakers. Not made up my mind yet, but very close. I have changed my gears recently and deciding whether to keep my current speakers or try different.
I currently have Aerial acoustics 7T, with 2 REL S5/SHOs. Aerial acoustics 7T are one hell of a speaker, and I never thought I will change them: they are very neutral and transparent, which plays exactly what you feed them. I still think they are excellent and In fact, on many forums, I have constantly bragged about them and still do, for good reasons. But I guess, time has come to change. Looking for speakers with better resolution, big soundstage, organic and sweet mids. If I can get more of everything my 7T does, it will be a jackpot. Budget is < 35K (used OK).
I have thought of Magico S5 MK2, Vimberg Tonda, Marten Mingus, Rockport Avior II. Others include Von Shweikert VR55 and Vivid Audio Giya G1. Hard to audition all, but have heard S5 Mk2 and Rockport Avior II which are close top.
My other systems include, AF strumento no. 4 mk2 amps, VAC renaissance mk V pre-amp fed by Luxman D-10x (DAC/SACD player) and Antipodes CX/S30 (server/streamer). I use roon mostly and listen vocals, Jazz, classical, Indie Rock, contemporary instrumental and the likes. Room size is 17 x 14 and height is 10 feet. I have already done all room acoustics. Cables are Silversmith Fideliums (never going to change that) and Shunyata anaconda/python, TQ black diamond and AQ Hurricane.
romney80
curlyhifi
159 posts
 
Romney80, bpolletti is spot on. The Aerial 's are an incredible speaker.
Your upgrade journey shall be very interesting. At the next level you will be doing yourself an injustice if you are not going to listen to them in your own environment . IMO next up would be Wilson Audio Sasha...
I heard them at a show in a less than stellar set up and they still sounded Incredible.
soix
10,356 posts
 
Just thought I’d mention there’s a nice used pair of Nola Baby Grands at SkyFi Audio for $25k.  Tough to beat at that price. 
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
@gammajo Thanks for your detailed info the sound quality of VR55. This helps.
@rodge827 @larryi I have not heard Charney audio and I will not deviate my path now. I am not close to NY/NJ and without listening to them, it is hard to get them, especially if I might have to sell it again as very few people know about these speakers (I myself came to know about them from you guys). 
I have heard Maggies and they sound incredible, But they are too big and intimidating to my taste. 
I wish I could hear more thoughts on speakers I mentioned, rather than trying to sway me away in different directions. I know everybody have passion for their "best speakers", and I appreciate that. 
Regarding room treatment, I have done fair degree of bass traps, diffusers and absorption panels from GIK without overwhelming. I am fairly happy with that set up. 
Has anybody heard or have experience with Marten Mingus or Vimberg Tonda or Vivid Giya or Rockports ?
musicaddict
382 posts
 
Goose, spot on analysis of Magico versus Joseph Audio versus Rockport sound.  I remember being bowled over by the orginal Pearls at RMAF and Jeff's models have just gotten better. So tonally spot on for me.
Owning a used pair of Raidho D3.1s would probably stop me looking again forever.  Michael's new Borresen brand stuff is rather nice although pricy.

I do enjoy Rockports, Tidal, Acoustic Zen, and many others. Finally, there sure is absolutely nothing wrong with the great current system you own, Romney80, so you can take your time with this and smile for a long time afterwards when you've found the perfect pair. At that price point, I think you can, especially with great used speakers, the way I'd go.
audiokinesis
2,772 posts
 
Romney80, thank you for the additional information about your room treatments.   

One of the reasons I was asking is that one of the speakers on your list, the Von Schweikert VR55, uses a rear-firing driver.  (So do the Boenickes, and obviously dipoles like Maggies and SoundLabs radiate energy to the rear).  If that rear-firing energy is absorbed, it cannot make the beneficial contribution the designer intended.  If it is reflected or diffused, then it can.  

A rear-firing driver can improve the timbre and sense of envelopment and immersion in the soundscape on the recording (assuming good setup and a good recording, and provided the room isn't overly damped).  I can explain if you'd like.  

So my inclination is to recommend the Von Schweikerts, assuming your room acoustics are appropriate, or assuming you would be willing to re-arrange them a bit if needed.  

Duke  
loudspeaker designer
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