Prior or current owners of PSB Stratus Gold

I had silvers and found that the stratus mini's with a sub actually performed better. The mini's had better imaging due to a smaller box and easier placement.

My switch was to Coincident speakers and I've never looked back. Much more detail, way more efficient, however a tad less earth shaking bass.

The Golds can present very good detail.

To me, getting them to sound right is more a question of the amplifier you pair with them. Unfortunately, in my experience, most owners will never get to really hear their Gods because of their amplifier not being able to make the speaker come alive.

If you're happy enough with the aesthetics of the speaker, and not in a mood to just try something else, I'd encourage you to try a different amplifier instead. The Carver/Sunfire products are particularly recommended as being synergistic with the speakers.

Trelja,
I have heard that the Golds respond to different amplifiers. Is it a question of power, current, solid state or tubes.
Has anyone tried bi-amping with solid state bass and tube mid/treble?

They really are a nice sounding speaker all round. I do have my eye on some JM Labs Utopias, but its a pretty big jump in price, even used.

I had a pair of the Gold around 1988 or so.

I powered them with 200 watt mono block solid state amps.

I thought it was moving forward in sound from a pair of Vandersteen 2c,but it wasn't.

The Vandersteens are still a bargain and I wouldn't hesitate to go back to them with the newer edition.

I can't say that about the Golds.

PSB has come along ways also, and todays newer PSB speakers are also a good buy.
I haven't heard them however.
I have heard the newer Vandies.

What are your current upstream components and cabling? Any speaker can sound more detailed if the upstream componentry is faster--i.e., has wider bandwidth and faster rise time.

I suspect that if you bi-amp with wide bandwidth Oddysey amps and Kimber or Zu cable, you'd get more detail from your current Golds. You could also look into re-wiring your speakers with silver. It all comes down to which is the more cost-effective upgrade. You might even contact PSB and/or Madisound to see if there are more detailed drop-in replacement midranges (and perhaps tweeters).

If you want smooth tonal balance, smooth but airy highs, transparent midrange, and clean tight extended bass without breaking the bank, look into the GoldenEar Triton 2 floorstanders at a list price of $2500. They're also very amp friendly.