Where Do I Go from Here?
As I neared my 75th birthday, I decided that it was time for my “end game” audio system. Thus, for the past 2-1/2 years, I have slowly and carefully upgraded my sources, my amplification, and my cabling – with very pleasing results. At this time, I have:
Digital – Bricasti M19 SACD transport and M21 DAC; Shunyata Sigma V2 Ethernet and DH Labs Air Matrix Cryo analog interconnect cables.
Analog – Technics SL-1200G turntable w/Ortofon headshell; Hana SL cartridge; Cardas Clear Cygnus phono cable; PS Audio Stellar phono amplifier; Wireworld Eclipse 8 interconnect cables.
Amplification – Theta Digital Casablanca V preamplifier; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (L, C, & R); Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables and Eclipse 8 analog interconnects.
Currently, I own Revel Ultima Studio (L & R) and Voice (center) loudspeakers as well as two SVS SB-16 subwoofers. I purchased all three Revel speakers in 2004, and they have served me well for the past 20 years. Except when listening to multi-channel SACD for watching Blu-ray concerts, I only use my main left and right speakers. My media room has four walls and a door; its size is around 6,000 cubic feet.
What I have been wrestling with is whether, given my other equipment (which I have no intent on replacing), I should buy new speakers and, if so, which should I consider. Recently, for example, I listened to a pair of Rockport’s Avior IIs, albeit using source components and amplifiers different than mine. They seemed perhaps better in some regards, but not so much so as to make a compelling case to purchase them as an upgrade. Another friend, who just acquired his PS Audio FR30 speakers, is urging me to consider buying a pair of the FR30s.
There certainly are numerous speaker lines out there. Consequently, I decided to post my “dilemma” here and invite others to provide their suggestions (ideally with their reasoning). My absolute top budget is $50K. However, this purchase would be funded by my retirement savings, and I certainly would prefer spending less. Also, maybe the better course is to keep my Revels and be happy and content with what I already have.
Many thanks for your reading this entire posting.
What? At some "advanced age" we should limit what for many of us has been a lifetime pursuit? That's BS. Perhaps @deep_333 is waiting for his elders to fund his adult future. That's quite common with kids today. |
I would prefer to inherit or win or find money much rather than working for it. (Hasn't worked out yet, but one can always dream) |
First, of all -- to ALL of you, a big THANK YOU! I really appreciate your taking the time to respond to my original posting. It means a lot, as I value all of the responses. I see that I provided an inadequate description initially, so permit me to supplement it. My media room has already been treated -- the walls (with multiple acoustical panels), the floor (with acoustical padding under the carpet), and the ceiling (broken up into two heights). Since I use this room for watching movies as well as listening to music, the actual speaker configuration is 7.4 (no ceiling speakers). My side speakers are Revel Ultima Embraces, and my rear speakers are Arendal 1723 S THX. They are driven by a Krell FPB 200c amplifier and a Krell KAV-250a amplifier, respectively. Also, in the rear, I have two SVS 3000 Micro subwoofers just to help smooth the frequency response throughout the room from around 60 Hz down. My preamplifier/processor (for HDMI inputs) is a Theta Casablanca V. It is a truly fine preamplifier; there isn't anything else like it on the market (certainly not the ones made by McIntosh, Trinnov, Lyngdorf, Storm Audio, etc.). Insofar as what I am trying to achieve, I look at this upgrade to "end game" audio system status as my "last hurrah" -- and then I am finished. I have to say, though, that looking at, listening to, considering purchase of, and ultimately buying audio equipment has been my favorite pastime for nearly five decades. Going forward, I suppose, I'll focus on how good (or poor) the recordings to which I listen sound. Already, I do like how the music I play sounds in my media room. What I would like to achieve is a little greater 3-dimensionality, a little greater accuracy in those faint sounds (such as a gently struck triangle at the back of the orchestra, better definition of singers in a massed chorus (e.g., Carmina Burana or Ode to Joy), etc. -- all while maintaining the wonderful musicality I now enjoy. I think that my source components and preamplifier send a signal to my amplifiers that contains all that I seek. Whether my current McIntosh amplifiers or my Revel Studio speakers are the reason that these "nth degrees" are missing, I have no idea. I do know, however, that for good reasons I am not about to change my amplifiers, and I am hoping that current state-of-the-art speakers (my Studios are now 21 years old) will provide the solution. At present, the loudspeakers I am considering are the Rockport Avior IIs, the Magico S3 (2023 version), the Estellon XB Mk IIs, and the PS Audio FR30s. Thanks to the suggestions made in response to my posting, I need to add the JBL K2 S9900 and the Perlisten S7T Limited Edition. Unfortunately, in every case, determining which speakers I ultimately purchase will be an analytical exercise because I cannot listen to them first, ideally placed in my media room. In a very bizarre way though, I guess that is just part of the fun. Please keep your thoughts and opinions coming. I really do welcome them. |
...or frustration. Agree it's best to demo yourself. OP, I like your list. When I was shopping for speakers, I demoed the AviorII (sounded veiled but of one piece) and Magico A5 (better highs, but seemed not balanced top to bottom) at AXPONA - I suspect poor show room conditions. My someday end game target was a used Magico M3. The Vimberg Mino D sounded fantastic so I purchased the demo pair (by blowing up my budget). Estellon almost always sound great, and wished that PS Audio would have made their FR30s available for demo at this AXPONA. I've also heard and loved the S3 2023 comparably with the M3. |
