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.

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xjmeyers

I would not hesitate to strongly recommend Wilson Benesch speakers....totally high tech without the sterile sound...real organic music....

I should mention that 10 years I was a dealer for Wilson Benesch. It became very difficult for me to carry speakers that could not even come close to sound so clean, so transparent, so fast, but the midrange was to die fo...and they sound like real singers...male and female...j

I don't know how large your retirement savings are, but I would (personally) be hesitant to spend that kind of money unless it is chump change to you. I am approaching my 77th birthday and have a pretty decent retirement nest egg. To me, there are so many things that I would rather spend on than more or "better" hi-fi gear. I came to the realization that perfection will never be achieved, no matter how much I spend. I also realized that for me, the chase was the motivating factor.

At my age, I've decided that I am more than pleased with my current modest system. I have spent in total, probably a lot less than many on this forum spend on speaker cables. In the end, do as you please and what will make you happy. Just remember that happiness is fleeting so act accordingly.

I don’t think you are going to find something heads and tails better than you Salons unless your hearing is excellent. 

@grislybutter *fist>elbow>shoulder bumps*

Down with you on your general scope on your scene, Sarge.... ;) 👍😎

Don't have any entities or errors to leave it all to, and they'd not have a clue as to what to do with it anyway.....

Spouse and self have opted to take it all with us, after a fashion....

...pardon the 'greeting', but sounds great on 'phones...

Or, the Alternative....

Leave nothing but digital files...whatever That may entail.... ;)

Happy Sunday, J