I am considering the Piega C-8 Limited or the P10.

Bigkidz,

I knew the question was 'general' in nature. My current system consists of an Audio Aero MkII CDP directly into a new Innersound power amp (300 watts into 8 / 600 into 4), that is driving a pair of Magnepan 3.6R's. I use a REL Storm III sub for the bottom end. All cabling is the new (and absolute killer, IMO) CRL 'Gold' series. My room is 15x19.

The maggies are fabulous speakers as long as you don't listen to anything with alot of bottom end or alot of dynamic swings, or anything with peaks of 85-90db. Everything else about them is good. So, I'm looking for something that I can listen to at higher levels... around 90db (or even greater when the mood dictates) without worrying that I'm going to blow them up! As I said, I want to be able to listen to everything from jazz to rock and roll. You simply can't do it with the maggies.

As far as amplification goes, I plan on purchasing an amp after I purchase the speakers that I like. In addition to the Innersound that I now have, I also own a Mark Levinson 334. Both SS, but I enjoy the virtues of tubes as well (I'm not one to get hung up on one is better than the other). That's why I plan on finding the right amp, after I find the right speakler system. If one of the two that I currently own works well, then so be it. If not, I'll find one that does.

Hi
I recently traded in my P-10's for the C-8ltd. As far as coherency, I found that to be a real strength of the P-10.
I did find the highs to be bright especially on a bad recording. These are extremely revealing speakers.
The C-8ltd is quite a bit more refined than the P-10,s.
They don't have the deep bass response, but in my room - 15x21 - they feel like a better fit. The top end is quite a bit smoother. I have been running them with tubes - first with the EAR 534, and currently with the CAT JL2 - which I feel is the best amp I have ever heard. Current preamp is the Hovland HP-100.
Good Luck
Carl

louis..as one who owns the p-10's and has heard all the new c-series i can tell you you are on the right road.i disagree with 'tireguy' regarding the coherency and hi-end problem.mine are very coherent and i have no problem with hi-end 'shrill'.the woofer/ribbons integrate seamlessly.certain setups may give the problems tireguy relates to but not mine.the c-8 ltd is a better speaker then the p-10 and he is right when he says that piega does not make the p-10 anymore but the dealers certainly service them.i have 2 friends that upgraded from p-10 to c-10 ltd and from p-8ltd to c-8ltd and are extremely happy.i am going to upgrade to a c-10 ltd at years end.the price that used p-10s are going for on audiogon make them a tremendous value.there is no speaker,in the $5-$6k range that can compete with a used p-10...imo.that said..if your budget allows the c-8 ltd would be my choice..you will not want to upgrade for a long time...i promise.

I agree with tireguy.I always found the P 10s to be very shrill on the top end.Though you can great deals on them now,there are also other brands that should be considered.The P 10s are beautiful looking speakers but not my cup of tea and I was always suspicious of the switches on a "Hi End" speaker for ajusting the drivers.

For what it is worth, I heard the the P-5 Ltds with a Pass Labs X-1 preamp, Pass X_250 and Edge NL-10 power amps and Metronome CDP and it sounded really good and not bright at all even juiced up. Very detailed, very dynamic, open and fast.

Hope this is more helpful.

I do not think you can go wrong with the P-10s unless you have the funds to buy up the ladder with the Piegas.