Revel or Aerial

Your detail and clarity can be improved by upgrading your source, your NAD is great for the money, but can be improved on dramatically. I will say however that if the budget allows it the Revel studio 2s will give you more clarity, but with less warmth and are less forgiving of bad recordings than your F208s. I work part time at a store that carries your NAD, compared to my Bel Canto dac3.5 mkII with the VBS power supply its no contest, and should not be for the added cost difference between the two. The Bel Canto is FAR more open, with a better sound stage separation and low level resolution.

Get better associated equipment or go to the Studio 2, but not the Ariel. Good speaker, good company, but they don't have the amazing refinement of the Revels. I would not want to be in a position of competing with Revel. The drivers and execution are too good.

I would not even consider either of these choices in loudspeakers. If you want musical truth, check out Thiel loudspeakers CS 2.7 or CS 3.7 models. Regarding their price-point nothing else comes close. One caveat, you will need a very high current power amp for Thiel(s) as they thrive on high power- the more, the better your listening experience! Keep me posted.

Funny about speaker opinions, everyone has different ideas of what is best. :o)

I "just" came off a pair of Thiel 2.7's and got a pair of Revel F52's and both are fantastic. When I had the 2.7's I just had to have the 3.7's which did not work out, but now that I have the Revels, I no longer lust after the Thiels. The Revels are just as sweet & detailed as the Thiels but have more weight & authority overall. There is just "something" about the Revel sound.

Both are excellent choices!

Have not heard Aerials in years but remember liking them at the salon.

Is it something about the Revel sound, as you ask, or something about the Thiel sound? Thiels have a lot more of their own "sonic character" than the Revels.