£15k $22k to spend on speakers...but which?


Over the years I've built up a system I like but I've saved the speakers till last because I want to spend enough to get them right. It now saved up and am about to embark on this purchase.

My system is Audio Research Ref 3 & 110, Transparent Super speaker cable and a Melco N1/Chord Hugo (which sounds really good) and Rega RP8 turntable.

I've (initially) narrowed down my speaker selection to:
Wilson Sabrina
B&W 800 D3
Focal Sopra 2
Sonus Faber Olympica 2

I listen to everything from choral and piano through pop to Frank Zappa, jazz, progressive rock and orchestral. I like accurate reflection of the human voice, clarity and good deep dry bass.

Should I look at used Sophia 3? Anything else I should add to my list.

I'd be really pleased to hear people's views as, of course, it is almost impossible in the UK to hear comparative listening tests between these different brands.

Thanks

Matthew
mwelliott99

Showing 1 response by mmeysarosh

I would likely move up to the Olympica 3 from Sonus so as they are not as bass deficient as the other speakers listed. That being said, the Sonus Faber's have a distinctly different sound signature in comparison to other speakers you listed. All the other speakers mentioned present a more forward sound that gives great immediacy and very present sound. The Sonus are more a bit further back but still provide an excellent level of performance that draws the listener in.

I would suggest to listen the SF's first only to determine if that is the sound your looking for. If you find it too non involving, then its clear the other three speakers would likely suit you better. I might add in the Kef Reference 5 or Blade 2 in your listening sessions as they are a bit even handed on the treble as compared to the Focal, but without any loss in resolution or soundstaging. But listen to the SF's first just to get a feel for their style of sound.