About to audition Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Grand Reference - advice?

I have been waiting to hear them as well. The local dealer hasn’t brought them in yet. I have listened to the Beethoven Concert Grands and liked them just not enough to buy. I am hoping the Reference series will make the changes I wanted to hear. I think Vienna Acoustics has some great products and beautiful cabinets.
on the other hand I am strongly considering Aerial Acoustics 7T but haven’t heard them in a few years. The local dealer doesn’t stock the,. And I hate to invest without one last audition. 
So I too will be interested in the suggestions in this price range.

So to the OP, I ask what is about the Aerials you haven’t liked? In your 20 years of ownership, have you had any problems, failing drivers etc? And how has the finish held up?
Just asking if you don’t mind or answer via private msg if you prefer

Theo

So jmfawdofile, did you ever get to listen to the new Reference series? I would be curious to hear your thoughts and comparisons to the previous version as well as you Aerials.

Thank you for responding. I have considered the previous VA Beethoven's and found them just a little lacking in emotion on higher volume. I really like the sound at lower volume but some music cannot be played at lower volume, probably why Muzak doesn't have a version of Stranglehold. 

As mentioned before the Aerial 7T's have been on my list but I haven't heard them for years and I am not even sure if the local dealer is a dealer for Aerial anymore. 

But in your comments,  I take it that the new VA ref series is vary close in the voicing? I do love the VA woodwork and would be happy with them, but the local VA dealer won't bring any in till the old models are gone. Which I understand, and with the COVID I assume that may be a while.

Thanks again and sounds like you are happy with the new speaks!

PS: I liked the Focal Sopra 2's and probably would buy them but they just raised the price 4K and with all 5 speakers that would be about 6K and that just is out of reach for my wallet.

JM, I am in Colorado so a bit far to go demo. I will say that the VA and Aerials both are much better looking and I do prefer wood over paint. I hope the VA dealer gets his sold so he can bring in the Reference, I have given up on the Aerial dealer, unless someone else picks up the line.

But thank you for sharing your experience 

Happy listening 

Theo