Kimber 3033 is not horrifically expensive (8 ft. runs used for $700-$800, and new is +/- $1,500). Kimber Bi-Focal is also good and costs a bit less (but spend a few more bucks and get 3033).
Like any very high-performance speaker, you need to be careful about the high-end components you use with Salons. If you are budget-conscious, you have to be extremely careful. They really require first-class front-end componentry, and arguably shouldn't be used unless they are in a large, dimension-friendly room with extensive room treatment (or a RIVES spec'd-type purpose-built room) and extensive A/C line treatment, etc. They were a $20k speaker that performed in most respects like an $80k speaker.
Yes, Salons require bi-wired cables.
Like any very high-performance speaker, you need to be careful about the high-end components you use with Salons. If you are budget-conscious, you have to be extremely careful. They really require first-class front-end componentry, and arguably shouldn't be used unless they are in a large, dimension-friendly room with extensive room treatment (or a RIVES spec'd-type purpose-built room) and extensive A/C line treatment, etc. They were a $20k speaker that performed in most respects like an $80k speaker.
Yes, Salons require bi-wired cables.