Avalon Acoustics vs Wilson Audio


I would like to know how Avalon's sound compared to Wilson's. I heard that they have a similar sound, but just want to make sure from other peoples experience. I have heard, Sophia 3's, Sasha w/p, and the x2. I liked all 3 models. I haven't heard any Avalon's yet. I will definitely be looking to audition. Just thought I would ask for now.

My budget ($15k-$30k)is pretty broad for the sake of keeping an open mind. Realistically I'm thinking $20k'ish. That price is just for the pair of speakers mind you.

My current setup consists of Paradigm studio 60's v.5 (mains), cc-590 v.5 (center), studio 10's v.5 (rear's), Arcam avr-600. Primarily its an HT system, but I use it for music alot as well. It's a pretty good sounding system, but I've grown out of it for music. Its a superb setup for gaming and movies though. This is pretty much why I'm thinking of a dedicated 2ch setup.

Second option, is to upgrade my current system with better speakers. Use an outboard dac dedicated for music in conjunction with the avr-600. It would still be a 5ch system in the end though.

Any thoughts?
kazmann

Showing 2 responses by madfloyd

Just a warning about going with Wison: if you like instrumental music, they are great, but they tend to be very fatiguing with vocals: sibilants and other consonants will shred your ears at times - not on all material, but a lot of it (even good recordings).

In my opinion, the Sasha and Sophia 2/3 are great speakers but the tweeters have been modified to sound hi-fi, which can sound nice on classical music and jazz, but the vocals are unnaturally painful. Even with careful setup and fine upstream components (where this characteristic can be somewhat mitigated), you are going to have to contend with this.

Again this is my opinion, not fact. I have heard the Sashas several times, at least three times set up by Wison, and own them myself.
Yes, it could be that I am sensitive to this region. Interesting that the tweeter doesn't come into play until 3k, I'll have re-read the review.