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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 trcnetmsncom

trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Although at times Wilson can be a fun speaker to me the Avalon makes them sound musically disjointed. The Avalons do an amazing job at blending their drivers and the speaker sounds as coherent as can be. For me this is critical in recreating the illusion of the sound of real music. That being said there are obviously many who find Wilson's sound musically rewarding.

Avalon and Wilson have different objectives in mind when it comes to reproducing sound and you have to decide which of two comes closest to the virtues you desire.

best,
Tom
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello Kazman,

In my experience I have found that a speaker that hits you over the head with it's detail fools one into believing it has detail, but in reality it does not.

A speaker that allows one to listen into the sound is the speaker that brings out all the subtly of detail in the music that reveals its life.

I have yet to hear the Sasha. The last speakers that I heard from Wilson have been the Maxx 2's and the WP8's, Neither of which IMO had anywhere near the resolution of detail , clarity, tonal neutrality, and especially the coherence as the Eidolon Diamond.

IMO Wilson's greatest strength is unfettered dynamic scale and for many rightfully so this is a very desirable virtue.

Good luck in making the right choice for you.

best,
Tom

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