In early 2011 i decided to revive my lost hobby of home audio. I knew the place to start was speakers and i wanted to emphasize imaging and transparency.
I listened at length to Canton Ref 5.2, Paradigm Signature S8, Revel Studio 2, B&W 802D, Magico v2, Aerial 7B, Canton Ref 3.2 DC and briefly to several Focal products, Wilson audio, Monitor Audio, Polk, and a few others. Yes, i know amps were a variable here, but all used were high end solid state. In the case of the cantons it was mcintosh 300 and 400 wpc current versions (solid state).
5.2 had great imaging but was a little thin in musical bass frequencies. S8 had amazing imaging and some potentially pleasant tonal colorations. Studio 2 was very transparent but had poor imaging that was very dependent on listening position. 802D had weak imaging and a softness that eliminated them from consideration. B&W seems to get too much love for past accomplishments.
Magico v2 was amazing but dated in appearance and very expensive. 7B was good but didn't have the soundstage i was expecting. Wilson audio Sasha (new watt/puppy) was simply amazing but best performance was evident only in a specific listening location. I would have considered the new sophia's but the wife didn't like the looks.
focal tweeters tend to be disconnected from the lower frequencies. I wanted to listen to a sonus faber product but never got there.
A second listen to the Canton Reference 3.2 DC and a small discount from the dealer compelled me to purchase. This speaker looks great in piano black. It is by far the most forgiving in placement. It just kind of disappears. soundstage is persistent from a surprising range of listening positions. Other reviews accurately describe the tonal performance. almost perfect. Very, very listenable. Not sure how Canton does it, but i like it. Very alive presence.
My next choice to buy was the S8's. Great looks and superior imaging. I like the berylium tweeters on the most recent (v3?) model. Lower price. I suspect some of the minor mid range colorations would not have been noticed after a few weeks in my living room. Third choice was Wilson Audio. Strong presence and great bass extension. American made. Expensive though and i would have had to battle with the wife because of the looks.
Now I need an amp.
My story is no substitute for your own listening experiences. Listening to speakers is never time wasted.
