Comparison of $11,000 - $15,000 reference speakers


Looking for some feedback on speakers in the $11,000-$15,000 range used (pre-listen seems like an appropriate term if selling with a mercedes). The current rig consists of the Aero Capitole MKll CD Player, Jeff Rowland 302 Amp, JR Synergy11i Pre and N802's. My short list of speaker upgrades are:
N800's (non-diamond)
Sonus Faber Amati's
Kharma CRM-3.2's
or if willining to spend a couple extra $$
Talon Firebirds
Has anyone spent any time listening to and or comparing these models?
How about recommendations on synery with my existing equiptment?
Thanks
gocubs999

Showing 4 responses by gocubs999

Esoxhntr,
Room dimensions are 27 x 30 open loft space (Odd angles create a sonic challenge) will be looking at sound traps at some point. I listen primarily to Jazz, however; enjoy the old rock tunes as well.
Thanks
PS Auditioned the Wilson Sophia and Watt Puppy 7's. My opinion is, too much $$ for the incremental improvement.
Thanks all for the responses. With all of the additional recommendations you have, I am reminded that asking one question often leads to 10 more you have to answer. It would be utopia if you could go to one venue to listen and compare all of the reference systems available. Factoring in you must listen to gear in an endless variation of set-ups, room configurations, treatment, etc....always tough to truly compare. Bigkidz, thanks for the direct comparison. I favor warmth, detail, and transparency when enjoying my favorite jazz recordings and am leaning toward the Sonus Faber Amatis....a SS guy for now. Jkalman, listened to the N802D's recently. Driven with a Boulder 1060 Amp, Boulder 1012 Pre, ML390 and Transparent Cables. First impression should be good, however; I was not impressed. My system in my home sounded better. Of course the room was far from ideal (under construction, 17ft. angled ceilings, ceiling to floor glass windows and no sound treatment other than carpet). They say they perform as well as the N800's...I hardly believe that. Maybe I will give them a try in my home.
Keep the comparisons coming.
Thanks for all of the responses. I have decided to go with the Avalon Eidolon's. After auditioning the new BW 800D's, Vanderteen 5a's, Ariel 20T's and Andra's; the Avalon's were a hands down favorite.
I am not an expert at using audiofile chargin to describe what I heard other than to say the Avalons provided greater seperation and clarity of all instruments. Right down to the lowest bass, the Avalons had the authority of a live recording without sounding bloated as my N802's do. Dianna K. was voiced perfectly and souned as if she was in the room. No other speaker I auditioned delivered the dynamic, real and authoritative sound as did the Avalons.