You have my sympathies, you really do. This sort of thing is really difficult as I know from experience.
You do the research, narrow down the candidates, arrange listening sessions with specifically prepared test disc - checking dynamics, timbre, sibilance, ability to disappear etc.
By the time you get to listen you're unable to relax and engage with the music. In my case I was unable to bite the bullet and like yourself came home empty handed. Disappointed to say the least, at least for a while.
A home demo side by side would be the best option, or failing that at a dealers. Failing that, then one more round of listening is a must. It really will help cement the impressions you already have. You might even decide neither of them do it for you. It happens, and it's even braver to walk away a second time. There's lots of great speakers out there which do nothing for me if they don't do timbre.
Anyway, that doesn't apply with these candidates so you can rest assured that the Wilson's are fabulous speakers, both in sound and looks (not always the case with Wilson's), but at a cost. I'd personally favour the DeVore 0/96 myself unless price was no concern, and maybe even then. I'd definitely also want to hear the hemp versions.
I know it's not much help but there is a small consolation. Whichever you ultimately choose you can't go wrong. These are all dream loudspeakers for many an audiophile all over the world.
[I'd just like to add that it isn't the speaker that 'wows' you that's best but the one that makes you forget yourself and focus on the music. That wonderful feeling when your thoughts recede into the background and you are there with the music.]
You do the research, narrow down the candidates, arrange listening sessions with specifically prepared test disc - checking dynamics, timbre, sibilance, ability to disappear etc.
By the time you get to listen you're unable to relax and engage with the music. In my case I was unable to bite the bullet and like yourself came home empty handed. Disappointed to say the least, at least for a while.
A home demo side by side would be the best option, or failing that at a dealers. Failing that, then one more round of listening is a must. It really will help cement the impressions you already have. You might even decide neither of them do it for you. It happens, and it's even braver to walk away a second time. There's lots of great speakers out there which do nothing for me if they don't do timbre.
Anyway, that doesn't apply with these candidates so you can rest assured that the Wilson's are fabulous speakers, both in sound and looks (not always the case with Wilson's), but at a cost. I'd personally favour the DeVore 0/96 myself unless price was no concern, and maybe even then. I'd definitely also want to hear the hemp versions.
I know it's not much help but there is a small consolation. Whichever you ultimately choose you can't go wrong. These are all dream loudspeakers for many an audiophile all over the world.
[I'd just like to add that it isn't the speaker that 'wows' you that's best but the one that makes you forget yourself and focus on the music. That wonderful feeling when your thoughts recede into the background and you are there with the music.]