Dynaudio, Wilson, Avalon, Aerial


I need some advice. I have narrowed my search of speakers down to a few that dealers in the area have and that I have listened to (for the most part). I will likely buy used and I will not buy a pair of speakers based solely on reviews. I would appreciate that you keep your comments to the speakers that I have mentioned even though there are probably many great speakers out there at a similar price. Another consideration is my room. It is acoustically challenged and needs work. It is 16 X 20 with cathedral ceilings – reflective, boomy in the 100 to 200 Hz area and very bright. I plan to work on this but since it is a “family” room, only so much can and will be done. And, what ever I get, I will need to be able to match it with a center speaker for theater. Okay, the list:

Dynaudio C2s – new or used
Dynaudio C4s - used
Dynaudio Temptation (used – still too expensive)
Wilson Sophia 2 - new
Avalon Eidolon Vision- used
Aerial 20 T - used

I found the C2 had great imaging and wonderful delivery of information especially in the mid-range. They had a bass extension in the mid-bass and a lack of low bass (sounded a little punchy/unrealistic). They also lacked a little natural brightness in the upper mid-range, making voices sound a little flat. My local dealer does not have the C4s but said the bass issue is even more exaggerated unless one has a very large room. I have heard the opposite from a few who own them. I was hoping the C4s would be the answer. The temptation would definitely be great but unless they are having a fire sale, they are too expensive. The Wilson Sophia 1 sounded “bigger than life”/forward. They did not have the imaging of the C2s but the sound was flatter across the board. The midrange lacked a little of the realism that the C2s have and I found the tweeter a little jagged. I am still waiting to hear the Sophia 2. The Aerial 20 Ts sounded great in the highs and lows but I was not all that blown away in the midrange. In addition, they are very vertically directional. I am going to hear the Avalon’s this weekend however; the dealer only has the diamonds. I will have to derive my opinion of the Vision from what I hear. One other point of reference, I have ruled out Thiel, B & W, Martin Logan, JM Lab, and Revel (being replaced). So, what do you think?
128x128cdj123

Showing 2 responses by goatwuss

Cdj123 - Wow, it sounds like you are a tough audiophile to please! And that you know what you're looking for...

What was the size of the rooms that you used to audition these speakers?

If used in a room too small for them then yes, the bass will be boomy in the midrange. They don't extend all that low in design (mid 30s or so), and if you're interested in the 20-35hz should be augmented with a Rel or Velodyne. I think you might be able to get by with the C2s in your room. Can you have your dealer setup a home audition with them?

The bigger dyns and the avalons are undoubtedly too much speaker for your room.

The Sophias would be another great choice to try and get home.

I am not personally familliar with the Aerials... their looks just don't do it for me so I've never had too much interest. Call me superficial ( ;

I think you should collect your thoughts (look like you've already done it) and go back and hear all the speakers again, for a 2nd audition. Maybe try different gear combinations, try some tube preamps or what not on them, and see if they match your notes on the 2nd audition.

I find that it usually takes a couple of auditions to really form a good opinion on a high-performance speaker or component.

Good luck