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Help with speaker selection

Hi all,

I’ve considering upgrading from my beloved Aerial 10T’s which will remain in a second system. What I’m looking to improve from the 10T’s is the detail, while maintaining the extreme listenability the Aerials bring (zero harshness). Also I want to improve in the lower mid bass/bass detail. The 10T’s will play low but the detail could be better.

So far I’ve been impressed with the Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V’s. They really impressed me with all of the attributes I’m looking to improve over my Aerials. They had a wonderfully cohesive presentation with detail and no harshness. The bass was outstanding and articulate.

I’ve only begun shopping so I’m looking for other recommendations to consider. I heard the Aerial 7T’s and was not nearly as impressed as I was with the SF’s.

Others on the list that I haven't heard yet include:

Revel Salon2/Studio2

Aerial 20T V2 (impossible to find!)

 

Amps will be JC1’s, with a solid state front end (Levinson).

Thanks in advance!!

Ag insider logo xs@2xhk_fan
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
419 posts
 

How about the Paradigm Persona 9H? I heard them at Capital Audio Fest. Are you buying new or used? I see a pair of these out there for $19.000.00 End game speakers!

bigkidz
3,381 posts
 

I would agree with this review description if I didn't know better.

Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V:

  • Sound Signature: Known for its warm, rich, and romantic sound. Features lush mids, smooth treble, and a slightly rolled-off bass that emphasizes musicality over absolute accuracy. Imaging is focused and intimate, creating a cozy and enveloping soundstage.
  • Strengths: Ideal for those who prefer a warm and inviting listening experience. Works well with vocals, classical music, and opera.
  • Weaknesses: Bass can be loose or boomy in some rooms. May not have the same level of detail retrieval or dynamics as the other options. Imaging might be too intimate for some listeners.

When paired with different equipment the bass and warmth improves dramatically as well as other aspects.  We use 40WPC pure Class A mono blocks and 6SN7 tube preamp with fantastic results.  Better than what we could imagine.

This goes to show that equipment can take your current speakers to an entire different level.

Happy Listening.

 

illaheman's avatar
illaheman
39 posts
 

In my view, good feedback on the differences has already been accurately offered. I went through a very similar evaluation and almost identical speakers, 2 years ago. Price mattered, size mattered, sound mattered. I ended with a used set of Revel Studio 2’s, and a new pair Rythmik F12SE subwoofers. Love the combination! I enjoy the sound I experience. I like the detail. Most of my music listening is jazz, classical, and acoustic. Odyssey Kismet amp, Hegel preamp, 14x16 room with 10’ ceilings. All in less than $10k

mikekollar's avatar
mikekollar
42 posts
 

I won't make mine as lengthy as the others and I have never heard any of the others mentioned here. Based on over the top reviews everywhere and pure intuition, I have had my Legacy Focus XD speakers in my system for 3 years and really love them. Have no idea how they stand up to others mentioned but I would guess.... pretty darned well and if I had the next step up at 22k, The Legacy Aeris, it might just be "lights out". Anyway, should be on your consideration list in my opinion.

soix
9,456 posts
 

Sounds like you really like the Sonus Faber sound, and that’s great.  I’d add Joseph Audio and Usher as two others to explore, but I’d give these a good, hard look fer sure.  They’d be end-game speakers for me.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650017479-joseph-audio-pearl-3-speakers/

Best of luck.

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