Looking for input on Legacy Audio speakers purchase.


I have a pair of McIntosh MC611 Mono blocks and I'm considering 2 different setups. 
1. Purchase a McIntosh C2700 Preamp and Legacy Focus SE speakers.
2. Purchase a Wavelet with Aeris speakers.
I have a VPI Scout turntable and a Primare NP5 Prisma streamer using JRiver. I may someday add a PrePro for surround with the C2700 or the Wavelet in bypass mode for music.

wgapel
I see you are not far from my speaker co listening room in Brooklyn
you can visited and listen , and if you liked , we can demonstrate
in you home , without any problem
I am becoming more interested in the Wavelet, does anyone know the RRP of this device?
A bit of a contrarian position. I owned Legacy Signatures ’back in the day’.
Looked great, and sounded good, but never could get them to sound just right.
Tried many changes in preamps, amps, cables, etc.
Represented all of the frequency bands, but a discontinuous patchwork overall.
A little like my impression of B&W. Maybe more related to different driver materials.
That said, the current Aeris sounds great.
I ultimately bought the Legacy Audio Aeris and could not be happier.  I listened to mostly in the range of $5k-10k and then listened to the Aeris.  I was immediately in "uh-oh" mode thinking how I was going to tell my wife....  I started to demo in a similar price range (Magico, Sonus Faber, and etc). Ultimately, I always went back to the Aeris.  For me the combination of the wavelet/Aeris/tube creates a precision and warmth that envelops my room.  I mainly use Qobuz and JRiver so I wouldn't be a big help with the turn table. 
15 x 21 isn't tiny by any means.  Plus, you have those 611's on tap.

I think unless it's absurd, the whole "too big for the room" thing is overblown.  Heck, if it's a room in the basement, or carpet and padding over a concrete foundation (like many including mine), sometimes a bigger speaker even helps.  I don't like running subs with my 2 channel, and I want the speakers to move some air.

I don't think either of the Legacy Speakers is too big for your room.  Heck, if it's the Aeris and Wavelet, room correction will fix (potentially) some of the errors.

Personally, and freely admitting it is in part due to my fondness for the C2700 that I just picked up - I think the Focus SE and C2700 would be a blast.  

Screw the room size thing.  I have Salk SS12's with a MC462 in a 13 x 17 room.  The SS12's are no delicate flower and can move some air and play down low.  Love them.

I run bass traps in the rear corners, absorbers at the 1st and 2nd reflection points and the room is a finished basement (so concrete with carpet and padding).

Sounds fantastic.  (I really do like the C2700 and the internal DAC.  I was frankly a little concerned but now after a week it's just awesome).

You can't go wrong with your choice.  No substitute for displacement.  You may not want it all the time, but it's fun as heck when you want it.
I believe your room is too small for the Aeris and probably too small for the Focus SE. I think the Signature SE would be ideal.
Problem is can't demo the Focus SE or Aeris in my room (local dealer said no). The reason I bring up the size of my room (15x21) is because I had Martin Logan Summits that worked great in my room. I then went with the CLX and in a minute I realized that they needed a larger room to breathe. Since the Aeris is a different design implementing an open baffle I would think they need a larger room than the Focus SE to breathe.
Anyway, the reason I started this post is to get peoples thoughts on using my McIntosh MC611 amps with Focus Se and McIntosh C2700 preamp vs. Aeris with Wavelet preamp. The size of my room should also be a consideration for anyone's thoughts on the 2 setups I'm considering which I originally forgot to mention in my post.
I recently purchased a c2700 and mc462.  It wasn’t my original plan, but I am thrilled with the combo so far.  It’s not the old McIntosh sound for sure,  Its detailed and yet still smooth and not harsh.  Really really good.

I am a fan of both legacy speakers you mention also.  There is a very good chance if I didn’t have my Salk SS 12s, I would have the focus SE.  
I think it would be a great combo with the 2700.

The Aeris and wavelet will also be great.

I will say the DAC2 in the 2700 is fantastic.  

I think you have to think about if you want processing and room correction via your 2 channel pre amp or not.  The 2700 has more detail than many tube preamps I have heard, which is great yet does add some body and creates a big soundstage.  I love it.

 The wavelet is with room correction is likely to be a bit more precise.  Though the  Aeris speakers do sound big.

the c2700... well no debating it looks great!
You couldn't go wrong with either one I would suppose. The Focus is a fine speaker and I am sure the design and driver changes over the years since I had my old pair, have really improved them. You have copious amount of power to drive them like they should be. Maybe I'm a bit naive but I'm not getting this "too big for the room" thing....... If I had a 10x10 room I would say any large floor-stander might be too big in an overkill way. The reality is that the Focus and Aeris aren't much different in size or potential SPL. The difference to me lies in the design. I think the Aeris is a different animal with the 8" midrange and open baffle. All one could do is try to demo both of them and decide, considering all your personal factors, which is for you. I also would reiterate that the Wavelet is the real deal, tamed my room immensely since my options on room treatments were nonexistent due to WAF. Good luck on your jorney and happy listening!
I don't want a bookshelf speaker. This will be my last speaker. Just concerned Aeris is too big for 15x21 room. Another reason considering Focus SE because I don't think is too big for 15x21. 
My room is 16x24 and I wouldn't say it is too "small". Then again, I have a preference for floor standing speakers as I prefer their presence as opposed to bookshelf speakers. An 8" woofer just doesn't do it for me. Comparing apples to oranges as it depends on what you like and want. The Aeris is totally different IMHO.
Plus 1 on the wavelet plus Calibre above. With the right power the Calibre can fill a pretty big space. I really don't see myself changing speakers down the road, just hopefully adding a Wavelet and I'll be set.
I would own the Aeris/Wavelet if I had a large enough room. I've had the Focus XD/Wavelet in my main room (driving the mid/treble with either Manley tube monos or Coda solid state) and it was one of the best sounding systems I've had in my home. The room correction feature is icing on the cake.
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If you have the budget, go with the Aeris with Wavelet. Aeris is an open baffle design vs Focus closed box. A very different beast. I would go with the Aeris any day.

I have the Signature SE now as the Aeris is just too big for my room (not the sound, but the size) and wife has issues with it. I have heard Legacy speakers in many different occasions, in shows, in private homes and in their Hollywood showroom. Tremendous value for your money. The Whispers are the most natural sounding speakers I have ever heard, regardless of price (some well into 6 figures).
I had an old pair of original Focus speakers and enjoyed them for over 25 years driving them with PS Audio 250 Delta monoblocks. My biggest issues with them were trying to tame the bass (the newer Focus have 2 driven woofers compared to three in the old) and contouring the mid-range as they could be a little harsh at times. Overall though, I thought they were great.Finally upgraded and got the Aeris in December. Tried driving them with a PL EVO 400 amp. You would think with the speakers rated about 92db at 1 w that the PL at 70 wpc would drive the upper end just fine. That was not the case. Although the mids sounded great the upper end sounded rolled off with muted detail. At louder listening levels it was quite apparent that the amp wasn't up to the task.
I purchased a set of Pass Labs x260.8 monoblocks since their A class output was 50 watts and the difference was just amazing. These amps may be overkill but I wouldn't change a thing. I would agree with Douglas and others that having "too much power" is a non-issue as opposed to not enough. 
I would also add that the Wavelet is a capable preamp and DAC. The room correction is the real deal and tamed my difficult room immensely.
One has the capability with the Wavelet to contour the sound to your liking. I found this feature to be a very useful tool especially with some older recordings and also that I like a little more bass presence than the un-adjusted room correction provides. I had considered going with the newer Focus but have no regrets buying the Aeris and am more than happy and satisfied with them. Only thing is though....... I wonder how the V's sound... hmmmm....

Happy listening and good luck on your journey!

Never too much clean power. I'm not joking. I do not care to work with less than 2-300wpc now. I prefer more, as everything changes for the better with increased pure power.  YMMV 
The Aeris have built in amplification for the 12 inch subwoofers. If your room and your budget support it, that is the way to go. If you already have the amps, I wouldn't sweat it about having too much power. The Wavelet is a really nice piece that will allow you to really dial in the Aeris.
@wgapel,

I wasn’t aware they had powered and non powered versions.  I do know the Wavlet was used as the preamp and the speakers had speaker wires attached to them. The sound was so effortless.   I did notice the monoblocks meters would swing up to 600 watts at times. I have a MC302 amp it it is very powerful.  If you think you need less power, perhaps the new MC462 @ 450 watts per channel would be enough for them.  Although, I am a firm believer that you can never have too much power. 
I was thinking that the McIntosh MC611's would be overkill for the Aeris with built in amplification.
 I have heard the Aeris with the wavelet with McIntosh 1.2KW mono blocks.
To stereo5,
Did the Aeris with wavelet and Mac amps you listened to at Audio Classics have the built in bass amps?. I Know they have sold custom Aeris with no wavelet and no amps built in at Audio Classics.
Incredible speakers. You'd be shocked at how big and wonderful my Calibre XD's sound. The Areis w Wavelet would be mind blowing. Great company, great support and elite sound.
To the OP, do yourself a favor and call Audio Classics to set up a demo.  They carry the Legacy line as well as McIntosh and have them in stock. I have heard the Aeris with the wavelet with McIntosh 1.2KW mono blocks.  Part of my jaw is still on the floor at Audio Classics.  Simply amazing sound. 
I own the Legacy Focus SE's. They are fantastic. Show me another full range speaker that plays down to 18hz! With that said, I have read comments that as good as the Focus is, the Aeris with wavelet is on an entirely different level. My sense is that if you have a dedicated room where you can take full advantage of the Aeris, go for it. If however, your listening space is also part of your normal living space, the Focus SE's will be amazing. In other words, there is no reason to spring for the Aeris unless you can take full advantage of their design. Bill builds incredible speakers so you really can't go wrong.
Having reviewed several for Dagogo.com, and owning a special edition of the Whisper, I would not hesitate to go for the Aeris. The added benefit of the Aeris with Wavelet would be a sensational amount of control to contour the sound to taste using Legacy's software remote for the speaker system. Nearly any preference could be accommodated. That would not be available with the McIntosh pre and the Focus SE. 

No one can predict the outcome of a comparison for another, but if I were setting up I would opt for the more capable speaker and the capacity to tune it up to taste. It would also set you up for HT purposes. Legacy has a good HT lineup, no slack. I can't say more at the moment, because I am engaged in a review of a Legacy product (disclaimer). I can say, however, I have enjoyed the sizable Legacy Silvercreen center speaker. It's larger than most L/R monitors! 




I wanted to try some Legacy speakers -- very impressive -- but their local dealer wouldn't let me try them at home. Disappointing.
Have not read many bad or negative reviews on legacy speakers. 
   More will chime in. 
 Check their warranty and ask for how their customer service treats customers. This is important to me. 
 Great speakers.  Hope you like them!