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Magico, Aerial, Dali

I have my next speaker upgrade narrowed down to the Magico V2's, Aerial 7t's, and Dali Helicon 400 MK2's. The only problem is I haven't heard any of them in my own system consisting of ARC LS17SE pre, and Bryston 4Bsst2 amp. I can get the Magico's for a decent price but they're still more expensive than the other options and the dealer will not let me demo at home unless I pay him. I thought this was odd and kind of turned me off to this dealer in general. Seems like for that kind of money in this economy the dealer should be willing to let a serious buyer demo at home.
I heard the 7t's on ARC reference and Levinson amps and was very impressed. Hard not to be with those kind of components. The Dali's are less expensive and I heard them on much cheaper gear but they still sounded fabulous. The dealer has arranged a demo later this week. If I went that route I'd have some money left over to buy a phono pre. I currently have the Aerial 6's and like their sound but they're not enough speaker for my room and if I sell now I can get the same amount that I bought them for.
Does anyone have experience with these three speaker's and/or companies? I am looking for detail, transparency, and realism. Any suggestions? Are the Magico's worth the extra money? I know it comes down to subjective taste, but is there a consensus on what the strengths are of each of these speakers?
minibox
teajay
1,690 posts
 
Hi Minibox,

I have heard all three speakers you are interested in and wrote a review on the 7T for my website hometheaterreview.com. It's always personal taste and system synergy, but I found the Aerial Acoustics 7T to be a much better performing speaker then your other choices. For details why take a look at my review.
joncourage
185 posts
 
I've heard the Sophia III on the same amp I use for my 7Bs, but different front-end and cables.

While the Sophia had the edge as far as tight, deep bass and a bit more clarity, I wouldn't say they had a $10k edge (about how much more they cost, used). In general I'd say the sound is somewhat similar, with the 7B being a bit more overall "musical" to my ear (and definitely better looking), and the Sophia having just "a bit more of everything". Not that I was ready to spend 10k+ on speakers when I bought. When I am, I'll look at more than the Sophia's, although I did definitely like them.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
I agree, the Sophia III did have "a bit more of everything" but you are right, "I wouldn't say they had a 10k edge." I was especially impressed with their lower end over the Aerial's but I believe I could get the same results with a good sub to match either the Aerial's or the Dali's. I will say that Beethoven's 9th sounded incredible on the Dali's and beat the pants off my Aerial 6's.
minibox OP
12 posts
 
Teajay,
I read your review previously on hometheatrereview.com. Thank you for such an in depth and well written review of the 7t's. My jaw dropped when I read about your friend selling his recently purchased Q3's after hearing the Aerial's. I've heard the Q3's and was extremely impressed, although I do believe they're overpriced. Each time I heard the 7t's I had a "wow" moment with their transparency and detail but I really need to get them in my own room and hear what they do.
jl35
3,976 posts
 
If your budget includes the Aerial 7t, you should also check out the Dali MS5, a significant improvement over the MS4.
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