I compared the 926 to the 915.1 recently. Both fine speakers, but the 926 seemed to do everything just a little bit better. Faster, more detail, more transparency, wider soundstaging and tighter bass. And oh my, what a beautiful midrange. The dealer offered me a new pair of 926s with some cosmetic damage to the cabinets(a few noticeable scratches, but mechanically fine) for $2500. I took the 926s and the Cobalt 816s-the equivalent to the 926 in the next line down-both home for an audition and the Cobalts actually sounded better in my system. But thats with an NAD C541 cdp and an NAD C350 integrated amp. My electronics just didn't do the Electras justice. But boy did they sound sweet through the YBA gear at the dealer. So anyhow, I bought the Cobalts and put the money I saved towards a Planet 2000 which I just ordered and should get by the end of next week. And a month later, they still have the same pair of 926s on the floor. Go figure.
If money's not an issue I do think that the new Electras are better, but if you can get a substantial discount on the older ones I would not hesitate. Of course, its critical to evaluate in the context of your own system as I recently learned. Let us know what you end up buying