Omni Speaker Options

I'd like to please keep this conversation alive for a little while longer. I do not forsee being able to audition the MBLs in my home prior to any purchase; therefore, I relish everyones considered feedback--especially those that have extensively auditioned MBLs like Marty. Although I am heavily considering the MBLs for purchase, the deal is not sealed and I am open to suggestions about omnis and non-omnis that can "compete with" or "replace" MBLs. This is a long term investment and I do not want to continue the switch components in and out game any longer_-I am too old and too tired to do so again.

My library of music is comprised of vinyl and cds (not alot of SACDs) that total several thousand. The preponderance of music is comprised of small groups and vocalists within the genres of: bebop jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz, Brazilian jazz, deep house, ambient house, global chill, r & b, blues, & raggae. And I am not blasting the roof off of the house with this collection; rather I'm trying to maximize the transparency, resolution and dynamics of what I have collected over the decades.

With this in mind, some have made reference to speakers that should be part of the consideration set. I looked at Verity but auditioned only the Lenores and Parsifal Ovations and while I liked them, they just didn't quite capture what I am looking for musically and for the size of my room. Perhaps I should look at the Sarastro and above in the Verity line.

Had thought of Magico too, as suggested, but in my location I don't have anyway of auditioning them and at that price point(even for their monitors) this would have to be a must. Never heard of Symposiums but would be interested in any feedback from the community about them.

I know that at the end of the day, this most important decision has to rest with my ears; nonetheless, those that have some thoughtful suggestions like Marty, Pedrillo, and Mlsstl, among others, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all

Thanks Martykl and Pedrillo for making time to reply. Like both of you, a big part of my motivation was to infact do something that is non-conventional or select components that were different from the standard fare, as long as the musicality was present in the end. I have had B&Ws in the past and did audition Wilson Watt Puppys which after 30 minutes of solid state pumping were absolutely causing my ears to ring painfully. As an aside, a long time MBL owner is replacing her 101s with the Vivid Giya. speakers. I'm curious to hear them if at all possible. And Pedrillo,your suggestion regarding the Symposium caught me off guard. I hope that you get some thoughtful replies to your post.

Msstl,

If you can envision the room lay out: Meeting your requirements regarding rear wall and side walls is not a problem; however, the following dimension may be a "gotcha". Looking at the rear wall where the system will stand, the right wall is a partial wall that opens into a sunroom. Stated differently, the right wall "jets out from the rear wall for about 18 inches, then it is open space into the sunroom that abuts the main listening area. There isn't a door to the sun room but just a wide opening that extends for about another 6 to 7 feet before the rest of the side wall continues before it ends at the front wall of the room. So people can sit in the sunroom as well as the main listning room too to enjoy the music. Hopefully this paints a vivid enough picture to get your considered feedback about possible imaging problems (or not).

Thanks

Thanks Pedrillo, and Stringreen too. One of the best suggestions I received from a well known audio industry expert was that at the end of the day, "...it is your ears that must make the final decision about this most important component in your system, not the price tag." I don't doubt that Stringreen's hearing was fatigued when he auditioned the MBLs. Yet I have spoken to a well regarded concert pianist who is one of the biggest advocates for MBLs. Both persons no doubt are excellent musicians in their own right, but their sensibility around a common product diverges. And if the MBLs made you tap your feet to rap, well that says a hell of a lot. And if you enjoyed my favorite genre, jazz, via the MBLs, then this puts a check mark in my preferred column in comparing speakers.

Stringreen,

Re-reading your post and mine,we do not disagree.If fake is what you heard I certainly do not dispute that.

Thanks Shadorne, you are spot on!!!