I have gone down the same road as yourself looking for this speaker that does'nt seem to exist! (My latest purchase of Legacy's new Whisper and Extreme Subwoofer, is the closest so far though...but I'm still looking for "the" speaker). In retrospect, I think that I should have considered VMPS speakers. The one area in which they ALWAYS excelled was their dynamics (they lacked somewhat in refinement). VMPS has now revamped their higher priced offerings with some very unique drivers. It now looks as if they are both dynamic and refined. This is where I would start if I had to do it over.(Anthony Cordesman bought the review pair for his new reference!) I definately agree with one of the threads about NHT 3.3's (If your budget is below $4000.) At this price point, they don't have much competion in terms of a entry level high end speaker that can actualy produce decent levels. If you really like realistic loud, forget the Ariel 10T's. These speakers play amazingly loud ...for their size,...but they just don't have the enough drivers to move tons of air. In regard to Revel, I have heard many negative things in regard to their abilty to portray dynamic contrasts...from loud to soft...very "unhornlike"...for lack of a better description. (I have a sneaky suspicion that this problem is due to Revel's decision to utilize 4th order crossovers. 4th order crossovers always seem to suck up dynamic shadings) In regard to Von S7,...have you ever wondered why Vons are the most prolific high end speaker on the used market. This tells me something just isn't right about their designs. I have heard nothing but praise for the Dunlavy speakers...but I know he can do even better. He does not use the best offerings from his speaker suppliers...and I have heard the differences in sound from Vifa, Audax and Morel drivers to appreciate their better resoving abilities.I must note though that the best sound I have ever heard was from Dunlavy VI's , bi-amplified monoblock amplification with Sigtech digital room correction...so I must give credit where credit is due. The cost of this system was in excess $85k, so it was unfortunately outside of my budget...but I think that I could easliy live with this system...now if John Dunlavy would just use those premium drivers in his designs.... Last year at CES, I listened to every horn speaker at the show. Unfortunately, there still seems to be a comprimize in their overall sonic refinement, regardless of the manufacturer. If you can live with these aberations, the dynamics can be incredible .Unfortunately, I have found taht there has yet to be a horn speaker that does not "sound like a horn speaker"...if you know what I mean. Note: I have heard through the grapevine that Legacy will soon be offering a new flagship speaker which has all of the atributes of their Whisper, Focus and Extreme subwoofers combined! This may be where I end up next. (Unfortunately, this speaker will cost.....gulp.....around $25k...If you can afford this price point, you may want to investigate this speaker along with VMPS) Hope I was of some help. Please keep me updated on your findings so that I may also find "the" speaker.
Rock and Roll Speakers
I have been down the audio hi fi road for about 5 years now. Spent more money than my wife will ever know about( if i want to live ) have a large listening room 19x24x9. I like loud rock and roll, I have great tastes in music from braums, to miles davis, sonny rollins, herbie handcock to the new alternative bands. I like to go to clubs and hear live music. According to bound for sound I like to listen to amplified music that is reproduced. They said to buy some mini monitors and a good sub. I have spent $$$$ and bought the ML quest, gallo ref 1's, platinum audio ref 2's Ml monolith 2's and even some exotic german physiks boarderland's with the DDD. All have their great strengths but I really dont love any of them. Love the sound and feel of the esl, gallos were ok, the German Physiks are the finest of all, almost angelic, but I miss the sock it in your gut feeling. In the past I played in some college bands and when I grow up I would like to be a studio engineer, I know what sound I like but havent found it yet. I live in a very rural area and cant audition alot of equipment. For electronics I have the Burmester 956 250w amp, Meridian 541 processor, 518, and 506.20cd and nbs cables. What I want is it to pass the ac/dc test. Dont call it crude music but if i have spent 35-45k on equipment I want it to do what I want it to do. I like quality and dont mind paying for it. I have listened to the Revel Studios, Legacy Focus, liked both but what about long term (years) enjoyment. Any thoughts about the Von S 7's or the Dunluvy 5 or 6's. I want a large sound and large volume but to be able to enjoy the old smokey 2am jazz after a hard day.