Speaker upgrade


I would like to hear thoughts on upgrading my speakers. I am very happy with my current system, but am thinking of upgrading the speakers. Not made up my mind yet, but very close. I have changed my gears recently and deciding whether to keep my current speakers or try different.
I currently have Aerial acoustics 7T, with 2 REL S5/SHOs. Aerial acoustics 7T are one hell of a speaker, and I never thought I will change them: they are very neutral and transparent, which plays exactly what you feed them. I still think they are excellent and In fact, on many forums, I have constantly bragged about them and still do, for good reasons. But I guess, time has come to change. Looking for speakers with better resolution, big soundstage, organic and sweet mids. If I can get more of everything my 7T does, it will be a jackpot. Budget is < 35K (used OK).
I have thought of Magico S5 MK2, Vimberg Tonda, Marten Mingus, Rockport Avior II. Others include Von Shweikert VR55 and Vivid Audio Giya G1. Hard to audition all, but have heard S5 Mk2 and Rockport Avior II which are close top.
My other systems include, AF strumento no. 4 mk2 amps, VAC renaissance mk V pre-amp fed by Luxman D-10x (DAC/SACD player) and Antipodes CX/S30 (server/streamer). I use roon mostly and listen vocals, Jazz, classical, Indie Rock, contemporary instrumental and the likes. Room size is 17 x 14 and height is 10 feet. I have already done all room acoustics. Cables are Silversmith Fideliums (never going to change that) and Shunyata anaconda/python, TQ black diamond and AQ Hurricane.
romney80

Showing 2 responses by larryi

Rodge,

I agree that the Charney Audio speakers with the AER drivers are terrific sounding and they are a super bargain.  I liked the Charney with the Voxativ driver too, but, for my taste, the AER drivers sound better.  The other really BIG bonus is that the efficiency of these speakers allow the use of flea-powered tube amps, which I prefer over other kinds of amplification.

I don't know if removing room treatments is in order, but, it is certainly worthwhile experimenting in that direction.  I have often heard serious systems where the room sounded overdamped with audio treatments.  Some of the best rooms I've been in had minimal treatment, included the artificial ficus trees that bpoletti mentioned above.  
I have heard various Magico and Von Schweikert speakers, although I don't recall the specific models.  The Magicos sounded okay, but, I did not find them that musically engaging (they seemed a bit  lacking in dynamics at my preferred (lower) volume level for listening). 

I have, not that long ago, heard the Avior II and I liked them.  They are decent sounding speakers, but again, not quite lively enough for my taste. A nice choice, nonetheless, among conventional speakers.  I think some of the higher end Vandersteens should be something to look into, and those should be easy to locate for an audition.

Given the price range you are shopping in, it might make sense to wait until you can attend a show that offers a wide enough array of candidates.