chris
I have not heard heard the opus but have owned the p8ltd and now have the c8ltd. When I bought the p8ltd I did audition such things as verity parsifail, quads, smaller utopia, and b & w and chose the piega. I have always been partial to ribbons/stats and found the highs and midrange superb, lifelike without brightness. The base was deep and tight without being boomy and surprisingly good out of a smaller speaker. It had huge WAF. I upgraded after 2 years though I did not think I would actually do so, I just had the opportunity to audition them both at home for some time. The results were clear to me (and pretty well everyone of my music friends and even my wife). The C8ltd is truely amazing. The soundstage is bigger and more lifelike. The blend of the different drivers is sublime and the bass even more substantial. They also interact better with my not so great room. The fit and finish is top notch. The looks are more modern but still high WAF. Of the two, if money is an issue I could have lived a long time with the p8ltd and been very happy. A used pair should be around 5-6 us. The c8ltd is substantially higher. I use musical fidelity nuvista on my c8ltd and it is fine. I have friends who have bought the p8ltd after hearing mine who have used tubes (AR) and ss (moon) with great effect. I have not noticed a particular brightness to the speaker in any of the formats I have heard. I have heard great things about the avalon and would encourage you to audition them. I have no affiliation with any company by the by. If you have any questions drop me a note.
I have not heard heard the opus but have owned the p8ltd and now have the c8ltd. When I bought the p8ltd I did audition such things as verity parsifail, quads, smaller utopia, and b & w and chose the piega. I have always been partial to ribbons/stats and found the highs and midrange superb, lifelike without brightness. The base was deep and tight without being boomy and surprisingly good out of a smaller speaker. It had huge WAF. I upgraded after 2 years though I did not think I would actually do so, I just had the opportunity to audition them both at home for some time. The results were clear to me (and pretty well everyone of my music friends and even my wife). The C8ltd is truely amazing. The soundstage is bigger and more lifelike. The blend of the different drivers is sublime and the bass even more substantial. They also interact better with my not so great room. The fit and finish is top notch. The looks are more modern but still high WAF. Of the two, if money is an issue I could have lived a long time with the p8ltd and been very happy. A used pair should be around 5-6 us. The c8ltd is substantially higher. I use musical fidelity nuvista on my c8ltd and it is fine. I have friends who have bought the p8ltd after hearing mine who have used tubes (AR) and ss (moon) with great effect. I have not noticed a particular brightness to the speaker in any of the formats I have heard. I have heard great things about the avalon and would encourage you to audition them. I have no affiliation with any company by the by. If you have any questions drop me a note.