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Upgrade advice (from Paradigm signature s8v2 + aria 948s to... ??)

Currently have Paradigm signature s8v2 + aria 948s. I wanted to compare them and enjoy the signatures more but now feel I want to sell both and see if I can get even better sound [of the 2 I definitely prefer the signatures]. I am driving my system with:

2 x bryston 4bsst amps (with sst2 mobo) in bridged mode.
Dac is a denafrips terminator
streamer: Sotm sms 200 ultra.
Preamp: audio gd he9.
Subs: Dual 18 inch PSA (V1800s)

After selling my speakers I was thinking of something in the 10-20k range. Only problem is my room is not very big, 12 ft x 16 ft x 8 ft.

Any ideas on what a next step up would be? Some options I was considering:
Canton 5k
Monitor Audio Platinum PL500 ii
Revel salon2/ultima 2
Focal scala utopia/maestro utopia [if I can get a deal]
Tekton Ulfberht with 1 be tweeter [I can do a trade for my aria + $4500]
Legacy focus SE
Sonus Faber Serafino
Vandersteen 5A
Eggleston Andra III SE
Dynaudio C4 confidence
KEF 207/2 (can get a used pair for around $10k)

Would appreciate thoughts.
smodtactical
11 responses Add your response
cbrents73's avatar
cbrents73
151 posts
 
Why not Paradigm Personas? 3F’s at $10k/pr or 5F’s at $17k/pr in standard colors - 5 to pick from - or pick a special color for a 15% up-charge, grilles optional for an up-charge. Without hesitation, I would put them side by side to any of the speakers you have listed for a comparison...

You can build a pair in the color you want, with or without grilles: https://design.paradigm.com/en/persona/
yyzsantabarbara
4,811 posts
 
I am going to buy the Paradigm 3F and I have owned the Bryston 4BSST. I would not consider them a very good pairing.  It would be too bright.

I have heard 2 of the most recent Eggleston speakers with Bryston 4B3 and 7B3 and it sound good.
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
Ah.. ya I forgot the personas, definitely something im considering. I'd like to buy used if i can or b stock so i can maximize my investment and get the most bang for my buck.

santab: Ya thats a good point bryston's are fairly neutral. Maybe a darker thick speaker would be better.
mtrot
804 posts
 
Dali Epicon 8 is a pretty fine speaker to consider as well.
Also, you can get a set of Tidal Piano G2 with ceramic tweeters for just over $20k from The Voice That Is.
yyzsantabarbara
4,811 posts
 
@smodtactical I forgot to mention that the same day I heard the Eggleston speakers with Bryston I also heard Bryston 4B3 with Vandersteen Treo CT. That was a good combo and you should go have a listen to that. A ton of CT Treo fans on this site.
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Going to read up on these.
vegan4ever's avatar
vegan4ever
10 posts
 
Personally I really think that most of those speakers on your list would simply overpower your room. I think that you would be overspending to get something that is really made for a much bigger room. Maybe try looking at a GoldenEar Triton 1r or something more on that size/price level for the room that you have which is not very big to begin with at 12 x 16.
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
Personally I really think that most of those speakers on your list would simply overpower your room. I think that you would be overspending to get something that is really made for a much bigger room. Maybe try looking at a GoldenEar Triton 1r or something more on that size/price level for the room that you have which is not very big to begin with at 12 x 16.

Hey, I considered the GE tritons but I too am Vegan and don't buy products with wool in them.
Post removed 
soix
9,456 posts
 
What sound characteristics are most important to you and what would you like to improve upon over what you have now?  Can't make any meaningful suggestions without that critical info. 
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
@kosst_amojan The focals I'm thinking of are only 1 gen old (Utopia 3).

@soix I don't think there are specifics I want to necessarily improve... I just want everything to be better. I did hear the magico M2 which I realize is far more expensive and it sounded really amazing. Massive soundstage ultra detailed and impressive.
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