You should give Von Schweikert a try - either the E3 MK II, E5, VR-44, or VR-55 depending on your budget. All of these are very dynamic and easy loads for your amps. They are a better value and performance than the Wilsons or Vandersteens (which I prefer over the Wilsons).
Upgrade path from Wilson WattPuppy 7s? - seeking advice
I have a McIntosh system with a 275 tube amp, plus some PS Audio equipment. I play many different kinds of music - from Joe Bonamassa to Johannes Brahms.
I like the analytical quality of the WP 7's. They do seem to lack some midrange and do reproduce rock as well as some other speakers. So I previewed the following at Paragon Sound in Ann Arbor, and the price is a consideration. Here are my thoughts but am seeking advice:
(1) B&W 802 D3 - Better with rock, a bit mellow and not as analytical as the WP 7's. Better midrange than my current speakers.
(2) Wilson Alexia 1 - A bit pricey even with a hefty discount. Of interest, I found some of the higher resolution music files to be reproduced with too much complexity. The ability to discriminate transients, a feature of the WP speakers, seem to be diminished in the more elaborate sound provided by these speakers.
Any other suggestions? I do not want to spend a great deal of money, but have the ability if necessary.
Thanks in advance for any advice - Gerry
I like the analytical quality of the WP 7's. They do seem to lack some midrange and do reproduce rock as well as some other speakers. So I previewed the following at Paragon Sound in Ann Arbor, and the price is a consideration. Here are my thoughts but am seeking advice:
(1) B&W 802 D3 - Better with rock, a bit mellow and not as analytical as the WP 7's. Better midrange than my current speakers.
(2) Wilson Alexia 1 - A bit pricey even with a hefty discount. Of interest, I found some of the higher resolution music files to be reproduced with too much complexity. The ability to discriminate transients, a feature of the WP speakers, seem to be diminished in the more elaborate sound provided by these speakers.
Any other suggestions? I do not want to spend a great deal of money, but have the ability if necessary.
Thanks in advance for any advice - Gerry
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- 81 posts total
I have Egglestonworks Andras which I love and have enjoyed for many years. I had the upgrade bug and listened to a lot of different speakers without finding anything I liked better. Then I tried some different amps with my speakers, including the Mac 275 which I was disappointed with given the generally positive reviews. I upgraded to an Audio Research Ref5 SE preamp which made a huge improvement to my system and then a few months later tried some Audio Research Ref210 tube mono blocks which have been another huge improvement. I'm really amazed how much they improved everything without changing the character of everything I liked about my existing speakers. I second trying some new electronics first if you are otherwise generally happy and I highly recommend Audio Research. Adrian |
Hi Gerry Some more options to consider - DeVore - I like the Silverbacks, the Gibbon x is a great product as well. www.devorefidelity.com Verity Amadis S www.verityaudio.com/en/ Tidal Contriva g2 If you want to splurge http://www.tidal-audio.com www.thevoicethatis.com/pdf/The%20all%20new%20TIDAL%20Contriva%20G2.pdf I have a pair of the original Sonus Faber Cremona, they are dated. When I got the bug to upgrade but didn't have the scratch, I tweaked the speakers I had by 1. I put them on Isolator feet. 2. I switched out the driver screws with non ferrous brass screws 3. Added a pair of Rel B2 subs, one on each channel and performed steps 1&2 on them as well. This took some time, and luck but definitely worth it. I am truly realizing 100% performance out of my speakers. -The level of detail, and imaging in the midrange is euphoric. All in the cost was no more than 3.5K with the siltek bassline, and Analysis Plus power cables. Good Luck |
- 81 posts total