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Where Do I Go from Here?

As I neared my 75th birthday, I decided that it was time for my “end game” audio system. Thus, for the past 2-1/2 years, I have slowly and carefully upgraded my sources, my amplification, and my cabling – with very pleasing results. At this time, I have:

Digital – Bricasti M19 SACD transport and M21 DAC; Shunyata Sigma V2 Ethernet and DH Labs Air Matrix Cryo analog interconnect cables.

Analog – Technics SL-1200G turntable w/Ortofon headshell; Hana SL cartridge; Cardas Clear Cygnus phono cable; PS Audio Stellar phono amplifier; Wireworld Eclipse 8 interconnect cables.

Amplification – Theta Digital Casablanca V preamplifier; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (L, C, & R); Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables and Eclipse 8 analog interconnects.

Currently, I own Revel Ultima Studio (L & R) and Voice (center) loudspeakers as well as two SVS SB-16 subwoofers. I purchased all three Revel speakers in 2004, and they have served me well for the past 20 years. Except when listening to multi-channel SACD for watching Blu-ray concerts, I only use my main left and right speakers. My media room has four walls and a door; its size is around 6,000 cubic feet.

What I have been wrestling with is whether, given my other equipment (which I have no intent on replacing), I should buy new speakers and, if so, which should I consider. Recently, for example, I listened to a pair of Rockport’s Avior IIs, albeit using source components and amplifiers different than mine. They seemed perhaps better in some regards, but not so much so as to make a compelling case to purchase them as an upgrade. Another friend, who just acquired his PS Audio FR30 speakers, is urging me to consider buying a pair of the FR30s.

There certainly are numerous speaker lines out there. Consequently, I decided to post my “dilemma” here and invite others to provide their suggestions (ideally with their reasoning). My absolute top budget is $50K. However, this purchase would be funded by my retirement savings, and I certainly would prefer spending less. Also, maybe the better course is to keep my Revels and be happy and content with what I already have.

Many thanks for your reading this entire posting.

jmeyers

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
10,176 posts
 

What I would like to achieve is a little greater 3-dimensionality, a little greater accuracy in those faint sounds (such as a gently struck triangle at the back of the orchestra, better definition of singers in a massed chorus (e.g., Carmina Burana or Ode to Joy), etc. -- all while maintaining the wonderful musicality I now enjoy.
 

The first speaker that came to mind is the Joseph Audio Pearl or maybe even the Perspective 2 for about half the price if you’re also using subs for 2 channel.  Other speakers I’ve heard that do very well producing a 3D soundstage are ProAc, Wilson, Vandersteen, and Usher.  Rockport can do this too, but with your amps and considering your current speakers I’d be a little concerned they might be a little too polite up top, but that’s just a guess.  I also thought the Magico Q7s I heard were great but didn’t have quite the musicality/emotion the others generated — maybe just a little too clinical for me.  But given what you’re looking for the JA Pearls would be atop my list and are true end-game speakers IMO and certainly worth a trip to go out of your way to hear.  Best of luck!

soix
10,176 posts
 

The possibilities are vast, so what specific improvements would you be looking for?  At that price level I’d hit an audio show or two (even if it requires a flight) to hear several contenders that interest you to see which ones really “do it” for you. 

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