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.

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xjmeyers

With that budget and before you sell those difficult to outperform Studio's, I would insist on an in home comparative audition.  

As consumers we simply do not have the years of variety listening ability and experience that some audio professionals possess.

When I was at this point I was replacing Paradigm Studio 100's with Avalon Acoustics Eidolons. The comparative audition was so reveling even my family could hear the stunning improvement in cohesiveness and all around musicality at all listening levels within the first few notes. 

This also had the added benefit of easily avoiding the remorseful financial outlay.

Don't miss your yearly cardiology checkups. All the best.

  

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Dear M-DB,

Thank you for your thoughtful response. The nearest Rockport dealer is 250 miles away, and he doesn't make house calls for such a distance. There is a local Magico dealer, but, again, he has expressed similar unwillingness to provide a home demonstration. The same attitude has been conveyed by his local competitor, who is the Estelon dealer here.

I think that I shall ultimately have to (a) do my homework and (b) pray. This is, I suspect, what most audiophiles are reduced to doing these days when deciding on new speakers.