Where Do I Go from Here?

I suggest looking at speakers that have a radically different presentation than your Revels that will also work with your current electronics. Since you have lots of amplifier power and subs maybe a set of Maggie 2.7x. Keep the Revels and swap when you get the itch fort a change.

I can't recommend the Avior II's highly enough.

OP...Great idea to keep your current system and enjoy what you have until 2025.

From my view, since you like your current speakers and seem to be happy with your other gear I would consider;

New turntable/arm/cartridge. If you listen to pop vinyl that has limited dynamic range, a new analog front end may not do much for your enjoyment. If your vinyl listening library involves classical, well recorded world music, jazz or other records with larger dynamic range, a new TT/Arm/Cartridge might really give your listening sessions a pleasure boost. It might also be easier to home demo 3-4 new analog front ends instead of large, heavy speakers.

Nicely curated system, jmeyers, grats!

Of similar age, I relate to audio restlessness, especially linked with great passion for our hobby.  For me, it does NOT indicate we are not fully enjoying our systems, rather, it's again time to move closer towards our goals.  I find this quite normal in a fully engaging hobby, and exciting!  As for finding your system's "deficiencies"...my creative wife Mary's mantra, "Perfection is God's."

I find, there is always something we can do to move forward.  Here's another vote for the BACCH crosstalk cancellation.  I've been using the u-BACCH Plug-In version for nearly a year and it simply "freshens" everything.  Can a purist quibble?  Always.  Early on, studio recordings of great familiarity can sound "different."  Over months, I've come to enjoy the newness and find it endlessly fun.  Extremely well produced music with minimal production and miking benefit most, in my experience.  Think 2L, ECM, Red House Records, DG,  Proprius, RR, and of course, SOME of the old RCA Living Stereos quickly come to mind.  The Mercurys can be exceptional!:

A Fine Art: The Mercury Living Presence Recordings | Stereophile.com

In The Absolute Sound's recent July/August review of the Dutch & Dutch 8c loudspeakers by Reviewer Andrew Quint, he says, "...To my ears, at least when it comes to 'extent of resolution,' in most rooms for most listeners, you're getting 80% of what c-BACCH is capable of delivering."  Quint owns the c-BACCH.  

BACCH™ Filters: Optimized Crosstalk Cancellation for 3D Audio over Two Loudpseakers | The 3D3A Lab at Princeton University

I've not heard the c-BACCH, however, the 80% just might be my preference.  Center-fill remains natural, holography, depth, width and height, intimacy become grand.  Most important, for me, tonality improves.  Onwards!

More Peace    Pin          (bold print for aging eyes)

For starters, I'd check out the Vandersteen  Quatros https://www.vandersteen.com/products/quatro-wood-ct but if you're really bent on spending toward your $50K budget, check out the Vandersteen KENTO Carbon speakers (https://www.vandersteen.com/products/kento-carbon). I'm not in your budget league but really enjoy my Vandersteen Treo CTs.

I want to thank everyone for their thoughts. Over the past three months, I have been in a near-frenzy in upgrading elements of my audio system. Based in part on the advice others have graciously extended to me, I think that the best course of action for now is for me to listen over the next few months to the records and CDs I own (as well as to music I can stream) both for personal enjoyment and in order to  obtain a longer-term objective of which, if any, material deficiencies my audio system still manifests. The purchase of any new speakers, thus, are going to be deferred until 2025.

@grislybutter *fist>elbow>shoulder bumps*

Down with you on your general scope on your scene, Sarge.... ;) 👍😎

Don't have any entities or errors to leave it all to, and they'd not have a clue as to what to do with it anyway.....

Spouse and self have opted to take it all with us, after a fashion....

...pardon the 'greeting', but sounds great on 'phones...

Or, the Alternative....

Leave nothing but digital files...whatever That may entail.... ;)

Happy Sunday, J

I don’t think you are going to find something heads and tails better than you Salons unless your hearing is excellent. 

I don't know how large your retirement savings are, but I would (personally) be hesitant to spend that kind of money unless it is chump change to you. I am approaching my 77th birthday and have a pretty decent retirement nest egg. To me, there are so many things that I would rather spend on than more or "better" hi-fi gear. I came to the realization that perfection will never be achieved, no matter how much I spend. I also realized that for me, the chase was the motivating factor.

At my age, I've decided that I am more than pleased with my current modest system. I have spent in total, probably a lot less than many on this forum spend on speaker cables. In the end, do as you please and what will make you happy. Just remember that happiness is fleeting so act accordingly.

I should mention that 10 years I was a dealer for Wilson Benesch. It became very difficult for me to carry speakers that could not even come close to sound so clean, so transparent, so fast, but the midrange was to die fo...and they sound like real singers...male and female...j

I would not hesitate to strongly recommend Wilson Benesch speakers....totally high tech without the sterile sound...real organic music....

You seem to have great system and could just keep it and enjoy the music. If you want to change anyway one idea could be to get a Bacch SP or Bacch4Mac. Then you’ll get more dimensionality from just 2 speakers. I’ve heard it briefly and it was amazing. There are a number of reviews out there and you can listen to it at some shows.

If you still want to upgrade the speakers my favorites are Magico, Focal, MBL, YG, Borresen and Marten. Most of these have been mentioned, some haven’t.

Good luck!

I've been listening to my first generation Revel Salons since 2000. I've attended numerous RMAF audio shows since and have made various upgrades to other equipment, but have not heard any speakers I like better. I'm 76 so I guess I will just continue to enjoy my Salons.

When I moved from the salon 1 to the salon 2 the first thing I noticed was I'm going to need more power, but what really caught me was the salon 2's ability to do fine detail in the treble. I think exactly what you say you want more of in your description. The good news is there's a lot of great speakers out there that will give you what you're looking for.

Speaking with experience and ownership. You didn’t mention; I’d first run several dedicated 10awg , 20 amp AC lines. Use Furutech or Oyaide AC outlets. I like Oyaide R1 outlets. Then a Shunyata D6000S V.2 with the Typhon T2. power distribution. Then replace as many power cords with Shuyata Sigma or Alpha V.2 either NR or XC depending on the application. Then replace interconnects with Sigma’s V.2’s. Next replace the SVS subs with a Six Pack of REL S/812’s this is a vertical line array of three S/812’s on each side. At this point your system will sound so incredibly better there will be very little you’ll need to change. My advice would be to call Richard Rodgers at Shunyata and let him help you out some more. Tell him Erik sent you.

It’s not worth blowing your retirement savings! By all means, be happy and content with what you have, for it’s a lot better than most. Simply enjoy it!

Steaksta:

I just read reviews on the K2's-----pretty unanimous praise. The word "addictive" comes up often. That's what it's all about, isn't? I may have to check them out.

Steaksta — What a compelling recommendation. Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts here. I shall track down where I can hear the K2s. 

Soix — thank you for your incisive observations. 

As a 77 year old my advice is to simplify, simplify, simplify. Your wife/heirs have no idea what you have and will trash your system.

You can still enjoy a simpler system.

I understand your desire to upgrade, that is a big part of the fun of this hobby, but I am curious as to why you are so steadfast on not replacing any other components, only the speakers. Your system should be a synergy of the individual parts.

I’d rethink as to why you want to change up what amounts to the largest and most difficult component to home audition and physically install.

Your digital sources are top class, your analog source is decent but if you do listen to a lot of vinyl, a cartridge upgrade would be relatively inexpensive, easy, and very cost effective. I did own the Hana SL for a while. Lovely for the money but there are much better choices if you go up the food chain.

Finally, regarding your amplification. I personally have never been truly happy with my system unless I am using tubes for amplification and perhaps you might want to consider that. That dimensionality you are looking for, in my experience, can best be created with tubes. You could buy 2 monoblock tubes amps for the left and right for your music listening and keep one of the Macs for you center channel when you do Video.

Should you decide to go that route, you could buy used and if not to your liking, easy to resell and ship out.

Your speakers are considered to be very good. Changing them out might provide a different sonic perspective, but perhaps a sideways move with considerable inconvenience.

Good luck and hope I didn't open up a can of worms!

@jmeyers  
I have been to PS audio twice to hear the FR 30s. I was underwhelmed each time. Maybe it was the room. They are very detailed though. Too much for my tastes. The cabinet construction of the Rockports is vastly superior as well. My top three choices would be Rockport , Vimburg and Joseph Audio pearls. Let us know what you decided to go with. 

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!

...I guess that is just part of the fun.

...or frustration.

Agree it's best to demo yourself.  OP, I like your list. 

When I was shopping for speakers, I demoed the AviorII (sounded veiled but of one piece) and Magico A5 (better highs, but seemed not balanced top to bottom) at AXPONA - I suspect poor show room conditions. My someday end game target was a used Magico M3. The Vimberg Mino D sounded fantastic so I purchased the demo pair (by blowing up my budget).  Estellon almost always sound great, and wished that PS Audio would have made their FR30s available for demo at this AXPONA.  I've also heard and loved the S3 2023 comparably with the M3.

And there are others things out there too. 

First, of all -- to ALL of you, a big THANK YOU! I really appreciate your taking the time to respond to my original posting. It means a lot, as I value all of the responses.

I see that I provided an inadequate description initially, so permit me to supplement it. My media room has already been treated -- the walls (with multiple acoustical panels), the floor (with acoustical padding under the carpet), and the ceiling (broken up into two heights). Since I use this room for watching movies as well as listening to music, the actual speaker configuration is 7.4 (no ceiling speakers). My side speakers are Revel Ultima Embraces, and my rear speakers are Arendal 1723 S THX. They are driven by a Krell FPB 200c amplifier and a Krell KAV-250a amplifier, respectively. Also, in the rear, I have two SVS 3000 Micro subwoofers just to help smooth the frequency response throughout the room from around 60 Hz down. My preamplifier/processor (for HDMI inputs) is a Theta Casablanca V. It is a truly fine preamplifier; there isn't anything else like it on the market (certainly not the ones made by McIntosh, Trinnov, Lyngdorf, Storm Audio, etc.).

Insofar as what I am trying to achieve, I look at this upgrade to "end game" audio system status as my "last hurrah" -- and then I am finished. I have to say, though, that looking at, listening to, considering purchase of, and ultimately buying audio equipment has been my favorite pastime for nearly five decades. Going forward, I suppose, I'll focus on how good (or poor) the recordings to which I listen sound. Already, I do like how the music I play sounds in my media room. 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. I think that my source components and preamplifier send a signal to my amplifiers that contains all that I seek. Whether my current McIntosh amplifiers or my Revel Studio speakers are the reason that these "nth degrees" are missing, I have no idea. I do know, however, that for good reasons I am not about to change my amplifiers, and I am hoping that current state-of-the-art speakers (my Studios are now 21 years old) will provide the solution.

At present, the loudspeakers I am considering are the Rockport Avior IIs, the Magico S3 (2023 version), the Estellon XB Mk IIs, and the PS Audio FR30s. Thanks to the suggestions made in response to my posting, I need to add the JBL K2 S9900 and the Perlisten S7T Limited Edition. Unfortunately, in every case, determining which speakers I ultimately purchase will be an analytical exercise because I cannot listen to them first, ideally placed in my media room. In a very bizarre way though, I guess that is just part of the fun.

Please keep your thoughts and opinions coming. I really do welcome them.

Perhaps @deep_333 is waiting for his elders to fund his adult future

I would prefer to inherit or win or find money much rather than working for it. (Hasn't worked out yet, but one can always dream)

deep_333

At your advanced age of 75, you should probably give more money to your grandson for a house down payment, his audio rig, etc and not spend all your cash on yourself.

What? At some "advanced age" we should limit what for many of us has been a lifetime pursuit? That's BS.

Perhaps @deep_333 is waiting for his elders to fund his adult future. That's quite common with kids today.

Vandersteen Quatro CT would be my choice, for "only" $20k. 

https://www.stereophile.com/content/vandersteen-quatro-wood-ct-loudspeaker-m5-hpa-monoblock-power-amplifier

https://cdn.jpmorganfunds.com/content/dam/jpm-am-aem/global/en/images/insights/2024-gtr/widescreen/Slide4.PNG?v=1718120702953

This graph is for a 65-year-olds chances, so not exactly the 75 I quoted. Now, you can say that its not that big a chance, to which I would say, I like the odds.

I'm not quite as old (69) but I have had similar thoughts. I'm running a pair of Thiel CS6 speakers with Krell amplification. I have been to 3 audio shows and I have thus far concluded that to significantly better my system I'm going to have to spend in the neighborhood of six figures. A few speakers have stood out (MBL 101E, Von Schweikert Ultra 11, Sonus Faber Aida plus a few others) but for the most part my Thiels sound about as good as anything I've heard. I've only heard the Revel Ultima Studios once but I would put them in the same league.

My point is that I don't think you are going to do significantly better than your Revels without spending big bucks. The stress of hunting down a new pair of speakers that you realistically can't demo in your home and taking the chance that they are not a significant improvement (or maybe they would be worse) is not worth it. If you had $10 million in Invidia stock then what the heck? Live a little. But with the situation you have described this sounds like an endeavor that will have a lot of consternation and could easily end badly.

I love my kids too much to leave them any money

there are 1000s of good causes if you don't want to give it to your kids

Also, at 75 you have a good chance of hitting 90. 

That makes zero sense to me, mathematically, biologically, medically, etc. I would say you have a good chance of hitting 90 at 89.

I love my kids too much to leave them any money.  Also, at 75 you have a good chance of hitting 90. 

I'm becoming a bigger fan of the chameleon like TAD. 

At your advanced age of 75, you should probably give more money to your grandson for a house down payment, his audio rig, etc and not spend all your cash on yourself

yes, that sounds sensible even though getting into his circumstances that's not our business. But I am constantly amazed by money being no object here.

They are closing down but if you can get a good deal -  Canadian Verity audio  are a very good speakers.

I’m your age give or take a few and don’t listen to those who say don’t spend your money-I say enjoy it!  My wife, bless her, always supports me adding to the system.  I guess she figures we will pass the system onto someone.  So like someone suggested, i did get new hearing aids.  My suggestion is treat the room before changing anything else.  If you’ve already done so, then go for it.  Take the family on a trip to an audio show.  get them hooked.  Best,

I would not spend that kind of money on any audio component if I was in my mid 70's unless money was not an issue.

One hearing is not as good,

Two no new money coming in,

Three do you really need an upgrade or are you just wanting a change? 20 years happy is a good thing you may just make things worse by a change, I know I've done that.

Many have asked what is it you think your lacking? if you cannot answer that your just looking for a change. 

I suggest looking at speakers that have a radically different presentation than your Revels that will also work with your current electronics. Since you have lots of amplifier power and subs maybe a set of Maggie 2.7x. They are only $6k so you can save some of your retirement money. Keep the Revels and swap when you get the itch fort a change.

Plesse don’t forget horns. A vast generalisation would be Tannoys/Khorns are slower and Focal/Magicos are faster. Better put it’s a different sound. Vandersteens leave a lot of sox on the floor  
Sonus Faber keeps coming up. Hymn.  

I’m similar age and I have Sopra 3’’s plus a pair of REL 212 SX. My amplification is a pair of PrimaLuna EVO 400 power amps so tubes plus the EVO 400 preamp. I use many Shunyata and Cardas cables as well. I’m very happy with the Focal pairing. I’m sure the FR30’s would also be great. They do offer an in home trial period. That’s hard to beat. 

Borensen and Rhaido are amazing well design speakers. They are my favorite regardless of price at axpona 2024..

As I neared my 75th birthday, I decided that it was time for my “end game” audio system.

.......

Currently, I own Revel Ultima Studio (L & R) and Voice (center) loudspeakers as well as two SVS SB-16 subwoofers.

At your advanced age of 75, you should probably give more money to your grandson for a house down payment, his audio rig, etc and not spend all your cash on yourself.

Having said that, explore object based audio/atmos/360 reality before mother nature fully retires you. You have only been tinkering with a fossilized old technology called stereo for 60 years. Hence, get a pair of the Revel Gem2 standmounts and set them as Surrounds. Get a pair of their in-wall speakers and put them right above your listening position on either side as heights. 2 Surrounds and 2 heights is all you need.

Thereafter, get a good atmos processor such as the Marantz AV10. There is a sizeable/increasing catalog of atmos mixes (artists) these days.

I agree with others that attending an audio show or two will be time and money well spent. Hearing other gear will give you perspective and also help you rule out some options. I attended AXPONA this year primarily to hear a broad array of speaker systems and it was very helpful. Three brands stood out for me: QLN, YG Acoustics and the Rockport Aviors. Granted that speakers are not always shown under ideal conditions at the shows, but it will help you narrow the field. 

Plus 1 for the several different speakers it's like a choir many can be interesting.enjoy the trip and search I have met many wounderful people along the way going across  America picking up speakers over the past year from coast to coast.some of it is just part of an adventure.enjoy the music stay healthy. The fr 30s are heavy but I think they ps audio have people to help set up in home.i too hope to go to boulder soon.

You can't have too many speakers.  I would take $10k of your money and use it just for you journey.  Go and listen to as much and many as you possibly can.  I believe I currently have somewhere around 10 pairs of different speakers.  They all have their own voice.  A few years ago I was visiting my son in San Diego and my wife and son humored me and allowed me to visit a stereo store.  They had a room with a million dollar system set up.  It sounded really nice, but it didn't curl my toes.  They also had some speakers that were in the $10-$20k range.  Total toe curlers.  We all have unique ears.  Take the time and find a toe curler. 

I’m planning a drive to Colorado to check out the PS Audio speakers. I’d like to get the FR30’s, but I might have to get the 20’s, because my room isn’t all that big.

I’ll let you know what I end up with and why.

Congratulations on building a beautiful system. 
 

So it sounds like neither of three dealers want to do an in-home trial which I do believe is both worth doing and justified at this price point  

I’m not in the market for speakers, but did recently hear some Pearlstein At my local T+A Dealer when buying my DAC 200 recently…. I would like to hear them in my home one day
 

You can do that with a 60 day home trial from https://audiolab.com/product/perlisten-s7t-floor-standing-tower-speakers/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw74e1BhBnEiwAbqOAjF-Ybp13SaC8-jJqLqQfeeF2rhkNg76uon2GTAHr3p84ryO09aJlXRoC330QAvD_BwE

Considering your budget versus the cost of these speakers, you can certainly afford to pay return shipping on a couple of different choices from Internet dealers like this, considering no one “ Local to you” Wants to play ball…

@jmeyers 

What components were being used when you heard the Avior ii speakers? I have the Avior ii as well and they are phenomenal. Good luck in your search!