Which one? Paradigm persona 3f, Revel Studio2, Audiosolution Figaro L, Goldenear reference


Guys, I am new here and have been following many topics here. I am like an audio enthusiast (not a audiophile by any means) and just did my 2 channel stereo with B&W 702 S2 with Naim Unity atom: It is also connected to TV via optical cable in living room. They sound very good overall and am happy with it.
Now, I am planning to complete a home theater in basement: I am considering 2 options.
1. Either using my B&W 702 S2 as part of 7.1.4 set up in basement and get a new 2 channel stereo.
2. Keeping the current set up in living room and buy a separate set of speakers in basement for 2 channel stereo for music and L/R for home theater.
I went to audition B&W 802 D3 and 803 D3 at Houston, while I was on business trip. At the same place, I auditioned Audiosolutions Figaro L and XL. Those speakers sound "amazing". The sound stage, bass were excellent. The mid were very good. The highs were not as good as B&W, but very close. I have selected them over B&W 8 series above. I am close to get Figaro L. But, have heard a lot of reviews on paradigm persona 3f, revel studio2 and goldener reference (somewhat within the price range, I am willing to pay). Has anybody had to make decision with similar speakers. Any body with expereince with above speakers ?, especially audiosolutions. I will soon go for audition of paradigm, revel studio2 and f228be. Hard to find a goldenear dealer for audition close to Indianapolis. Is there any other speakers in this price range (10-13), that is worth ?. I did audition Focal soprano N2 and very good overall. Still in the list of probables.
I had auditioned Dynaudio contour 60. Not my taste. 
romney80

Showing 2 responses by pbrown57

My wife and I recently built a home theater designed for audio excellence.   I went with the GE Triton 2+ for main L/R I auditioned speakers that were 30,000 and $40,000 that don’t sound as good. I also  use the GE center Chanel reference for center channel, and use GE for the surround ceiling and surround left right. I do have a pair of Martin Logan for the surround rear. Both use the folded ribbon tweeter which provides smooth hi frequency response to 35k. The main left and right have an integrated subwoofer system 1200 Watts power each. The bass is exceptionally good, tight and crisp down to 12 hz. Even though it’s an 11 channel all Dolby Atmos system I listen primarily to live concert video footage.  I also listen to SACD music some in stereo only.  B and W to my ears are to much “in my face”   I don’t want flinch every time the drummer hits the snare drum. I’ve been a huge Sandy Grosse fan for years and I find his speaker designs exceptional.  I can listen to them for hours without getting listeners fatigue. I’m exceptionally happy with Goldenear  I  recommend them highly!  
mwatsme Thanks for your B & W feedback.  I agree detail is very important but IMO accurate reproduction of the music content is the most important.  Does the system accurately reproduce the timbre and tonal qualities of the instruments?  Is it natural sounding?  Remember that old commercial is it live or is it ...……..? Can you turn it up to 100db or more and not hurt your ears?  My Goldenear system provides those details without hurting my ears.  I've been listening to some old material on my new system and I've been hearing details I've previously not heard.  Just as a side note if you have a home  Dolby ATMOS system and you want something to "test" it and or "punish" it as the case may be. Check out "Hans Zimmer Live in Prague"  Available in 4KUHD mixed in DOLBY 11 Chanel ATMOS.  Could be the best mixed musical content I've heard. Very diverse in musianship,  styles and instrumentation with lots of details and dynamics.  If you want to wow your friends and show off your system this will do it. P.S. be advised if there is anything loose on your walls or lacking in your system it will be revealed.