Have spent a fair amount of time lately to the Wilson line from Alexia on down. They are very fast and neutral. They will let you hear the differences in your components. The Sophia 3 maybe more musical than the Sasha. I also liked the Rockports I've heard. I have heard a few of their line, but was impressed with their lowest cost one (forget the name). I like the Legacy Aeris too but it's very big and ugly to me. I like many of the Avalons too, but their ceramic driver speakers aren't my real cup of tea to live with long term.Exciting, but to me, not as musical or real as the Vandersteen line (Treo CT on up to the 7's).
I need a speaker that doesn't smear and is fast. First order xover and time and phase coherent speakers have been one of the only types that I like over the long haul and then they have to be implemented properly and also offer a WAF package to boot. I put my money where my mouth is by switching over the Vandy's and I'm hoping like heck that I will be able to afford an upgrade to the Quatro's a you can put them where you want (close to the wall) and still get a big soundstage, but you can dial in your bass (the dealer sets them up for you) so that they fit most any room, even small ones. They go really low in the bass for organ music lovers, but are naturally extended in the highs, just like real live music is. I needed something that can play great on every type as I listen to virtually everything.
I rarely even think about the components or speakers anymore as I love my music. It's the first time in my life that I've been able to do this.
Most audiophiles I'm friends have switched with me once they gave the upper line Vandy's a try. Again, I could easily live with some other lines of speakers, but I still keep coming back to the Vandy's just like many of you come back to Verity (I've heard only one pair of these and loved them too) or Wilson or Rockports. We all have our biases and hear for different things. Go listen and let us know your thoughts.
I do hope you get some higher end components home to see what your speakers can really do for you.
