another Vandersteen fan....you should listen to the 5ACarbon
Wilson Audio Sabrina . . . I'm smitten. Should I consider others?
Went on a small audition trek last week and heard the following:
Tekton Double Impact SE (I was curious based on the posts/comments)
Magico S1 MKII
Magico S3 MKII
Devore Fidelity Orangutan 0/96
Wilson Audio Sabrina
The Wilson Sabrinas were not initially on my list, but when I stumbled across them while searching for Focal Sopra 2s, I couldn't resist. The Sabrinas were very impressive. In fact, after hearing the Magico S1 and S3, I went back to hear the Sabrinas a second time to confirm what I had heard. They were initially driven by the ARC Ref6 preamp and the new ARC $30K monoblocks, but the second trip I asked if they could be driven by more economical equipment, so they used the LS28 and VT80. The source was the dCS Rossini both times. Because there was no A/B comparison of equipment, I really didn't notice any drop off in performance.
The Sabrina's price point is my upper end, but I'd like to achieve a no stone unturned level of search/comfort before I pull the trigger. Most brands are not easily accessible in Kansas City, but I'm willing to make the effort if justified. Are there any other loudspeakers I should consider in this range? I listen mostly to older rock, blues, jazz, and female vocals Streaming with something like an Aurender A10 will be my primary source. My goal is to decide on the loudspeakers for this system, and work backwards into the components. That'll be a future question. Appreciate your time and help.
Tekton Double Impact SE (I was curious based on the posts/comments)
Magico S1 MKII
Magico S3 MKII
Devore Fidelity Orangutan 0/96
Wilson Audio Sabrina
The Wilson Sabrinas were not initially on my list, but when I stumbled across them while searching for Focal Sopra 2s, I couldn't resist. The Sabrinas were very impressive. In fact, after hearing the Magico S1 and S3, I went back to hear the Sabrinas a second time to confirm what I had heard. They were initially driven by the ARC Ref6 preamp and the new ARC $30K monoblocks, but the second trip I asked if they could be driven by more economical equipment, so they used the LS28 and VT80. The source was the dCS Rossini both times. Because there was no A/B comparison of equipment, I really didn't notice any drop off in performance.
The Sabrina's price point is my upper end, but I'd like to achieve a no stone unturned level of search/comfort before I pull the trigger. Most brands are not easily accessible in Kansas City, but I'm willing to make the effort if justified. Are there any other loudspeakers I should consider in this range? I listen mostly to older rock, blues, jazz, and female vocals Streaming with something like an Aurender A10 will be my primary source. My goal is to decide on the loudspeakers for this system, and work backwards into the components. That'll be a future question. Appreciate your time and help.
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- 84 posts total
@nkonor - Go see Mick and Dave at Quintessence Audio. They’ll bend over backwards to play your music. While their primary way to demo is streaming, they are definitely analogue guys and have great tables. This is where I fell in love with Wilson Sabrinas. And I love your one word description . . . “Live” @stringreen - Have heard well broken in Quattro CTs. Maybe I can hear them at Axpona this weekend. I’d love to hear them. |
kcpellethead, I know Mick since 1993. I bought my Spectral and Avalons from him. I the last 2 years, Mick has been to my house to mount cartridge, pickup gear and other things. He has been a good friend since my health issues started. Yes, I listened to a record played on his 'baby' AMG TT, with the optical cartridge he has mounted on it. Even with his HRS racks, the woofers on the Sabrina's were pumping. Must be a mismatch between arm and cartridge. I have heard the optical cartridge on his full size AMG with no problems. Yes, Mick is a good dealer and Dave has been great, since he came on board. "Live" is the word that still sticks in our heads for the Sabrina's There are other dealers and New dealers in the Chicago area. Mick at Quintessence Audio is still one of the best. Audio Consultants lost another store. I think, Evanston is the only one left. I hear Pro Musica lost Mark and moved their location. Have not confirmed this myself yet. We will see who is at Axpona this year. Ralph (Atmasphere, will not be there because they broke their contract with him.) I have not visited the new dealers in Chicago, due to my health issues and the fact that Mick has been there to help me through these terrible years |
KCpellethead, you said "smitten", I said "crush". I'm spoiled though in that I work for a HiFi store in Kc called devAAudio. We have the SabrinaX, the Tune Tots, and Sasha DAW's. Soon we will have the Wilson AlexV's on display. Feel free to stop by, we have showroom hours now Tuesday-Friday 1-6, and Saturday 10-3. Hope you can make it, and if you need help working backwards, maybe we can help there too. www.devaaudio.com Bri West, devAAudio. |
- 84 posts total