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Avalon Acoustics vs Wilson Audio

I would like to know how Avalon's sound compared to Wilson's. I heard that they have a similar sound, but just want to make sure from other peoples experience. I have heard, Sophia 3's, Sasha w/p, and the x2. I liked all 3 models. I haven't heard any Avalon's yet. I will definitely be looking to audition. Just thought I would ask for now.

My budget ($15k-$30k)is pretty broad for the sake of keeping an open mind. Realistically I'm thinking $20k'ish. That price is just for the pair of speakers mind you.

My current setup consists of Paradigm studio 60's v.5 (mains), cc-590 v.5 (center), studio 10's v.5 (rear's), Arcam avr-600. Primarily its an HT system, but I use it for music alot as well. It's a pretty good sounding system, but I've grown out of it for music. Its a superb setup for gaming and movies though. This is pretty much why I'm thinking of a dedicated 2ch setup.

Second option, is to upgrade my current system with better speakers. Use an outboard dac dedicated for music in conjunction with the avr-600. It would still be a 5ch system in the end though.

Any thoughts?
kazmann
bigpond
58 posts
 
I love both brands Avalon & Wilson and have owned both but if you like dynamics and let's face it we all like to play music loud sometimes don't we? It's Wilson Audio for me everytime!!!
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
You want to keep the Arcam? Arcam is no match for Avalon or Wilson. Arcam is a brand which is not good at depth. Depth is the strongest property of Avalon. So you need an amplifier who is capable of this.
soundwise
39 posts
 
Wilson really does not have the =great sound until you spend for the top of the line....Verity Sarastro or lowengren are on a different plane...more for music lovers instead of analyzing cds...also, wilson uses cheap drivers and charges a lot of $$$...
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Trcnetmsncom, well said. I had listened to Eclipse and Eidolons in stores and shows for some time and they simply didn't, "hit me over the head," the way the Paradigm Studio 100s did.

I bought the Paradigms and began a merry-go-round of replacing electronics. I was fixed on the speaker and not the music. A few years later I tried the Studio 100 version 2. Thanks to a knowledgeable friends persistence I gave up on the Paradigms and purchase a pair of used Eidolons.

Within the first hour listening to the Eidolons at home this whole audio thing became very clear. Now after living with the Avalons I've only experienced a handful of speakers that sound correct to me.
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
The thing I noticed with Wilson Audio speakers is that most of this people had a lot of acoustic problems. Even with very musical amps classical music did not sound as it should be. Depth is ok, but there are enough speakers which do this better. I sold Avalon for about 6 years. I prefer them over Wilson Audio. But I am still not convinced about it. The stage is deep and wide, but instruments and voices are smaller and more sharper focussed in real than wenn I hear it at Avalon speakers. For realism in sound for classical music I prefer B&W 800,801 and 802 and the top od Sonus Faber. These speakers are not perfect either and have the limitations to be poor in depth.
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