2. speakers
  3. 155317-98929

About to audition Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Grand Reference - advice?

Hi,
I have been listening to Aerial Acoustics 7Bs ( 86 dB sensitivity) for nearly 20 years.  About to audition the VA Beethoven Grand Reference.  90 dB sensitivity.  $12k.  I have a Balanced Audio Technology VK75SE - 75 watts.  700 Joules of power.
Question #1: I always felt the Aerials were under powered.  I'm going to hear the VA BGR with a Pass amp -- not tubes.  Does anyone have any LISTENING experience with this new speaker using 75 watts of tube power?
Question #2: Suggestions for speakers in the $8-12K range ... good for full orchestra (think Mahler 5th), jazz (HHancock, Miles, FHubbard etc), female vocals and 70s rock (Zep, AC/DC, Neil, Yes, Genesis).  Aesthetics are VERY important.  And space is an issue, so no large panels.
Thanks.

Joe
128x128jmfawdofile
simao's avatar
simao
1,750 posts
 
Yes. Listen and enjoy. They're wonderful speakers
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
I really do wonder how much of an improvement the new Reference line is over the previous models.  For comparison, you can get a used Liszt for considerably less than the new price of the Concern Grand.  Hmmm.
jmfawdofile's avatar
jmfawdofile OP
23 posts
 
Thanks all for the suggestions.  I failed to add that the aesthetics of the speaker is extremely important.  I can't live with Focals or Wilsons.  Or the VA Liszt or a few others.  They sit in a semi-formal living room.  And the VA Beethoven Grand Reference is like a twin to the Aerial 7B.  It sounds great and looks great.  Now I just have to get the speaker cables right.

Joe
jond's avatar
jond
5,689 posts
 
Congrats on your new speakers Joe!
rockeymarkb
15 posts
 
Congrats on your new VA speakers.  I recently bought VA BBGs, Symphony Edition (NOS).  What is the difference between the new Reference and the replaced Symphony Edition?  I find it interesting you liked Focals which to me are polar opposites from Vienna Acoustics.  Once again, weigh back in when they are broken in and congratulations!
More to discover