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Speaker upgrade

I would like to hear thoughts on upgrading my speakers. I am very happy with my current system, but am thinking of upgrading the speakers. Not made up my mind yet, but very close. I have changed my gears recently and deciding whether to keep my current speakers or try different.
I currently have Aerial acoustics 7T, with 2 REL S5/SHOs. Aerial acoustics 7T are one hell of a speaker, and I never thought I will change them: they are very neutral and transparent, which plays exactly what you feed them. I still think they are excellent and In fact, on many forums, I have constantly bragged about them and still do, for good reasons. But I guess, time has come to change. Looking for speakers with better resolution, big soundstage, organic and sweet mids. If I can get more of everything my 7T does, it will be a jackpot. Budget is < 35K (used OK).
I have thought of Magico S5 MK2, Vimberg Tonda, Marten Mingus, Rockport Avior II. Others include Von Shweikert VR55 and Vivid Audio Giya G1. Hard to audition all, but have heard S5 Mk2 and Rockport Avior II which are close top.
My other systems include, AF strumento no. 4 mk2 amps, VAC renaissance mk V pre-amp fed by Luxman D-10x (DAC/SACD player) and Antipodes CX/S30 (server/streamer). I use roon mostly and listen vocals, Jazz, classical, Indie Rock, contemporary instrumental and the likes. Room size is 17 x 14 and height is 10 feet. I have already done all room acoustics. Cables are Silversmith Fideliums (never going to change that) and Shunyata anaconda/python, TQ black diamond and AQ Hurricane.
romney80
laaudionut
241 posts
 
If you are seriously considering speakers north of $25K, TAD should be on your audition list. Far more engaging and musical than that of Magico, Wilson, and Rockport. The VR55's, however, are something special.
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,651 posts
 
Wouldn't it be cool if you could just bolt a supercharger onto the 7t and be done? There's a pair of persona 9h currently listed for less than a pair of 5f's so buy em and try em. They do better with warmer electronics but at the price they're listed if you don't like them at home resell them.

I have the persona 7f I bought in october this year and while I don't think I need the 9h capabilities for my music at this price I would have.
pophaudio
75 posts
 
I own Wilson Sophia I was happy with my system  , after I audition Rockport Cygnus I couldn’t erase that sound from my head and I just had to stopped listening my equipment for a month to adjust my self to the previous state . Rockport that’s it!!! Ofcours who can afford it 🙂
gsmith5
37 posts
 
I listened to the Rockport speakers at Axpona 2019, I believe they were the Avior II. I was really impressed, in fact I listened to them twice. As long as the form factor and weight are ok for you, they would get my vote.
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
@laauadionut TAD speakers are one hell of a speakers. The one which I like is the reference one, but they are very expensive and even if I get used one, difficult to sell them. Besides, they are heavy beasts.

@john1 I wish aerial acoustics start making new speaker lines. They have vanished except for audiogon discussion forums. The 20T looks very outdated and off. But have heard from people they sound fantastic.

@ggc. I admired the Gamut Rs7i. I listened to them and they are one of the best speakers to listen for extended periods. I listened to them with Accuphase integrated (don’t remember the model). At first, they sounded dull, but as you listen, you realize how finesse they are, with good dynamics and adds soul to the voice. I thought they expensive for their offerings and even if I buy one, they are difficult to re-sell,

I know many have recommended Wilson Audio. I like them and at some point, I considered WA Sasha DAW. But their looks are like split personality. They look good with grills on, but with girls out, they look very ordinary. They do sound fantastic, mostly with grills out. Besides they need at least 4 feet from the from the front wall to get best results, and this position will be like touching my seating area.

I have kept Rockport Avior II on top so far. Once I audition, it might change, but doubt it.
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