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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
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
I have speakers that I like a lot.  I would never consider replacing them with anything I have not heard, unless it is an upgrade of the same brand.  Many of the people here have things I do not care for, and I am certain the feeling should be mutual.  Don't listen to us.  Listen to the speakers.
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
@danvignau I wish it is easy as you say. There are some things we know and some things we don't know. I thought, the list I started was good enough. Only with exchanging ideas (audiophile world is pretty small) do we get to know more about real world experience and also got to know some new ones (even though too many new suggestions, which is expected in any forums), which I was not aware. Many times, when we listen to them in dealers, it does not exactly translate to what we hear at our house. This has happened many times. I wanted to get some "real world" experience from people who have "heard" them, and hence the post.
At same time, I agree with your recommendation about upgrading to same brand. I wish Aerial acoustics made better and bigger version of 7t, like 9t or 10t. 20t is too outdated and looks awkward compared to contemporary looks of 7t. 
4425
861 posts
 
Wilson’s with the latest soft dome tweeter are what you’d want in that brand. The DAW or Yvette bought used would probably fit your bill. However I would also take a listen to Magnepan if you have the room for them. I think 10k and downward would get the job done if you have the space. 
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
@4425 I had Wilson in my list especially Sasha DAW. They are amazing speakers, but as mentioned, they need to kept at least 4 feet from front wall and also their looks is "like it or hate it". I have never fell for those looks, especially when you take those grills out. And they sound best with grills out.
Magnepans are very big. I like their sound but their size is too big for me. I do like tall speakers, but they are pretty big. 
I am very close to finalize monitor audio PL500II. They are a lot of speaker for the money and very under rated. Not many have heard, but those who have heard them, have kept it as end game speakers. The other speaker above this one is Rockport Avior II, but I think I will buy MA PL500II and save some money. 
Will eventually wait for VSA VR-55 later, if I get a good deal. 
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
@bpoletti I would like to thank you for your suggestion of placing the artificial ficus tress behind speakers. I placed few artificial palm trees behind my speakers, and yes they made huge improvement in sound. They are very good sound diffusers and made huge change in sound positively. I think, this is one of the best bang for buck on SQ other than my Fidelium speaker cables. I am planning to get some artifact ficus trees to keep between the speakers too. Once I get my new speakers and all set up, I am going post more, including pictures on Agon. 
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