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New Speaker advice

I'm torn on new speakers...thoguht I would canvass this forum, which I have much respect for. I have done extensive auditioning at hi-fi stores, and am still torn! I do however have it narrowed down to the following:

1. Revel f206

2. Revel f36

3. Focal Aria 936

4. MoFi Sourcepoint 10

Initially, I was all in on the Revels because of how well the measure, particularly off axis, since I have an open concept living room kitchen that is wide. So the majority of my in store demos focused on them exclusively. To my surprise, I actually preferred the cheaper f36 models to the f206, perhaps due to the 1.8kHz crossover  between the tweeter and the top woofer, which is quite low...or perhaps it's due to the slightly higher sensitivity...or maybe it was just paired with a better amp. But regardless, to my ears, the f36 was just a more fun and exciting listen than the f206 which felt a bit bland and boxed in by comparison, despite being the better 'measuring' speaker. 

Being confused by the Revels in this way, I started exploring the Focal Aria line, and really enjoyed the Aria 936. Compared to the Revels, it sounded more 'exciting' to my ears...more forward without being fatiguing, big open soundstage and really nice texture. 

Recently, I auditioned the Mofi Sourcepoint 10 because, like many, I wanted to see/hear what all the hype was about. I was suspicious, even with Andrew Jones as the designer, with it being Mofi's first foray into speaker design...but I was honestly kind of blown away by them. 

At the moment, I am tempted by the Sourcepoints, but they are pushing my budget at over 3,500K with stands. To that end, the Aria 936 can be found in great used condition for around $2,500 and the Revel f36 for even less still.

Just curious if anyone has heard all of these speakers and has any feedback / insight? Or recommend anything at a similar price point. Attributes I'm looking for are: Open, airy sound but not too bright, great midrange (priority), and good off axis response (horizontal).

Current set up for context:

Vandersteen 3A, powered by Audio Research D-300, Denon 4700 as preamp, Topping D90 DAC, Sota Comet TT with Rega Exact cart and Parasound JC3 Jr phono pre.

Thanks 

128x128mattsaunders2000
lanx0003
676 posts
 

@jetter I am going against the flow here, but I have a friend with an older Denon AVR and I am always amazed at how good it sounds. I have always thought Denon makes very nice sounding gear for its price points.

I believe the issue lies in using an AVR as a preamp. I have personally experienced this when using the Cambridge Azur 851A integrated amp as a preamp through its pre-out. While the Azur 851A sounds wonderful by itself as an integrated amp, the sound fidelity from its preamp section via the pre-out is poor, constrained, and heavily attenuated for some reason. It’s better to connect directly to the amplifier. If someone has had a similar experience, they may chime in to share their insights.

georgeblue9
4 posts
 

Focal are made in France 100%, the other two, China, if that matters.

nordicnorm
313 posts
 

I always recommend focusing on the weakest link in the audio chain. Your Vandersteen’s are definitely not your weakest link.

See if you can borrow a decent preamp (that falls within your budget) to plug into your system first before getting rid of your current speakers.

lanx0003
676 posts
 

It is straightforward to assess whether the AVR used as a preamp is a weak link, as many have commented. Simply compare it to a direct connection of your DAC with the AR D300, both using XLR and SE connections, and you’ll know immediately.

Finding a preamp that pairs well with your D90 and D300 in terms of impedance is not a problem since both have decent low output impedance and high input impedance. However, finding one with good synergy will take time and effort, but it will be worthwhile. You could start by experimenting with an AR preamp, as preamps often have better synergy with power amps from the same brand. My little gem Parasound Zpre2 pairs very well with two parasound amplifiers I currently have. The sonic quality is improved over the direct connection with airier treble, greater dynamics, and more expansive soundstages.

soix
8,775 posts
 

I always recommend focusing on the weakest link in the audio chain. Your Vandersteen’s are definitely not your weakest link.

@nordicnorm Although I agree with your basic strategy I have to disagree in this specific situation.  While the older 3As are certainly well-regarded classic speakers and for good reason, their characteristic rolled-off treble is clearly not to the OP’s liking and won’t be fixed by adding a new preamp.  Plus, that lack of treble detail will be a disadvantage when evaluating stereo preamps as they will mask important information precisely in the area where the OP has issues.  He’s clearly gonna upgrade the speakers, which is why, although not optimal, I suggested upgrading speakers first in his system as it is and then use them to choose the preamp that synergizes best with both the new speakers and his specific tastes.  Could be wrong, but that’s definitely the way I’d approach it in this specific situation. 

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