Help with speaker selection


Hi all,

I’ve considering upgrading from my beloved Aerial 10T’s which will remain in a second system. What I’m looking to improve from the 10T’s is the detail, while maintaining the extreme listenability the Aerials bring (zero harshness). Also I want to improve in the lower mid bass/bass detail. The 10T’s will play low but the detail could be better.

So far I’ve been impressed with the Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V’s. They really impressed me with all of the attributes I’m looking to improve over my Aerials. They had a wonderfully cohesive presentation with detail and no harshness. The bass was outstanding and articulate.

I’ve only begun shopping so I’m looking for other recommendations to consider. I heard the Aerial 7T’s and was not nearly as impressed as I was with the SF’s.

Others on the list that I haven't heard yet include:

Revel Salon2/Studio2

Aerial 20T V2 (impossible to find!)

 

Amps will be JC1’s, with a solid state front end (Levinson).

Thanks in advance!!

Ag insider logo xs@2xhk_fan

I’m going to throw my 2 cents in here bc I almost bought Aerial 10Ts many years ago. I ended up with Genesis 500s which my brother still has and loves. So I’m guessing we may have similar tastes in sound. I too use Ayre DAC-streamer and amp, with BAT tube preamp. In winter I use my BAT monoblock amps which are way too hot to run in summer here. Anyway, after many auditions of speakers I ended up with Audio Physic Avantera+ which I heard in the one remaining bricks and mortar shop around here about 7-8 yrs ago. These speakers sound absolutely gorgeous, perfectly blended bass, no need for a sub (for me anyway), amazing detail and wide deep soundstage. I am chiming in bc I just saw a pair of the newer version Avantera III in gorgeous ebony for sale on USAudiomart for $9950. These are $30k speakers. Mine were $25k and I bought a demo pair from the dealer for $13k and thought it was a great deal. i had to mention Audio Physic bc they dont have fanboys (or girls) but are an amazingly good line of speakers for those of us who like this kind of sound. 

@vernv said

Gershman Grand Avant Garde. Very musical and well within your price range.

+1 .  I heard these at CAF and they were outstanding.  So were the WestminsterLab amps.

I have a set of the GAG's and can vouch for their musical presentation. Very easy to listen to for long periods of time.