Phase 1 of next speaker purchase
In an effort towards my absolute sound, at some point I am going to move on from my speakers. I’ve had them since 5/2016 and it’s probably the longest I have ever had a pair.
Minimal to no urge for something better but as a nutcase, I am always open to changes.
I listen about 2-3 hours every night, solitude, stereo room. I have 2 other systems, based on Focal Kanta 2 and Sonus Faber Olympica 3 which I have been happy with. I would try not to purchase a same brand unit, something about having 2 of the same brand speakers is kinda weird to me.
So, I have auditioned although in a subpar and compromised set up:
Paradigm Persona 5F
Revel Salon 2
I found that I was very surprised by the Salon 2. I mean talk about a speaker that is just like a window. I was drooling over how good I could make that speaker sound in my set up.
The Persona 5F sounded a little uneven and maybe a tad bright-ish, but it was heavily compromised in set up and I would need more time with it with better electronics. I could live with it, but would like to explore their bigger units and maybe the Persona 9H.
Any other usual suspects from the group? I try to stay away from highly boutique speakers as I need some resale after my 4 years or so is done.
This is a very early step, nothing’s happening likely for 12-18 months but it’s fun to look for sure!
Minimal to no urge for something better but as a nutcase, I am always open to changes.
I listen about 2-3 hours every night, solitude, stereo room. I have 2 other systems, based on Focal Kanta 2 and Sonus Faber Olympica 3 which I have been happy with. I would try not to purchase a same brand unit, something about having 2 of the same brand speakers is kinda weird to me.
So, I have auditioned although in a subpar and compromised set up:
Paradigm Persona 5F
Revel Salon 2
I found that I was very surprised by the Salon 2. I mean talk about a speaker that is just like a window. I was drooling over how good I could make that speaker sound in my set up.
The Persona 5F sounded a little uneven and maybe a tad bright-ish, but it was heavily compromised in set up and I would need more time with it with better electronics. I could live with it, but would like to explore their bigger units and maybe the Persona 9H.
Any other usual suspects from the group? I try to stay away from highly boutique speakers as I need some resale after my 4 years or so is done.
This is a very early step, nothing’s happening likely for 12-18 months but it’s fun to look for sure!
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
Comments
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Having heard the Salon 2s extensively at my buddy’s shop and acknowledging my impressions of them are similar to yours...and also acknowledging that you said you want to steer away from boutique brands...
I would take the Rosso Fiorentino Volterras over them every day and twice on Sunday.
Similar MSRP but different design methodologies and it really shows in the attention to sound detail."Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip -
Salk , baby , Salk !
VkPS Audio S300 , WiiM Ultra , Yamaha wxc-50 , Salk SuperCharged Songtowers , Kimber Kable 4TC, Sony 42” - BEDROOM
B&K EX-442 ( it will go in my casket when I die ... ) , PS Audio 4.6 preamp ( old school , but it still jams on ... ) , Eversolo DMP-A6 , Boston Acoustic voyager 7’s - POOL
Parasound A21, Eversolo DMP-A8 , Kimber Kable 4vs , Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Towers , Sony XBR-A8F 65” OLED - DEN , MAIN system
Onkyo TX-nr609 , Polk atrium 7 , Boston acoustic sound ware (4) , Boston acoustic sub , B&W center , Sharp 65” TV - PATIO -
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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Have you auditioned the Revel F328Be?
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Have you auditioned the Revel F328Be?
I did not. I heard it was good. My friend bought a pair and yet to be delivered. Came from Sopra 2.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
I must say, the Salon 2.... really really good. Still has some issues when I listened:
Imaging wasn’t as tight as I wanted it.
Some treble harshness are times
But otherwise, staging was very open and spot lit, which is what I like.
I bet if I had it with my equipment and avenger, I would really push it further.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
So, I have auditioned although in a subpar and compromised set up:
Paradigm Persona 5F
Revel Salon 2
Was this at the small, almost square room at Nebraska furniture mart? I feel like those two are always on display in there with the Anthem electronics. Can't find a sales guy there that knows anything about them, but they've probably been in there for 2+ years now.
I agree, but at the price of the Salon 2, you're almost to the Siena. Not to mention the Siena series 2 is out now.I would take the Rosso Fiorentino Volterras over them every day and twice on Sunday.
Similar MSRP but different design methodologies and it really shows in the attention to sound detail.
Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs -
Have you considered Polk Audio Monitor 7s?
Get a minty pair....send the crossovers to Westmassguy for a little rehab....sit back relax.....done! -
what's your budget?Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
I've never been dissatisfied with any of the Rosso's I've heard. That being said Legacy and Focal need in the mix here as well.
I'm a sucker for the Legacy Whispers although when I heard the pair at Bills place that generation was all passive. I've not heard the newer versions with the active amps. -
So what exactly is a “highly boutique” brand? One with limited distribution and/or name recognition? I understand Joey wants some decent resale value at the end of several years of use, but I say buy what moves you and take your lumps (or not) when you sell.
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There are so many awesome speakers out there on the used market. High end brands resale terribly, you get the Alexandria xlf for 65k, tremendous discount from new!
You can get the old X2 for around 30k, which is a fantastic speaker.
The original grande utopia can be had for 20k to 25k!
The world is your oyster- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
So what exactly is a “highly boutique” brand? One with limited distribution and/or name recognition? I understand Joey wants some decent resale value at the end of several years of use, but I say buy what moves you and take your lumps (or not) when you sell.
I agree, I wouldn't worry about resale value unless I bought it to sell it. I buy audio equipment for sound quality only. -
Can you audition these? If they are any good I may pick some up for surround duty.
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ha ha !
couldn't resist ...
but seriously , I have been so eargasmically blown away by every Salk I've heard it's a no brainer for me.....
I know I keep saying this , but , the big Raal tweeter really has to be heard to be believed.
there IS a reason you don't see them up for sale used that often , besides the fact they're a small manufacturer...
Veracity ST's will be my next ones.
what is the budget , btw ?
bk
PS Audio S300 , WiiM Ultra , Yamaha wxc-50 , Salk SuperCharged Songtowers , Kimber Kable 4TC, Sony 42” - BEDROOM
B&K EX-442 ( it will go in my casket when I die ... ) , PS Audio 4.6 preamp ( old school , but it still jams on ... ) , Eversolo DMP-A6 , Boston Acoustic voyager 7’s - POOL
Parasound A21, Eversolo DMP-A8 , Kimber Kable 4vs , Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Towers , Sony XBR-A8F 65” OLED - DEN , MAIN system
Onkyo TX-nr609 , Polk atrium 7 , Boston acoustic sound ware (4) , Boston acoustic sub , B&W center , Sharp 65” TV - PATIO -
Resale is everything, i must make far less than you. Nothing is more disheartening to spend 5k on speakers to sell them for 2k a few years later.
Imagining spending 45k and then selling for 13k! Scala utopia is an example- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
You can always buy used to offset these losses.
Of your spending upwards of $20K on speakers, it's worth getting ones you feel strongly enough about to not get rid of.
And if you have hopes to go even higher in the future, you might as well be patient and go for used/demo.Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs -
I’ve been very successful with want ads on the ‘gon and US audio mart2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
I’d have Dynaudio’s new Confidence line on the list to audition.
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Rossoafterburnt wrote: »They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
Village Idiot of Club Polk -
KEF Reference Series
KEF Blade / Blade 2
KEF Muon, there's a pair at Google Headquarters if you want to give them a listen
ProAc
But seriously there are so many great speaker companies out there today it could be daunting task to narrow down the field.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up. -
Home Theater
Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable
2 Channel
Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+
Stuff for the Head
JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365
Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin
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Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
here's a speaker line that has always had a place in my heart.
https://www.marten.se/Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
here's a speaker line that has always had a place in my heart.
https://www.marten.se/
Oh dude... yes.
You have no idea how many times I've stared at the Coltrane 3...Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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Then definitely the Rosso Fiorentino Siena 2s.
"Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip -
I found these, got in contact with Johnny and seeing what we can do.
Ideally I would like to hear them in my own space.
He would take my units and my JL Audio 113v2 x2 in for a trade and give me the Personas for $2500.
He would send his guys from Houston to my place to pick up my units and he would deliver the Personas.
I haven't been able to iron out the details yet because I had to work, but maaaybe if I was able to figure out a deposit (non refundable), maybe $1-2,000, I could have him deliver it in the morning say 10am, and then give me 3 hours with them, and I would have his guys come back either take the Personas back to Houston with my deposit, or apply the deposit to the purchase and take my speakers and sub.
That's really the only way I could say buying something of this caliber would be acceptable to me.
Paradigm Persona 9H
I think the color combo, black with black woofers look awesome. Maybe a red cabinet would be nicer... or baby blue. I would've also liked a black baffle, all murdered out would be pretty cool.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
afterburnt wrote: »Can you audition these? If they are any good I may pick some up for surround duty.
Uhh... no. hahaMagico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
