Speaker choices - anyone has any opinion on either of these? BW 800 Diamonds or SF Strads.

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Comments

  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    Yep, no contact from the seller today. If I were the seller and I was selling something that someone else showed interest in, I'd be on them like white on rice. Something's up 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
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    Well, that might be a sign. Sorry, I though I was pointing you to an opp to find what you were seeking not too far from your own backyard. Yet, there are always "Busters" out there....
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Sub 1 - Mirage Omni S8 | Sub 2 - Mirage Omni S8

    5.2 A/V Setup | OLED TV - Sony Bravia XR A80J 77" | Source - Fire TV 4K Max, Wiim Pro | AVR - Anthem MRX 520 | Speakers: Main - Boston Acoustics VR3 | Center - Boston Acoustics VR920 | Rear - Boston Acoustics VR-MX | Sub 1 - HSU VTF-2 mk3 | Sub 2 - HSU VTF-2 mk3
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    WLDock wrote: »
    Well, that might be a sign. Sorry, I though I was pointing you to an opp to find what you were seeking not too far from your own backyard. Yet, there are always "Busters" out there....

    Nah i appreciate it man. Maybe he was busy yesterday, making money or something cuz he seems to be a deep pocketed guy when I spoke to him on the phone.

    Regardless, I have expanded my search and am seriously considering a pair of magico mini 2 for the family room since my wife keeps bugging me about getting her a speaker so she can listen to nice music downstairs. And I am in talks with the guy with the so is faber elipsa se grey... Seems like he's willing to deal now.

    Then if I buy those 2, I will rest for a few months before getting the head honcho 800 diamond unless this Houston thing works out.
    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
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    Why no revel ultima salon 2's on the list JV?
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    My list is non encompassing, can't listen to everything. Unfortunately...
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    Put a bid on a pair of magico mini 2... Let's see if this goes through. Crossing my fingers.
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    Waiting on the response from the guy, I think there might be someone infront of me because I was lollygagging. I also have my eye on the Elipsa SE, but I need it at 10K before I'd pull the trigger on it, and the guy is playing hardball... though we have been in contact and he told me he is going to return to the country this weekend and will be willing to deal then.

    Guy from Houston, he sounds pretty legit with the 800 diamonds and my only hang up is that he does not ahve the 2nd box. He ordered it from BW and will be getting it shortly. I want the box there before I pick it up, I might scratch it if I dont have the box.
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    Yeah... not sure where I'm going to store them all too. I wish I made a 2nd walk through attic through the media room. I only made 1 door that leads into the attic and it is filled iwth christmas and luggage stuff.

    If I had a 2nd door that leads to a floored attic, then I could store all my gear's boxes there.

    Always, hindsight is 20/20.
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    And yeah, the mini 2 look gorgeous. Would love to have it in the main floor.
    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
  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,712
    Joey_V wrote: »
    If I had a 2nd door that leads to a floored attic, then I could store all my gear's boxes there.

    Always, hindsight is 20/20.

    I'm sure with all that printed money you have, you can afford to add a 2nd door or even build a 2nd house to store your boxes. :D

    That's when you know you've made it.
    "Wow you have an inlaw house?"
    "Inlaws???...that's where i keep empty cardboard"

    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    edited February 2015
    mrbiron wrote: »
    Joey_V wrote: »
    If I had a 2nd door that leads to a floored attic, then I could store all my gear's boxes there.

    Always, hindsight is 20/20.

    I'm sure with all that printed money you have, you can afford to add a 2nd door or even build a 2nd house to store your boxes. :D

    That's when you know you've made it.
    "Wow you have an inlaw house?"
    "Inlaws???...that's where i keep empty cardboard"

    Funny! You have no idea how close I was to building a 2nd house.

    And I wish I had all this printed money you say I have. I tried to win that power ball a few weeks ago, but alas it was not meant to be.
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    DSkip wrote: »
    Joey got to see my stash of boxes and excess gear. It takes up the full closet of my theater room. My one complaint about the layout of our house is the lack of a usable attic. We have one access point and the A/C unit is right there, wrapping its huge ducts completely around the access.

    Yeah, rub it in Skip... rub in the closet. :)
    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
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited February 2015
    Joey_V wrote: »
    Funny! You have no idea how close I was to building a 2nd house.

    What? One for the system? :) I love Mikel's converted Audio Barn...
    http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue16/lavigneroom.htm
    http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/663.html

    Can't stop looking at that one. The wife and I agreed that if we would have won the BIG lotto that I would build one of those and she would have the Tree House Masters from Animal Planet build her a retreat.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Sub 1 - Mirage Omni S8 | Sub 2 - Mirage Omni S8

    5.2 A/V Setup | OLED TV - Sony Bravia XR A80J 77" | Source - Fire TV 4K Max, Wiim Pro | AVR - Anthem MRX 520 | Speakers: Main - Boston Acoustics VR3 | Center - Boston Acoustics VR920 | Rear - Boston Acoustics VR-MX | Sub 1 - HSU VTF-2 mk3 | Sub 2 - HSU VTF-2 mk3
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    WLDock wrote: »
    Joey_V wrote: »
    Funny! You have no idea how close I was to building a 2nd house.

    What? One for the system? :) I love Mikel's converted Audio Barn...
    http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue16/lavigneroom.htm
    http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/663.html

    Can't stop looking at that one. The wife and I agreed that if we would have won the BIG lotto that I would build one of those and she would have the Tree House Masters from Animal Planet build her a retreat.

    Nooo.. I was thinking of building a house for my parents. We were spending a lot on babysitting and I thought it was probably better if we spent that money on a mortgage... plus I felt bad because my parents were still handling a mortgage and it was not paid off - figured I could get them closer and I could relieve them of that payment then it was a win win. Was ready to pull the trigger, but there are many implications to moving your parents literally across the street from you. And it's not just a few years commitment but a 10 year mortgage commitment too so that was something that I had to think about over and over again. Plus, the main crux was that if we built a house next to us, we would be stuck in that area and we would not be able to move to a different place if we needed more room. That was the main issue and so I decided against it.

    Btw, thanks for finding me that 800 Diamond and 1201 in the Houston craigslist. I have been talking to the guy and this transaction seems legit and we are about to complete the transaction. If it was not for you, I would not have found it. I'm crossing my fingers that the transaction will be smooth and that this is truly 100% legit. We will be meeting in Modia Houston and the speakers and the amps will be there waiting for me to inspect and then Modia will deliver them to me in Dallas.

    :)
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    edited February 2015
    WLDock wrote: »
    Joey_V wrote: »
    Funny! You have no idea how close I was to building a 2nd house.

    What? One for the system? :) I love Mikel's converted Audio Barn...
    http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue16/lavigneroom.htm
    http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/663.html

    Can't stop looking at that one. The wife and I agreed that if we would have won the BIG lotto that I would build one of those and she would have the Tree House Masters from Animal Planet build her a retreat.

    And yes, Mike Lavigne's room has been an inspiration for me. I wanted to commission Rives to do my room but it's a long story.

    Basically, we were about to build a custom home and I worked closely with the architect to design every nook and crevice... and the entire first floor was built around the media room. I had maxed out the size of the media room based on the maximum width of the lot, I had maxed out the lot and the house width just to fit the room to the dimensions I wanted. We were going to do a diffusor in the front of the room and we were going to build a ceiling similar to Lavigne's room.

    But something happened right before we closed prior to construction - and I pulled out (and lost a hefty deposit) because I did not like how the neighborhood was being developed. Not sure if I did the right thing looking back, because the homes there are valued more than I thought and I would've been on the ground floor of the development, right now well over $250/sq ft and the homes are average 5500 sq ft. When I was about to buy, we were at $190/sq ft.

    After that I swore against building a custom home after a disappointing experience, we decided to live in an apartment and just save money. Then, we got pregnant. And I decided to build a modest house just so the baby and us had more elbow room. I stuck to a firm budget and did not modify the media room too much, thus I'm stuck with things that I do not like... as in I don't have more than 2 dedicated outlets and I don't have the perfect room dimensions plus it's on the 2nd floor and I did not like that. But I knew this house was our first house and I knew I wanted to move after I learned what I liked and did not like about the overall flow of the house.

    But yeah, back to Lavigne's room. Lavigne has way more cash flow and he is far above what I can afford. He owns a few car dealerships. There's a reason why I'm looking on audiogon for deals while he looks to buy everything brand new and dumps them without a second thought. No comparison, he is next level.

    So is this guy on audio aficionado, Ivan, aka masterlu. Guy is insane. Honestly I do not know how these guys get to that level, it's not possible without taking calculated business risks. You just cannot generate that kind of cash by working for someone else.
    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
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    Joey_V wrote: »
    Honestly I do not know how these guys get to that level, it's not possible without taking calculated business risks. You just cannot generate that kind of cash by working for someone else.
    Man, that top 1% just keeps running away from the rest of us! http://money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/income-rank/
    Its just not easy these days...the costs of everything just keeps going up and up. In my 20's the B&W 801/802 mated with Krell is the setup that tickled my fancy. I had the ear to appreciate it but no money. I told myself that maybe in my 40's I would be able to purchase a "High End" system like given the high cost of admission. Here some twenty something years later, the "High End" just keeps running away from reach. So, it will have to be a budget audiophile rescue mission by way of craigslist if I'm to have any hope at audiophilia. The $200K career (Top 5%) has yet to happen, LOL!

    I have something planned...its just will take time. I actually plan to build my next set of speakers. A fella from another form and I had a similar ideal about redesigning the enclosure of a DIY plan that is out on the net, The Statements II.
    http://speakerdesignworks.com/Statement_II_1.html
    He has already put the wheels in motion and is building. We both want the woofer at the bottom and the enclosure sides and top curved with a shorter overall cabinet. If they come out as sexy as these: http://www.avsforum.com/forum/155-diy-speakers-subs/1354647-trompie-s-curved-statement-family-building-thread.html
    I will be happy.I hope to beg, borrow, steal his design plans when he's done. :) Will see...

    Anyway, I hope you get the gear!
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Sub 1 - Mirage Omni S8 | Sub 2 - Mirage Omni S8

    5.2 A/V Setup | OLED TV - Sony Bravia XR A80J 77" | Source - Fire TV 4K Max, Wiim Pro | AVR - Anthem MRX 520 | Speakers: Main - Boston Acoustics VR3 | Center - Boston Acoustics VR920 | Rear - Boston Acoustics VR-MX | Sub 1 - HSU VTF-2 mk3 | Sub 2 - HSU VTF-2 mk3
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    WLDock wrote: »
    Joey_V wrote: »
    Honestly I do not know how these guys get to that level, it's not possible without taking calculated business risks. You just cannot generate that kind of cash by working for someone else.
    Man, that top 1% just keeps running away from the rest of us! http://money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/income-rank/
    Its just not easy these days...the costs of everything just keeps going up and up.
    Anyway, I hope you get the gear!/quote]

    Bro,

    I can tell you those guys are not 1% from your graph. They are 0.1 or higher. :)
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    edited March 2015
    Anyone hear experienced Sonus Faber Guarneri Mementos? Their bookshelf speaker 1 generation removed as of 2 years ago?

    This is the one prior to the current Guarneri Evolutions...

    Have a local ear on one maybe 200 miles away. Stupid magico mini 2 flew bye bye
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    Grapevine has Olympicas I and III. There's a SF dealer in North park?

    They have the Summit X from ML there.
    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
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,394
    The Magnolia across from North Park carries SF and B&W.

    This is from their music room.
    d14j1dkbuk61.jpg
    1gobyipgoear.jpg
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,394
    Since I am posting pics, here is my favorite from B&W (also at Magnolia).

    20aepw8wyrm2.jpg

  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    edited March 2015
    Ah.. the PM1. Those are nice bookies.

    Hey Halen - are those recent pics of the Cremonas? Those are discontinued and it would be very interesting if they still have them until today because then they would be discounted demo items.

    These are the Guarneri Mementos in Graphite. Basically the same pair that I'm looking at.
    80987_2.jpg
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    If only one of these showed up... so nice. Strads....

    But not sure if I can pull the trigger on both an 800 diamond and a pair of Strads. Would have massive buyers remorse after I see the damage, lol.

    200611_soundspace3_600w.jpg
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    edited March 2015
    Yeah I figured. I heard the Cremona auditor m bookshelf next to the olympica I bookshelf (current version of cremona) and I thought the Auditor M was better.

    It's been so long that I can't even remember if I had the Auditor M in the past... I know I went through TWO Cremona auditor and I had the original version for sure but not sure if I had the M the second time around. This was back in 2008.

    I recall the auditor original bookshelf sounding good but just did not scale with my amps at that time. I don't recall if the auditor M had or has this issue. Gorgeous speaker though.

    I was looking for a used pair of cremona m floorstanders but never found a good one on gon
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    Auditor Ms are good. Must be a nice bedroom system you building there.
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    For me the PM1 is good but when you direct a/b it to the 805 diamond bookshelf, it's no contest. But I like the PM1 so much that I would like a pair somewhere. The best I've heard remain the Strads. But the 800 diamond come a close 2nd.

    The strads are Serblin's ultimate work. It's the most neutral of his work and displays the best tonality, midrange, and bilateral extension in the low and high frequencies.

    There's a reason why every nut out there who owns a pair of strads don't let them go. Go on audioaficionado and the favorite speaker is likely the Strad. And this is the reason why it's been so difficult to score a good deal on audiogon... They are just so rare.

    For me it's about realism. If I can't suspend disbelief, then for me it's just another speaker. And I'm not in the business of buying another speaker.
    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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    MASSIVE CURVEBALLS!!!!

    SO, furniture arrived in the game room... and now, there is no spot for something 22" wide... like the Elipsa SE that I have been in contacts with on audiogon. ARGHHHH!!!

    Only thing I can fit is typical narrow baffle speaker 12" max.

    Worst day ever. ....
    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
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,499
    If you need narrow then Dynaudio would be my choice
    2-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
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,600
    I tried to see if the wife would let me have the speaker hang out of the corner and into the hallway but it was a no.

    So now I'm trying to rearrange furniture to see if I can fit the elipsas.
    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
  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    DSkip wrote: »
    I'm thinking its about time to sit back and take things in for a while. Your anxiety level seems to be growing with all this.

    lol