Speaker choices - anyone has any opinion on either of these? BW 800 Diamonds or SF Strads.
Comments
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Famous last words of many Joey lol. Yeah....until the next latest and greatest shows it's face. Order the Strats straight from Italy....have you been in touch with any dealers there ? Shipping may be a bear though.
Hey TOOOOONY...
Yeah, I have a local dealer here who has already given me a bid on install and delivery of a brand new pair, fully authorized and full warranty, any color I want (red, graphite, walnut) for $35 w/ tax and delivery. That's the absolute best deal I have found and I have called a lot of dealers. SF has a very tight network and Sumiko/Fine Sounds (the distributor) has a very tight noose on all their dealers. Dealers cannot just mail you speakers just because you shop around and call around... they can't do this if there is an SF dealer nearby because this would essentially be cannabilism.
I just can't get my head wrapped around $35 when I saw it on audiogon for $20. Retail is $45 and every dealer I talk to is 10% off plus tax.. so essentially... $45. If I have it shipped out, they have to be very careful not to step on anyone's toes but $40 shipped. $35 was the best I found. I found them on higherfi, but they are grey market.
Joey.
This guy just sold some for around 24k. He's a dealer in Italy. Maybe drop him a line with your interest and see what kind of deal you can make.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-sonus-faber-stradivari-homage-new-open-box-2015-02-02-speakers-40125-bologna-emilia-romagna
Dropped him a line weeks ago but no response. Problem with international is that the US distributor might not provide parts should something go wrong.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 -
OP, I may have missed this, and this is just my curiosity. Have you listened to the bigger SF's? What were your thoughts? Those are my lottery speaker but I was curious what your thoughts were. I'm sorry to high jack the thread. I do know they sound different from the Strads as II never like SF's until I heard the Aida's. And I'd LOVE to get my ears on the new Liliums.
Which speaker were you referring to btw? Were you referring to Strads, Aidas, or Liliums? Like I said above, I've heard of the 2 of 3.
I gotta say, flat out, as far as I know and as far as I've experience this far in my audio adventures - the best sound I have ever heard were the Strads. But I gotta hear it one more time to be sure that I heard right.
I was referring to the Aidas. The Liliums I'm not sure have hit the street yet. They were just released. I've heard the Strads, I didn't like them as much as the Aidas. What I loved about the Aidas was I heard them in a smallish room and a large room where they could breath and to me, it made no difference. Turn down the volume and they didn't lose their coherence the way some large speakers do. Of course you would expect that from a $120K speaker right?
Incidentally, I'll be headed to Paragon on the 27th for the release of the Wilson Sabrinas. I will check to see if they have the Liliums then. I'm sure they will have an
event for those as well.2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout. -
OP, I may have missed this, and this is just my curiosity. Have you listened to the bigger SF's? What were your thoughts? Those are my lottery speaker but I was curious what your thoughts were. I'm sorry to high jack the thread. I do know they sound different from the Strads as II never like SF's until I heard the Aida's. And I'd LOVE to get my ears on the new Liliums.
Which speaker were you referring to btw? Were you referring to Strads, Aidas, or Liliums? Like I said above, I've heard of the 2 of 3.
I gotta say, flat out, as far as I know and as far as I've experience this far in my audio adventures - the best sound I have ever heard were the Strads. But I gotta hear it one more time to be sure that I heard right.
I was referring to the Aidas. The Liliums I'm not sure have hit the street yet. They were just released. I've heard the Strads, I didn't like them as much as the Aidas. What I loved about the Aidas was I heard them in a smallish room and a large room where they could breath and to me, it made no difference. Turn down the volume and they didn't lose their coherence the way some large speakers do. Of course you would expect that from a $120K speaker right?
Incidentally, I'll be headed to Paragon on the 27th for the release of the Wilson Sabrinas. I will check to see if they have the Liliums then. I'm sure they will have an
event for those as well.
Ah I see. The aidas are very expensive and they will require at least a well contained 22x17 foot room.... at least. Big speakers, much bigger than I thought reading the reviews. I have heard them but I made sure not to be caught in their "trance" so to speak because I cannot reasonably afford a pair.
I see there's one for $75 on audiogon and I did think about it once or twice, but there are many other things that can be bought for the delta in price.
I have not heard the Liliums but the impressions are coming in at AudioAficionado. Liliums look good... but retail at $80? I think they are not in my sights.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 -
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 -
That's my problem too Joey...is that last half of a percent in performance worth the extra 3 to 4 times in price? I have some lottery speakers that I wouldn't hesitate to buy but the realist in me also realizes that until the winning lottery ticket comes in, I can't really justify that kind of dough on a speaker that really needs its own room built around it. Until then, I have to find the best bang for the proverbial buck.
I sort of feel the same way, but I have to admit the Magico S5s still make me start laughing with pleasure. They are that good compared to what I was used to. When I saw them for sale for $10k less, and only four months old I knew I would be a fool to pass up that deal.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Btw, Halen, if you buy those 800 diamonds down there and bring it to your place, I will seriously bow to your deal making abilities. I wasn't able to close but if you are, you sir are a boss.
Also, I will be the first to volunteer to come by and help you unload them.
Joey,
I am not interested personally. My brother in law was interested in the amps only and is willing to get everything and flip the speakers. He is hardcore Harbeth.
I am in Houston, made a detour and picked up some Pass Labs. Haha
Halen -
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That's my problem too Joey...is that last half of a percent in performance worth the extra 3 to 4 times in price? I have some lottery speakers that I wouldn't hesitate to buy but the realist in me also realizes that until the winning lottery ticket comes in, I can't really justify that kind of dough on a speaker that really needs its own room built around it. Until then, I have to find the best bang for the proverbial buck.
I sort of feel the same way, but I have to admit the Magico S5s still make me start laughing with pleasure. They are that good compared to what I was used to. When I saw them for sale for $10k less, and only four months old I knew I would be a fool to pass up that deal.
So you have S5? wow.
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 -
halenhoang wrote: »Btw, Halen, if you buy those 800 diamonds down there and bring it to your place, I will seriously bow to your deal making abilities. I wasn't able to close but if you are, you sir are a boss.
Also, I will be the first to volunteer to come by and help you unload them.
Joey,
I am not interested personally. My brother in law was interested in the amps only and is willing to get everything and flip the speakers. He is hardcore Harbeth.
I am in Houston, made a detour and picked up some Pass Labs. Haha
Halen
Halen yo
Man, we could've had a deal then... i get teh speakers and he gets the 1201. I feel bad that the deal didn't work out, but it's ok, it just 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 -
802 diamonds are as good as mine, offer sent in pending acceptance, will be freight shipped to my house. This is great.... it'll give me an idea of how my room sounds and if it sounds phenomenal, then I will move them to the living room downstairs at some point and I will move up to the 800 diamonds.
Or I may just listen to the Strads again in Chicago in April and realize that I was destined for Strads and I may either have both the 802 diamond and the Strad sharing the media room or the 802 diamond will get sent to the living room for secondary duty.
Either way, it's finally nice to see things come together.
Now, what to do about that pair of SF Guarneri Mementos in Oklahoma city....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 -
Congrats on your long, up and down journey. As for the SF's, I feel you should Karma them off in the club house
Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!! -
Congrats on your long, up and down journey. As for the SF's, I feel you should Karma them off in the club house
Karma them off? LOL... i almost spat out orange juice man.... i was thinking of karma-ing some other speaker, but not the Mementos man.
thanks!!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 -
In! Great Karma! Haha just kidding, i've been following this thread can't wait to see what you end up with.
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a pair of pulsars in garland.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-joseph-audio-pulsar-with-sound-anchor-stands-2015-03-07-speakers-7542Amplifiers: 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 -
Thanks for the tips guys. Went with the 802 diamonds. They are being freighted to me as we speak.
Can't wait for it. Will install in my room and get a rough idea of how they sound. Will keep an eye for stradivari on audiogon. Will see where this takes me. May end up moving 802 to another room and going for 800 diamonds later this year or just wait altogether for the next revision.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 -
Listening to some Joseph's will be something I will have to do based on all your recs. My audio equipment is fluid and i can fit something in there if I like it.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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Congrats Joey!!
The guy with the Pulsars actually have many other items, way to rich for my blood. He is the one that setup the Evolutions at LSAF.
I vote next get together at Joeys.
Halen -
Congrats on the 802D's. I love those as well. But, I think we're in the minority on here. I've always loved them with Mac tubes so I'm sure with yours, they'll be creamy.2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout.
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Congrats on the 802's Joey. You know you'll be wondering about the SF's if you never get them.....so get them.
I've yet to get an ear on the Pulsars, on my list of speakers to seek out.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Tony if you make it to woodridge holm has them.Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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I'll keep that in mind Ern, thanks.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
I've yet to get an ear on the Pulsars, on my list of speakers to seek out.
Great speaker, but I wouldn't dump my SDA's for them.
Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Congrats on the 802's Joey. You know you'll be wondering about the SF's if you never get them.....so get them.
Don't remind me man....
But thanks for the congrats on the 802 diamonds guys! I already told my brother he has first dibs on them if I choose to move up to the 800 diamonds. These are my "trial pair" for my room and equipment. If these work well, then I will have no hesitation moving up or waiting for the next 800 diamond version 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 -
halenhoang wrote: »Congrats Joey!!
The guy with the Pulsars actually have many other items, way to rich for my blood. He is the one that setup the Evolutions at LSAF.
I vote next get together at Joeys.
Halen
Thanks bro!
Let me get my gear and room in order first..... then we can talk about the getogether... hahaha
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 -
halenhoang wrote: »Congrats Joey!!
The guy with the Pulsars actually have many other items, way to rich for my blood. He is the one that setup the Evolutions at LSAF.
I vote next get together at Joeys.
Halen
Thanks bro!
Let me get my gear and room in order first..... then we can talk about the getogether... hahaha
I'm still waiting on a get together for the usher 777's
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 -
To halen's we go!!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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Most excellent! Good you finally got what you were after, the Diamonds!Thanks for the tips guys. Went with the 802 diamonds. They are being freighted to me as we speak.
If you have not heard Seas Excel based systems you must do so. Awesome drivers off the shelf and even some of the DIY designs sound great. Very detailed drivers that do a lot right.Listening to some Joseph's will be something I will have to do based on all your recs. My audio equipment is fluid and I can fit something in there if I like it.
J.A. seems to take the driver and difficult crossover design to the next level with their designs/patents. From the reviews, we all need to listen to the Pulsars! Though $7.7K seems steep, it could be a bargain for those like yourself looking at $15K SF Guarneri Mementos....but who knows what one will like...there are so many speakers 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 -
I think I might chase the mementos too. I just don't think I can pass it up. Let's see what this guy comes up with in terms of price. I like the elipsa but the guy and I are 1.5k apart and that's a lot when you're trying to deal.
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 -
halenhoang wrote: »Congrats Joey!!
The guy with the Pulsars actually have many other items, way to rich for my blood. He is the one that setup the Evolutions at LSAF.
I vote next get together at Joeys.
Halen
Thanks bro!
Let me get my gear and room in order first..... then we can talk about the getogether... hahaha
I'm still waiting on a get together for the usher 777's
The problem with that.... If I played Kate Upton's Game of War ad, every one of you will attack the wall between my speakers, believing she is in the room.
Then again, you could always guess what my new setup is. Courtesy my fellow Texas Brohams..
http://youtu.be/h5N0b0Lmi3g -
I see some pass labs there brotherMagico 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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I'm using the Ayon Tritton to power my Dynaudio s5.4
