There you have it! X answers - X opinions :-)
Well, that's normal, isn't it. But let me throw in my humble opinion. I am a REVEl fan! I purchased the ULTIMA SYSTEM a year ago and for me there is no better speaker in the world for my needs. I test auditioned the REVEL Salon and since my impression of that audition is equal to the audition with the GEM/SUB I must say that Mark Levinson doesn't do it for me at all. Much too harsh, much to over exposed. The PASS MX5 was a step better but heavens opened up with tube gear!! I don't know if a powereful enough amp will fit your budget, but maybe not today maybe tomorrow. The McIntosh MC 2000 feeding the REVEL Ultima System is my final high end solution. End of search in that field.
Good luck
Tilmann
Well, that's normal, isn't it. But let me throw in my humble opinion. I am a REVEl fan! I purchased the ULTIMA SYSTEM a year ago and for me there is no better speaker in the world for my needs. I test auditioned the REVEL Salon and since my impression of that audition is equal to the audition with the GEM/SUB I must say that Mark Levinson doesn't do it for me at all. Much too harsh, much to over exposed. The PASS MX5 was a step better but heavens opened up with tube gear!! I don't know if a powereful enough amp will fit your budget, but maybe not today maybe tomorrow. The McIntosh MC 2000 feeding the REVEL Ultima System is my final high end solution. End of search in that field.
Good luck
Tilmann