Best bookshelf speaker reccomendations?


I currently have the platinum solos (hence my screen name) and have been considering upgrading them in the near future. I love them, but am just curious to see if anyone out there has moved on or has some relevant comparisons. On my list are the following:

AAD 2001 (phil jones new replacements for platinum)
Wilson benesch ARC
B&W 805 signature version
Revel GEM or M20
JM Lab micro utopia
Piega P-?

Currently evolving system: CEC TL2X and monarchy DAC (to be replaced by audio logic 2400 or similar), Pass X150 and soon to be X2.5 preamp.
platsolos

Showing 2 responses by dinguses

I've got a pair of AAD 2001s. They are great speakers but are quite hefty! Very dynamic, just a slight touch bright, and sound great with a lot of power. I demoed them with a ML 383, they sounded great. Hoooked up to my 4B-ST they really kick it up with great dynamics, but aren't quite as smooth as they were with the 383. Unless you're a bass head, you won't need a sub with the 2001s if you give them juice.

I've listened to N805s several times, but not the signature. The standards are a lot more laid back than the 2001s and not as good at the same price point, IMO.

I haven't heard the mini utopia, but I heard the micro in a very lousy room and they still sounded great...probably better than the 2001 but I only listened for about 10 minutes so it's hard to say, plus the micros might not be as good.

I've heard the M20s are very good, and I've heard the Gems are the best monitor out there, period, but I've not had the chance to listen.
*edit*

I meant to say that I listened to the mini utopias, but I haven't heard the micros. Sorry about that (knew I shoulda previewed that first!).