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Parsifals vs Mahlers - best for what I got?

Friends, a few responders to my querie on high WAF speakers suggested, among many, the Parsifals and Mahlers. They are both handsome and may bring peace - if not calm - to our listening area. As I can audition neither, would appreciate your thoughts. The room is large - appx 25'x25' with a cathedral ceiling reachng to 18'. The room is sunken and opens into the rest of the house. Placement of the speakers would be along the rear wall facing into the rest of the house. I think the spousal "line in the sand" will be about three feet from that wall. No limit on side wall on one side, andd about three feet on the other. I have new power - Halcro MC20 (400wpc) and Atmasphere MP-3. Old power is Pass Aleph 5 (60wpc Class A)and Blue Cirlce BC 21. I bought the Halcro/Atma Spheres for my Newform Research 645 hybrids, but would use the new gear with the new speakers if need be. New front end is Cambridge Audio 840c. Listening preferences - acoustic, ensemble jazz, Grisman, Wasserman, Hancock,etc. Looking for faithful reproduction of tonality with little color - and what everyone wants - large soundstage, presence,etc.
I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has auditioned or even lived with both. Thanks in advance.
deliberate1

Showing 2 responses by dcstep

dcstep
1,518 posts
 
You'll need all of that 3' for the Mahlers, but it'll work, IMHO, give or take an inch or two. If you like the Mahlers, then the Strauss will look as good and allow you a little closer to the wall. Either will make Wasserman sound like he's in your room, but not larger than life. All the VAs will cover your wall with a broad soundstage with lots of depth.

I've heard the Mahlers doing Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor at "realistic" levels from the organist's perspective. Simply incredible. My pants legs were flapping.

I don't "know" the Parsifals, so I can't compare.

One thing to consider about the Sumiko-distributed products is the "Sumiko set" of your speakers. (See separate thread under "Reviews" if you want to learn more). It'll fully intergrate the bass, midrange and imaging. The sound is improved so much that the WAF goes through the roof. Women will actually sit down and listen to properly set speakers rather than thinking of audio as a "man thing."

Dave
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
The Ovations retail for about 2.5 times the Mahlers with the same finish. For that kind of price differential, it'd be worth taking a trip to a large city where you could hear both. Denver would be such a city with non-stop air service from many cities on Frontier airlines and Southwest.

Soundings is where you should audition Vienna Acoustics in Colorado. I saw one or two dealers on the Verity site. Of course, you may have another big city more convenient, but I think you'll find it rewarding to make a trip.

Dave
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