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Speaker upgrade

I would like to hear thoughts on upgrading my speakers. I am very happy with my current system, but am thinking of upgrading the speakers. Not made up my mind yet, but very close. I have changed my gears recently and deciding whether to keep my current speakers or try different.
I currently have Aerial acoustics 7T, with 2 REL S5/SHOs. Aerial acoustics 7T are one hell of a speaker, and I never thought I will change them: they are very neutral and transparent, which plays exactly what you feed them. I still think they are excellent and In fact, on many forums, I have constantly bragged about them and still do, for good reasons. But I guess, time has come to change. Looking for speakers with better resolution, big soundstage, organic and sweet mids. If I can get more of everything my 7T does, it will be a jackpot. Budget is < 35K (used OK).
I have thought of Magico S5 MK2, Vimberg Tonda, Marten Mingus, Rockport Avior II. Others include Von Shweikert VR55 and Vivid Audio Giya G1. Hard to audition all, but have heard S5 Mk2 and Rockport Avior II which are close top.
My other systems include, AF strumento no. 4 mk2 amps, VAC renaissance mk V pre-amp fed by Luxman D-10x (DAC/SACD player) and Antipodes CX/S30 (server/streamer). I use roon mostly and listen vocals, Jazz, classical, Indie Rock, contemporary instrumental and the likes. Room size is 17 x 14 and height is 10 feet. I have already done all room acoustics. Cables are Silversmith Fideliums (never going to change that) and Shunyata anaconda/python, TQ black diamond and AQ Hurricane.
romney80
audiokinesis
2,713 posts
 
Romney80, thank you for the additional information about your room treatments.   

One of the reasons I was asking is that one of the speakers on your list, the Von Schweikert VR55, uses a rear-firing driver.  (So do the Boenickes, and obviously dipoles like Maggies and SoundLabs radiate energy to the rear).  If that rear-firing energy is absorbed, it cannot make the beneficial contribution the designer intended.  If it is reflected or diffused, then it can.  

A rear-firing driver can improve the timbre and sense of envelopment and immersion in the soundscape on the recording (assuming good setup and a good recording, and provided the room isn't overly damped).  I can explain if you'd like.  

So my inclination is to recommend the Von Schweikerts, assuming your room acoustics are appropriate, or assuming you would be willing to re-arrange them a bit if needed.  

Duke  
loudspeaker designer
jsal3689
76 posts
 
In the process of a speaker upgrade. Going from Tannoy Revolution XT8F to GoldenEar Triton Reference. They aren't coming in until February (blaming COVID). Can't wait for the result.
ishkabibil
422 posts
 
Who in their right mind would spend 35k on speakers?
larryi
3,718 posts
 
I have heard various Magico and Von Schweikert speakers, although I don't recall the specific models.  The Magicos sounded okay, but, I did not find them that musically engaging (they seemed a bit  lacking in dynamics at my preferred (lower) volume level for listening). 

I have, not that long ago, heard the Avior II and I liked them.  They are decent sounding speakers, but again, not quite lively enough for my taste. A nice choice, nonetheless, among conventional speakers.  I think some of the higher end Vandersteens should be something to look into, and those should be easy to locate for an audition.

Given the price range you are shopping in, it might make sense to wait until you can attend a show that offers a wide enough array of candidates. 
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,640 posts
 
I've decided speakers are like motorcycles there is no single do it all, too many compromises.

 My previous system had 2 pair of speakers  the R105/3 ROCKED, could sustain 114 db with very low distortion and detailed enough to hear the singers breathe, but sometimes I wanted a different perspective so I added the VA beethovens that I could swap out for jazz or other easy listening. I saved some money and decided I wanted a pair of those class A speakers I'd been reading about. I just want to suggest the chances for success for you, especially if you stay with passive speakers is slim. 

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