Legacy Audio Aeris XP

The Wavelet II is an extra layer in the electronics. I just bought a new preamp which I like a lot. I am afraid the extra Wavelet II may alter the sound in a negative way. The Wavelet II is a preamp/DAC/room correction processor for only $8k. My preamp alone costs more than the Wavelet II. Additionally, you need to add another interconnect. Extra component and extra wire would not affect the sound negatively? With the Wavelet II, I defeat the purpose of having a high quality stand alone preamp. 

Ok, yeah understood.  I don't use a preamp, the Wavelet does that. I do have an outboard DAC I like though. And of course the DSP is used along with an outboard amp for the mid/tops. So the internal amp on the XD's is used for only bass. 

fthompson251,

Your situation is good with the Wavelet II. You don't need another preamp. I am an analog guy and have a phonostage connected to the new preamp. That combo sounds great. That is why I don't want another gear in between the new preamp and the external amps driving the mid/high section. The Aeris XP might be a ticket for next speakers upgrade to me.

I also use the Focus XD internal amp for the bass section. I don't have a Wavelet, but the sound is great. I don't need to adjust the bass of the XD. My external amp (29 db) gain is 3 db higher than the internal ICE amp which is 26db. I don't feel the bass is lacking. In fact the bass is powerful and deep. I like the Focus XD a lot.  It can play loud.  Sometimes it gets up to 90 db (loudness) at peak as I listen to my system mostly at realistic level. The Focus XD is an outstanding speakers.  Excellent dynamics, very detailed, big soundstage, lightning quick transient responses, transparent and strong/tight/deep bass. I have upgraded many things since I own the Focus XD and it can keep up with all the changes and show the sonic improvements. At $15k (when I bought it), it is a bargain compared to many ultra expensive speakers out there. I have a hard time finding another speakers at such price that can compete with the Focus XD. I might just hold off upgrading to the Aeris XP.

By the way, if you don't know, Legacy Audio has a new owner.  Bill is still the Chief Designer/Engineer. The Focus XD will be $21k starting 1/1/2026.

I had the Aeris with the Wavelet. I loved the speakers but I thought the Wavelet was not a great operating system. People rave about it but it didn't do it for me. I'm not really talking about the sound just the way it functioned. It didn't give me a good feeling when using it. I don't hear this from others so maybe it was me.

@audiolui   I agree with you regarding the XD's performance, they are special. I saw $17,500 as the new price coming, did not know about the $21,000! I figured it has something to do with tariffs and parts supply chain issues. I do remember reading about the transition of ownership and it allowing Bill to become more innovative, time will tell.