Still in love with Fritz's Carbon 7 SE Mk 2 Speakers (not that you asked but...)

I agree that "Audiogon does not need any more salesmen." Maybe you’re assuming something about me that’s incorrect.
I’m an academic and a hobbyist, and hobbyists are what make audio forums a thing. That’s why I’m posting.

As my OP said, I’m following up on initial impressions and reviews I wrote, given new experiences with other gear and speakers over 5 years. Again, the type of thing one would find on a forum.

That’s all the rebuttal that "salesman" snark requires, I assume. It’s pretty much refuted, as far as I’m concerned. 

Giving away my Ascends? Nah – they are doing an amazing job for my HT setup at the moment.

Different speakers, different moods, different rooms. But since I have friends who are looking for just one speaker, I have found the Fritz is a great solution for some of them.

Again, this is all my "opinion," but I’ve justified it with words, so it’s more than that, really.

Oh, and re: 

IMO the Opera Callas is one of many better affordable monitors but I certainly don't want to promote or need any validation regarding my opinion.

You just promoted your opinion at the very moment you were saying you didn't want to promote it. To live up to your own principles, you should have said, "I have a favorite monitor, too, but I don't believe in promoting it so I won't mention it here." Instead, you engaged in performative contradiction. Good job.

"Giving away my Ascends? Nah – "

But...it's Christmas! 🌲

I don't think you should waste your time justifying yourself to someone that makes comments like dayglow. I did like that he thinks speakers that are over twice as much are better, more affordable options though.

I think comments like your original post are very important for people like myself that are on the fence about buying a speaker and are consciously looking for a more cottage company over the big brands. When companies like Fritz have no marketing budget or presence in brick and mortar, they and us buyers, rely on feedback just like this to help form interest in the brand. I relied on comments like this that were plentiful and commonly positive about Frtiz's speakers before I made the jump and bought Carbon 7's myself. I really enjoy them. They are well made, look good even if basic, and sound great to me.

@freeflowin Thanks for the backup. I was more trying to respond to what seemed (to me) like impugning my motives. Like you, I was lead to Quicksilver, Pass Labs, Fritz (and Salk and Ascend) by intelligent conversation and even some "fanboy" commentary. People who love something can lose perspective but they can also sing an interesting song about what they love and why. I've seen songs sung about Don Sachs, about Quicksilver and Supratek, about many other brands. Sometimes, I can tell that what the poster is saying is not my taste – but that's fine. I knew they were not "selling" their favorite, they were singing a love song. Here's to silly love songs!

I'm happy you are still enthralled with Fritz's Carbon 7 MK2. I enjoyed them for some time, I believe you and I corresponded about these 2 or 3 years ago. To be ultra picky, I found the high end just a hair, a tad muted, or better put as 'not as prominent' as I like. At the time I believe you understood what I was hearing, nothing bad, just a preference issue. You obviously love the Fritzs and rightly so, they are a very high quality, musical speaker. I think you would very much enjoy auditioning the Acoustic Energy AE500s if you have access to a pair. They are currently occupying for me the place the Carbon 7 MK2s hold for you. Happy listening!