Vienna Acoustics vs Revel Studios?


Three years ago, I invested in a system that has given me many hours of listening pleasure. I have Vienna Acoustics Beethoven speakers, a SimAudio I-5 integrated, and an Ultech CD player. At that time, that was about as much as my budget would allow, and I have never regretted buying any part of this system. The only "problem" I am having is that the system lacks "rock out' power. It is perfect for moderate listening, but will occasionally clip or become slightly shrill or unfocused when "cranked."

So now, of course, I'm pondering all kinds of potential remedies. I could simply use the I-5 as a pre-amp and add something like a Bryston 7B ST for extra volume. I could sell the I-5 and go for separates, maybe even try out some tubes, such as the Sonic Frontiers Power 3 set-up (although I have heard that tubes are not necessarily a good match for the 'warm' Vienna speakers). Or I could sell the system and try out the Revel Studios (I think the Salons are probably too big for my living room) with some combination of the above to drive them.

I am not a true audiophile, in the sense that I know an awful lot about this stuff, but I do know that I enjoy good music played on a good system. I don't mind paying for top notch equipment, within reason, but I don't want to fork over 10-12K when a modest adjustment in my current set-up would be almost as good.

So, I appeal to all of you true audiphiles for advice. Please show me the way. Would the Revels be a big step up from the Viennas? Would separates be much better than adding an amp, while using the I-5 as a pre-amp? Any suggestions on possible matches?

I realize the answers are, to some degree, subjective. But I am interested in your feedback and experiences.

Many thanks.
chriscox9674
Thank you all. As i'm in the market myself, I've enjoyed your insights on two highly thought of speakers. You folks are so civil.

Sncerely, I remain
Dear Bishopwell:

"[R]rooms as small as 18X20" means 2,520 sq. ft., assuming a 7 ft. ceiling, and 2,880 sq. ft. assuming an 8 ft. ceiling.
No....the formula you have provided is CUBIC feet. Square feet is the length of the room times its width and is a measure of the floor surface area. Length times width times height is cubic feet and is a measure of volume.
Hello, chiming in again, I listened to the Mahlers extensively when deciding whether to purchase them or the Beethovens, and the Mahlers were placed on the long side of an average sized rectangle-shaped room, room no bigger than the average living room in a non-mansion. There was no bass bloat or boominess, just not as focused and detailed as I found the Beethovens' bass to be. The Mahlers were being driven by big Levinson monoblocks--333's? the newer ones, anyway. The Beethovens were being shown in a much larger room, probably twice as big, w/Ayre amplification. Ayre V-3, at 100 watts per channel. Again, no boominess or bloat.
I concluded that the Mahlers needed good, big power. And keep them away from the side walls.
Hi Chris, If you stick to what Sc53 (especially the first post) is saying, you are going to be a very happy music lover. I do not have the experience with the Beethovens as Sc53, but I would certainly listen to what Sc53 is saying. The Revel may be a good speaker, maybe even a great speaker, but that ain't the way Iv'e heard em.
BTW, I really enjoy all your posts Sc53.