Quote:
Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan
I'll get the ball rolling. I had the opportunity to audition some Vandersteen 7s recently with an Aesthetix Romulus CD player, Calypso preamp and Atlas monoblocks. These speakers have a huge wow factor with a massive soundstage, holographic imaging and visceral bass through its powered subwoofers. Vocals and instruments seemed to float in space in front of me. It was quite literally a jaw dropping experience.
After the audition, I was concerned that when I returned home and listened to my system, I would be disappointed with it. However, I am happy to report that this was not the case at all. What I love about the Revel Salon 2s is they are so darn transparent that they just step out of the way and let you enjoy the music. I find that there is almost a zero fatigue factor with these speakers. Their transparancy never gets old or goes out of style.
Am I saying that the Salon 2s are better than the Vandersteen 7s? No, that is not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is when you can go listen to some speakers that are more than double the cost and blow you away, and then come home and still greatly enjoy your own speakers, then my friend you have a winner.
Ken
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Hi Ken, I thought i'd chime in as I previously owned Infinity Renaissance 90's which share some DNA with Revel and own an Aesthetix Romulus cdp. I also own more 'modest' speakers (Magico S5's), though I only know the Vandy 7's by reputation. The Vandy 7's are great speakers, but for that money I could have bought both my current S5's & Vitus amp and still be very happy.
I know the Vandy 7's are great speakers. And I
could have bought a pair had I settled for more modest amplification. I think it's more important however to keep your system balanced and optimize what you have to get the best synergy. For example, Magico & Vitus have known synergy, and the SIA-025 is the sweet spot in the Vitus range imho & is more romantic than an SS-101 for example. With the terrific value Aesthetix cdp, I am very happy with the sound which at only about 90hrs is already sounding wonderful.
In saying that, I am planning a front end upgrade of the same order of magnitude as Vandy 7's. My view is, the S5's are good enough and i'm better off investing more money in my front end and preamp, optimize those components with the best isolation and consider upgrading critical power cables later on. I think this approach smokes a lesser front end and amp paired with super speakers like the Vandy 7's. But even with my current Aesthetix tube player, the sound is great and i'm not left wanting, well perhaps only for my gear to run in!
Btw, i'm not sure if you're aware, Revel used Infinity Omega speakers to voice their Revel Gems years ago
Here is a small photo -
