If you had $7500

[jostenmeat]

With that money, I would be looking hard at Aerial Acoustics... but that is me, and I haven't heard them yet, but I nothing but great things about them...

I'd like to hear those too! ... as well as the Salk... as well as the Vandersteen.... as well as the Dali.... as well as the (ad infinitum)... hehe

 

[rded]

I was extremely impressed with Contours during auditions, and I am a ML owner btw.

How do the countours compare to the grand piano of Sonus?

 

[jostenmeat]

How do the countours compare to the grand piano of Sonus?

I heard them at different places, different electronics. Sonus with Primare (expensive) and Denon cdp. Contours with VERY hi-end stuff, even some 5k unit only to access its DAC. Unfair comparison most likely. The Contours were some of the more neutral, clear, and pleasant sounding speakers Ive heard at that price point.

The Sonus are very "warm". Not so neutral. However, the coloration is actually quite pleasant (although I am making some audiophiles here vomit). What they sounded best with was soloist + large ensemble. Think instrumental concertos, or Sinatra crooning in front of orchestra. While I found the coloration to be quite emotionally invloving (barf-barf), it got in its own way by distorting, especially in more complex multi-voiced passages. I should also say that the dealer thought the room did not do them justice. OTOH, it was a closed symmetrical room with treatments, and the speakers appeared to have enough space behind them.

I'd vote Dynaudio over Sonus, at least with these two models. Higher end Sonus do sound extreeemley inviting, however. Can't argue with their looks in any case

-jostenmeat

 

[rded]

I heard them at different places, different electronics. Sonus with Primare (expensive) and Denon cdp. Contours with VERY hi-end stuff, even some 5k unit only to access its DAC. Unfair comparison most likely. The Contours were some of the more neutral, clear, and pleasant sounding speakers Ive heard at that price point.

The Sonus are very "warm". Not so neutral. However, the coloration is actually quite pleasant (although I am making some audiophiles here vomit). What they sounded best with was soloist + large ensemble. Think instrumental concertos, or Sinatra crooning in front of orchestra. While I found the coloration to be quite emotionally invloving (barf-barf), it got in its own way by distorting, especially in more complex multi-voiced passages. I should also say that the dealer thought the room did not do them justice. OTOH, it was a closed symmetrical room with treatments, and the speakers appeared to have enough space behind them.

I'd vote Dynaudio over Sonus, at least with these two models. Higher end Sonus do sound extreeemley inviting, however. Can't argue with their looks in any case

-jostenmeat

Auditioned the grand piano domus earlier today! I though they were very good and dynamic! I have yet to hear the contour 3.4 which is its counterpart in the price range. They dealer had the 5.4s so its not really a fair comparison! I know this though, that which ever I choose, sonus domus or dynaudio contour will be worth it!

 

[bgrounds]

What's wrong with MartinLogan?

And what size is your room?

Anyway......I would do:

1) Definitive BP7000SC front L + R = $3,600
2) Definitive CLR3000 Center = $700
3) Definitive BP10B Side Surround L + R = $700
4) Definitive BP10B Rear Surround L + R = $700
5)

Total = $5,700

They sound, great, the best I have ever heard - in a 6" X 6" area. The sweet spot is SMALL... I like it for my 2 channel listening but I can only enjoy that alone.

 

[bgrounds]

My room is 18X20. I have 2 ML Depth subwoofers that I am keeping.

 

[bgrounds]

I believe I just worked a sweet deal on PSB Syncrony One's with the matching center and 2 pair of surrounds for $7500 - MSRP $10,500...

The Dynaudio and Ariel's look great but I don't know of a dealer around that I would be able to listen to the speakers or work the same deal...

 

[pzaur]

Never heard them...but...this would be tempting:

3 pairs of these: Rocket RS760 ($3597 + s/h?)
Maybe a 7th for a center, if you can get them individually.
Center: Rocket RSC200 ($449 + s/h?)
Sub (I know, you already have two): 2 MFW-15 ($1198 + s/h?)

Total = $5244.00 and s/h

Something like this has always intrigued me...probably overkill. Just think of how the music could sound!

All the above mentioned options would be great to look into, also!

-pat

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My room is 18X20. I have 2 ML Depth subwoofers that I am keeping.

Sounds like a great size room for any speaker.

I'm sure the MLs are great speakers, and you just want a little more fun and excitement out of your speakers? Perhaps you want something more than traditional speakers?

Well, I think the Def Tech BP7000SC bipolar speakers with built-in 1,800 watts subwoofers are pretty fun and exciting.

The Audio Critic absolutely loves the Linkwitz Lab Orion ($5,000/pr) speakers, which I believe are also bipolar speakers with built-in amps and subwoofers.