Really appreciate the detailed breakdown, Matthew. Your insights about computer modeling and acoustic design really highlight why there's such a significant difference between price tiers. The point about Comsol modeling vs. intuition-based design is particularly enlightening.
Your experience with KEF's higher-end models is especially intriguing given my current setup:
* Trinnov 16
* Buckeye 3ch NCx500
* Buckeye 6ch NC502MP
* Revel PerformaBe F328Be, 426be, M126
* 2x JTR Captivator RS2
* 4x RSL C34E MKII (temporary)
Given the quality of my Revel PerformaBe system, I definitely understand your point about not trying to find a "budget version" of top-tier performance. The Perlisten, higher-end KEF THX models, and the Sonance VXT series seem to be standing out as serious contenders that would complement my current system without compromising performance.
That Hollywood studio KEF story is fascinating - it really speaks to their engineering prowess, especially in the THX line. Between your experiences with KEF and Perlisten, which would you lean toward for a Revel PerformaBe-based system like mine? I'm particularly interested in timber matching considerations.
Thanks again for sharing such detailed technical insights - it's helping me narrow down my options with much more confidence.
Here was my initial list of starting points: I assume you probably would cross off most of the stuff in the premium tier.
Premium Tier ($1000-1999 per speaker)
- Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.5 S2: $1,000
- ELAC Vertex Series III IC-VJ63-W: $1,000
- JBL Synthesis SCL-8 2: $1,000
- KEF Ci200RR-THX: $1,000
- Focal 1000 ICA6: $1,050
- Martin Logan Motion XTC8-HT: $1,099
- Perlisten R2ic: $1,295
- Klipsch THX-5002-S: $1,499
- Revel C128Be: $1,500
- Sonance VX86R Visual Experience Series 8: $1,750
- Martin Logan Masterpiece CI Sistine 4XC: $1,999
Ultra Premium Tier ($2000+ per speaker)
- Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.3 S2: $2,100
- Perlisten R3ic: $2,195
- JBL Synthesis SCL-5: $2,200
- Focal 1000 ICLCR5: $2,000-2,500
- KEF Ci250RRM-THX Ci-R: $2,500
- Bowers & Wilkins CCM8.5 D: $3,200
- Perlisten S3ic: $3,495