Having said that and scanning this thread, the Avalon speakers do look most interesting to me, as I like the triangular theme most seem to have. No idea otherwise and I suspect the start at astronomical prices and go up from there. The top Beolab model is simply far too fussy even if it does perform rather well for such an ornament.I would start by looking at really fine measuring loudspeakers irrespective of price.
Keith
Hi - I have listened to all of the speakers you mention (of the two Estelons mostly the X Diamond) and would personally and subjectively agree with your experience, preferring the Estelon sound (tuning) to the Magic s3 (I prefer the bigger Magicos - but they are stratospherically priced!).WOW. There really was no comparison. I know sound is subjective, but for me, in that room, with that gear,....it wasn't even close. The Estelon's had some voodoo that just worked for me. They then asked me if I wanted to hear something from Magico that was similarly priced, and swapped speakers for the Magico S3. Again....WOW! The B&W sound that I have lived with and loved for 20+ years....just was not even in the same ball park as the Estelon and Magico speakers.
The shop guy could tell I was in love and asked if I wanted to demo the next step up, the Estelon X Diamond. These were much more expensive speakers, but the bass extension difference was clearly better and they sounded amazing.
Interestingly, that's the first impression I had when I walked into the room with the big Estelons at SWAF. I bit muddy bass, not as defined as I'd like.It sounds like you are set on the Estelon, but the M3 are truly spectacular, and objectively, based on what I learned to expect from both companies, are superior (and do sound better, IMO). The Estelon are definitely not "bigger" in the bottom they're more bloated. Just my 2c. it's a big investment; you don't want to make a mistake
It sounds like you are set on the Estelon, but the M3 are truly spectacular, and objectively, based on what I learned to expect from both companies, are superior (and do sound better, IMO). The Estelon are definitely not "bigger" in the bottom they're more bloated. Just my 2c. it's a big investment; you don't want to make a mistake
Both speakers were amazing. But for me...it was definitely the Estelon. The new "special edition" will take 10-12 weeks to get. Gives me time to work on the room. Need to make it look as special as these speakers. Will post pics once they have arrived. Thanks for all the opinions and advice!Interestingly, that's the first impression I had when I walked into the room with the big Estelons at SWAF. I bit muddy bass, not as defined as I'd like.
Maybe so, but the big Estelon room at SWAF was quite large and there was nobody hanging around the back. I still think I would describe the bass as "busy" or "untidy".‘Bloated‘ bass is often the. speaker interacting with the room, particularly as many visitors tend to hover at the back of the room.
Keith
Again...appreciate all the suggestions, comments and responses. I'm nearing the end of my planning journey and will begin execution shortly. I attended Southwest Audio Fest and thoroughly enjoyed hearing/seeing/touching all sorts of speakers and other components. For some reason, I kept gravitating back to the rooms with the Estelon and Magico speakers.
Just yesterday, I spent another few hours with my dealer auditioning the Estelon X Diamond and Magico M3 in a room about the size of the room I am doing at home, with some of the same components as well. Pictures below:
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Both sounded amazing, tight and balanced, but the Estelon felt a little bigger in the lower-end. I think I've settled on the Estelon X Diamond, but am exploring the new X Diamond Signature's just released also. The form factor really does it for me and I love the sound of theses speakers also. As far as colors, I will decorate the room around color of speaker, but really like the red Estelon's...
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Not surprising, see the bass response. This can be imposing for some for sure.The Estelon are definitely not "bigger" in the bottom they're more bloated.