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Best analytical loudspeakers for strings (midrange)?

Folks-

I am interested in comparing Wilson Yvettes (can obtain a discounted price, and which I have used in my house) versus Paradigm Persona 3F or 5F passive loudspeakers.

My system now combines McIntosh preamplifier, hybrid amplifier, PS Audio DirectStrem DAC, and transport, TIDAL server. My listening room is 300 square ft and has been optimized sound insulation (absorption and reflection tested using an audio engineer).

Although I love rock, electronica, jazz, and classical music, I want to be able to have high-resolution separation of different strings (violin, viola, cello, bass) in orchestral music, or even as solo instruments. I am a scientist, and I want to listen to high resolution ("clinical") sound.

Any advice? I have Wilson WattPuppy 7's and love the resolution, but I want to upgrade these speakers. I know that Vandersteen, Magico, etcetera are all great speakers as are many other brands, but I have limited my options at this point in time. 

Are the Paradigm Persona loudspeakers a better alternative to the Wilson Yvettes for string resolution?

Thanks in advance for any advice. - Gerry


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Showing 2 responses by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Agree with using electrostatics and or ribbon Magnepan speakers.
One other helpful idea is to use the best powerline conditioner you can afford. It will definitely clarify the sound.
PS McIntosh is not the most clear electronics around by a long shot.

If it were me I would buy a pair of Magnepan 20.7 Or a top of the line Martin Logan electrostatic speaker.
The conditioner Audio Quest Niagra 7000

The electronics??? plenty to choose from.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
After reading Gerry's comments, I think that a good pair of earphones might be the ticket. They are way way more resolving than almost any speaker. (like I can hear any garbled lyric no matter how mumbled with earphones, but seldom as well from my Magenpans)

Also, the problem of resolving individual instruments in a complex passage is more mind concentration than the fault of the equipment.
IE: Can you do the task listening to a live performance?
I can remember as a teen listening to a symphony and starting to follow just one instrument through the whole thing. I would always be in some quasi trance state doing it! Like my mind was fascinated with that instrument at that moment. And I would snap out if it and wondered how I did that. (I no longer have that nice ability.. it seems I lost it in my 30's)

Back to a stereo that can do the job. As I wrote, a CONDITIONER can help a lot in upping the clarity quotient.


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