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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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gerryah930 OP
51 posts
 
willemj-

I was using a McIntosh 275 VI tube amplifier (I like the tube sound, but it did not provide enough current for the Wilson loudspeakers. I am now using PS Audio's BHK 300 monoblocks, which provide sufficient current to drive the speakers.

Thank-you for the recommendation - Gerry




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gerryah930 OP
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I appreciate all of the comments very much. I have listened to electrostatics and a former BBC monitor brand (e.g, Harbeth) in my listening room.

I may not have clearly articulated my idiosyncrasies. I found all of these speaker types not to be analytical in terms of separating instrumental voices in orchestral music - it was difficult for me to resolve dissonant frequencies, textures and tone color.     

It may be that I am old-fashioned. I currently now have an Audio Research GS150 tube amplifier, a DCS Puccini SACD/CD player with a bridge to my Mac Retina, and Wilson WattPuppy 7 speakers. I also have audio ADHD upgrade fever!

Thank-you for all of your helpful comments. Kind regards - Gerry
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gerryah930 OP
51 posts
 
This is the OP, and I tend to swap out system components. Currently, I have Wilson WattPuppy 7 speakers (thinking of moving either to Harbeth 40.2 or Wilson Yvettes).

I now have an Audio Research GS150 tube amplifier, Audio Research LS preamplifier driven by a DCS SACD/CD player stack with a bridge for streaming.  

I have 6 pairs of headphones, and my favorite ones are not the most expensive ones I own by any means. My favorites are the Focal Elear (somewhat too "bright" for some people). I had to find a Grado 6" 1/4 inch to 3.5 mm adaptor for my Mac Retina notebook - I could not find any other adapters that were stable.

I agree with the last comment in this thread - great loudspeakers provide greater clarity and resolution than any headphones that I have ever used - live performance with the right seating and good hall acoustics are the best. 
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