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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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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.


oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
1,076 posts
 
No offense but analytical is not an attribute I like in any component.   To me music sounds better when you don't have to analyze the components.... 

I've had speakers that were described "accurate " "precise"  and on and on but not very musically rewarding.   I'd much prefer a modest system where the sum of it's parts are engaging, musical , and make you NOT scrutinize any one component, especially the speakers.  
schubert
4,867 posts
 
Different strokes for different folks .
+1 for elizabeth ,  good headphones are right for what OP wants .
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
-1 Elizabeth - you just haven’t heard really good speakers if you think headphones are better for hearing detail.
gerryah930's avatar
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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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