Some excellent commentary...
I'll split the difference on a couple points...
I purchased the N802s after extensive auditioning of the N801s and the AA-10Ts. Regarding the N801s, there were several decision points: first, my wife could not handle the look of the N801s, they were much more expensive and required very serious amplificiation: In all too expensive, and relative to the N802, somewhat ugly.
Regarding the AA, both are very fine speakers. I found the AA to be less of what I wanted: the 802s seemed faster and smoother.
Regarding the Salons and Studios: I did not know of the Studios, at the time. The Salons were near perfect, but out of my price range.
With my N802s, I too am looking for a amps: now narrowed to the Bryston 14B-ST (a double 7B-ST, actually), the Meridian 558, and Aragon. I'm emotionally over the temptation for the Mark Levinsons, Krells and Jeff Rowlands: I simply don't want to spend this kind of money, and I probably can't hear the difference, anyway.
I'll split the difference on a couple points...
I purchased the N802s after extensive auditioning of the N801s and the AA-10Ts. Regarding the N801s, there were several decision points: first, my wife could not handle the look of the N801s, they were much more expensive and required very serious amplificiation: In all too expensive, and relative to the N802, somewhat ugly.
Regarding the AA, both are very fine speakers. I found the AA to be less of what I wanted: the 802s seemed faster and smoother.
Regarding the Salons and Studios: I did not know of the Studios, at the time. The Salons were near perfect, but out of my price range.
With my N802s, I too am looking for a amps: now narrowed to the Bryston 14B-ST (a double 7B-ST, actually), the Meridian 558, and Aragon. I'm emotionally over the temptation for the Mark Levinsons, Krells and Jeff Rowlands: I simply don't want to spend this kind of money, and I probably can't hear the difference, anyway.