Life after Aerial 10Ts...


I've had a pair of Aerial 10Ts for 12 years... I've loved them & they're still in great shape but... I got this audio-itch in need of scratching and I'm curious to hear what else is out there.

Sonically, what I've loved about the 10Ts is their full-range, wide and deep soundstage, and sense of in-the-room musicality... I don't listen at high levels too often. Music is an ecletic mix of jazz, rock, blues, folk, classical and bluegrass.

For all of you past owners of 10Ts... what did you replace them with and why? Regrets?

Financial constraints dictate that my curiousity must remain under $10k or so, so please don't mention the 20Ts... would if I could but just can't afford to go there.

Any insights are greatly appreciated!
Mike
mdconnelly
I really enjoyed the 10Ts and came very close to buying a pair. Ultimately, after thinking about it for several years and coming back into a changed market, I went with the Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Baby Grands. The woodworking on the VAs is absolute top drawer and the sound is incredibly smooth and musical. The WAF is through the roof, if that matters to you.

I only spent a few hours listening to the 10Ts at a good dealer, but I know the character of the sound that you liked, so you might also like the VAs.

Dave
WAF does play an important role since my system is in our living room (24'x12'x8')... in fact, it's part of the reason I'm considering replacing the 10Ts since they are the all-black ones and, well, not the prettiest speakers around.
perhaps a used pair of Rockport Mira's would fit the bill. as of this post, no one has mentioned them. while Rockport Technologies isnt a big company, it certainly is one of the best. no matter what speaker you are replacing, at any price, a Mira maybe a perfect next step....
Focals. Could do a pair of the new 1027 or 1037 Be's for about $10k. Occasionally, you can find a nice set of used Diva Utopia Be's for $6k-$8k. Divas are a bit more picky about setup, but sound fantastic when done right.
Given that you don't need to play that loud you could do with the 2805s and - given that they are black too - the smaller size means better WAF.

Another option would be the Linkwitz Orion which has the same placement "issues" as the Quads (but your room seem well suited for dipoles, all your dimensions are a number times 4ft so you may need something that has less problems with room nodes). You can get this made using a wide range of finishes, so you could let yout wife choose.