Vienna Speakers: Compared to other Hi-end spks?


Vienna Acoustics(which is backed by Sumiko) is a company that seems not to have a lot of visibility. I have seen their line of speakers at places like Tweeter, Etc. "Fit and finish" are first rate. My question is: how do they rate against other high-end speakers, especially their model called the "Beethoven" which is the same price as Thiel 2.3, Revel F-30, Coincident Techology's Victory(not sure of the retail price). Would like to hear opinions from owners and any one who has auditioned them,especially the model called "Beethoven" Thank you!!
sunnyjim
I have owned the Beethovens and absolutely loved them. I used Ayre amp and preamp. I agree w/those that said they are on the warm side and sound beautiful w/jazz and acoustic. I heard them w/tubes but the amp I heard them with did not have enough power, in my opinion. The bass was undefined and too soft. I think they need at least 100 watts to sound their best. The Ayre V3 was a great match. I auditioned them against the Mahlers, and while the Mahlers were better, the price difference made the Beethovens a better pick for me. I felt the focused bass and incredibly musical midrange and highs compared very favorably to the $10,000 Mahlers. And as everyone notes, the cabinetry and wood grain of the whole Vienna line is just amazing. Beethovens can be found used here for $2400 or less, a great bargain.
Hi all. I'd like to go slightly off topic. I also own a pair of Beethovens but have been considering ESLs. I can get a great deal on a pair of Martin Logan Aeon's. I'm wondering if the ML's would be a set down and if anybody has ever compared the two.

Thanks for all the input, Mike.
VA speakers, as has been noted here, are especially position sensitive. Sumiko runs a week long seminar in speaker placement for their dealers, and it really pays off.
I have auditioned the Mahlers at the VA dealer in Denver, Soundings, and the owner has been to the Sumiko seminar and the speakers are positioned perfectly in the room.
The Beethovens are similarly positioned.
A Mahler-Jeff Rowland system does make nice music. Beethovens are for smaller rooms, but nice music as well.
Like many speakers with very few dealers, hard to get a proper audition. It really helps with making a decision.
I've heard Beethovens, Mahlers and Haydens in various systems. They may not throw a ton of detail in your face, but they certainly are quite musical. I'd try to setup a serious audition.