Interesting. Thanks for the response. What, specifically, were you unhappy with about the F208? I'm thinking about buying a pair for my second system so the more detail you can provide, the better.
I didn't make the same mistake...I didn't buy Aerial 7Ts because of the manufacture or how much they cost. I was unhappy with the overall sound of the F208s so I sold them. The 7Ts are the most enjoyable speakers that I've ever owned. I will build around them; however I won't buy another speaker.
"I tried to convince myself that I liked a speaker because of how much it cost, as opposed to how it sounds."
Okay, so you moved from a more expensive speaker (the Sasha) to a less expensive speaker (the F208). But then you repeat the mistake you made originally by moving from a less expensive speaker (the F208) to a more expensive speaker (the 7T).
Ricred, did you sell the F208's? I'm currently using Harbeth C7es3's with a REL B2 sub. I auditioned the F208's and thought the soundstage was quite a bit larger than what I'm getting with my current speaker arrangement. I don't have the luxury of keeping them more than 16" away from the wall behind the and was wondering your thoughts on how sensitive the F208 is to placement.
Silver is very important in the world of audio to get more space and air around instruments. It also is better in timing and speed compared to the best copper you can buy these days.
Today I will receive my personal Audioquest Wel Signature XLR cable. In a few weeks I will write a review about it.
I replaced the plate with Silver Audio Silver Shot jumpers cables today that match my speaker cables. I don't want to exaggerate, but everything has improved. No, not a night and day difference, but significant enough that it is easily heard. More space between instruments, slightly clearer mids and more defined bass. Considering the small amount I spent, this is one of the best things I have ever done!
This is what you wrote in another thread concerning cables: "The best ones also let you hear the differences in Heights of instruments and voices during a recording. These things can't be achieved so easily with more expnsive amps or sources. YOUR WORDS NOT MINE.."CAN'T BE ACHIEVED SO EASILY WITH MORE EXPENSIVE AMPS OR SOURCES!" I know from hearing with my own ears a better source and amp can make a difference. For now, my question is regarding cables and I'll try to ask in a different way, with the hopes of you providing an answer. What do you believe is the best value in Audioquest's current line of speaker cables?
When I was deciding to change my system I had a long talk with a high-end company known for their amplifiers. His advice was always start with the speakers, because there are more differences between speakers than amplifiers! I know you always recommend Pass Labs; however I don't like Pass amps. I will eventually upgrade my source, but I'm asking you about speaker cables. In particular what Audioquest cable would you recommend?
I think your speakers deserve a better poweramp and source. You easilly can get a higher endresult when you would upgrade them.
Your speakers look nice, I think you need the right balance in your system. Many people spend a lot of money on speakers. Amps and sources are extreme important as well!!
Thanks for the nice words. There are some higher priced systems that sound really great. What I would like to reiterate over and over again is price and/or manufacturer doesn't always equate to better sound. I'm not saying some of my previous speakers sound horrible. Honestly, in hindsight I realize some of my previous speakers were bad values.
Nice system Ricred- I've always liked Aerials! Had a pair of 7b's and have heard the 7T's a few times. Your philosophy is spot on. IMO, the higher priced my system is the more the expectations rise and diminishing returns begins to be a factor.
Hi Ricred1, I appreciate your reply to Kevinkwann. You came to a wise realization regarding the motivation for buying audio components. Brand names and high costs aren't as you acknowledged the right criteria for true fulfillment. The only goal should be enjoying your music to the highest degree with emotion and involvement. Now that you've experienced that transition you're on the road towards long term happiness rather than hifi nervosa and recurrent frustration. Congratulations! Charles,
I don't flounder...my problem was I tried to convince myself that I liked a speaker because of how much it cost, as opposed to how it sounds. I'll repeat that I was buying for the wrong reasons. I bought into more money or brand name equates to better. I had the perfect opportunity to sell my Sashas with minimum loss and I did. I couldn't be more content. I'm adding relatively inexpensive room treatment and I will be done. I don't have the best system, but I enjoy listening to music more than ever!
To be honest with you, no matter what I tried, listening to Sashas was fatiguing. After a couple of months without a system I decided to put a modest system together. I initially had Revel F52s and loved them. I quickly traded them and purchased Revel F208s. I just purchased a pair of Aerial 7Ts and will build a system with them as the foundation. I have discovered that I prefer a well balanced speaker that can present a three dimensinal soundstage. I don't want to get into what's better, but I submit you can build a very satisfying system for a lot less than the cost of Sashas.
