FINALLY - Revel Performa Series 3

[frenchmon]

detest is probably not the right word - overpriced for the sound you get - but that was the Salon 2 at something like $15k. Though it at least did have bass depth where something like the similarly priced Wilson Sophia lacks. Both don't integrate as well as I like and the tweeter sticks out.

I have to totally disagree with you about the Salon2. The Pure Beryllium Dome tweeter was very smooth and clear and did not stick out. I just listened to that speaker for 3 hours straight a few weeks ago. It was being driven by a new Levinson amp and preamp and was just about perfect. I did think the presentation was a little more aggressive than the Studio which I also listen to for about 3 hours as well. It too has that same smooth tweeter and great presentation, only its not as aggressive and the Salons..

Personally if this is the general design look people are after the Usher Be 10 sounded a LOT better than the Revel Salon 2 IME. Usher Audio > Dancer Series Loudspeaker > Be-10 Diamond DMD

I would also consider Acoustic Zen over most in the floorstander realm.

Mike is usually bang on with his asseessment of most speakers in the $15k range - most IMO are not all that great IME - I question the price for sound quality ratio far too often when really they should clearly represent a major step over speakers like mine or something like a Gallo 3.5. And even if I had the money - I'd look at a 3.5 longer and harder.

I've heard the 3.5's as well. It a very good speaker.... Don't even see how you think that is a better speaker than the Salons.

Acoustic Zen actually sounds like it's worth the money or the Ingenium from Teresonic if you can live with low bass. Audio Federation Blog » Blog Archive » Acoustic Zen Crescendo and Tri at CES 2010 - High-end Audio Blog

I found the comment selection interesting the way mike ranks ARC and others - I have felt that way about ARC for many years - and I am surprised to see someone actually say it.[/QUOTE]