[merlinm3]

I am the 3rd owner of a pair of black oak Metros that were from my understanding a originally dealer demos.  They have served me well for over 10 years now and still sound great! 
Their commanding 5 ft+ height and 22" width and appearance is causing challenges with a family room remodel.  I enjoy the big sound stage and smooth midrange and imaging the Metros provide.  Until recently I have not demoed (for purchase) new floor standing loud speakers and am finding it a bit overwelming.  Was hoping to keep my budget between 10k - 15K but that may change if I'm really dazzled by something costing 10-20% more.  My criteria includes:

• Full range as possible (25Hzz -> ~ 32Hz low bass extension)
• <= 55" Max Height
• Bi-Amp / Bi-Wire capable - I am currently driving the Metros w/ a Wyred 4 Sound 4 Channel Class D Ice Amp 500W x 2 for the bass & 250W x 2 for the Mid/Highs
• Neutral colors (silver/black/white?) or possibly light maple/oak
• A modern look would be great.  I really drawn to the design of Paradigm 7F in silver.
• Smooth anf revealing detail sound quality.  Hoping to minimize sibilence and harshness w/o being too warm sounding.

Any input appreciated.  Thanks!

[richidoo]

Welcome to AudioCircle, merlin!

I have Persona 3F and 9H. They are very pretty, and the beryllium is extremely detailed. They are absolute tone monsters, top to bottom clear controlled detail (9H) There is a little hump in the treble 5-10k, so it can sound harsh and sibilant on average recordings, especially metallic tones like brass and strings. So careful selection of electronics is needed, signal needs to be very refined, so ICE is not ideal. Since you specifically wish to avoid harshness and sibilance I would pass on 7F unless you're willing to dive in head first and upgrade more than speakers and even then you better like extreme treble information. Performance-wise they do deliver if you like tone, edge, excitement. 

Check out Legacy Audio Signature SE, I think it fits all of your criteria. Very detailed, exciting but never harsh and plays well with ICE. Legacy always a very musical and rewarding listen and it's a high value brand. I also have Focus SE and holding onto it in case I can't tame Persona long term. LOL

Sorry I'm not familiar with Von Schweikert speakers so I can't comment on them. Just dropping in cuz you asked about Persona.

[WGH]

If you like a big room filling sound listen to the Nola Baby Grand Reference Gold 3.
http://www.nolaspeakers.com/





Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 100 kHz
Dimensions: 67 inches H x 12 inches W x 16 inches D (overall with bases)
Weight: 200 lb. net per side
Sensitivity: 91 dB @ 8 ohms
Finish: True Piano Black Gloss or True Piano Santos Rosewood. Other finishes and colors available. Bases finished in True Piano Black Gloss.

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2023/03/26/dr-vinyl-and-the-nola-baby-grand-reference-gold-3-on-the-road/

A friend has the older Nola Metro Grand's he bought used and they sound fantastic with restored Quicksilver Audio V4 monoblocks running KT88's. Carl Marchisotto usually demos his speakers using Acoustic Research tubed mono blocks.


Oops, just noticed the price is $150,000 (not $15,000) up from $55,000, that's forgetaboutit territory. The Legacy speakers are looking a lot better.

$55,00 in 2009 http://www.nolaspeakers.com/reviews/StereoMojo.com/2009-01-BabyGrand/index.html

$150,00 in 2023 https://positive-feedback.com/industry-news/nola-to-showcase-its-baby-grand-reference-gold-3-loudspeaker-at-pacific-audio-fest-2023-featuring-new-isolation-technology/


A $8,000 speaker with a REL No31 subwoofer would blow away any $15,000 speaker and would probably fit into the new remodel a lot better. Once you hear what clean tight bass into the teens can do for music you can never go back.
https://rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/reference-series/no-31/