[JackStraw]

BTW: The same dealer had the new Meadowlark Kestral. While they seemed like a very nice speaker, they didn't impress me like the R3a. Of course, I think they're some $800 less too.

I got to check out the Kestrel2 this week. They were so good that I started another topic for them... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=3462

[nathanm]

Beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder Nathan.

Beauty may be, but I am not so sure about value.  I don't know if I'd call ANY box that plays back music a "good value" at ten grand or more.  After that you can certainly say "this is way cool" but I think calling such a thing a "value" is a bit of a delusion.  At that point it turns into being cool toys for the filthy rich, basically.  That said, I agree that the Wilson finishes are appealing; I was just picking on the velcro, which seemed odd to me.  There's just something about a bunch of strips of linty velcro on an ultra expensive speaker that say "chintzy" to me.  What happened to the impregnanted magnets, eh?  For that price I'd like to be able to play them with or without grills and still have it look like a work of art.

Also to note, Wilson has sold more speakers over 10k than ANYONE in the business.  I actually think they can be a wonderful value depending on the system, and proper Wilson setup.  And resale is very easy with Wilson.   Not to mention anyone who shops for a flagship ...

Ummm, are you a dealer by chance? That sounded like ad copy!

[KeithR]

Ummm, are you a dealer by chance? That sounded like ad copy!

Nahh...i did own Wilsons once though, and as JoshK can attribute as he heard mine, no one builds a better cabinet.  It really is something.  I sold them as I was moving, and didn't want to hall them cross country.  I do miss that Wilson soundstage at times I must say.  I agree, the velcro is a bit cheezy, although hardly noticable at least on the Cub IIs I had.

Value is subjective though--if i thought the Wilson Sophias sounded as good as 20k speakers from other manufacturers, then it is a good value in my book.  Besides, 10k may not be expensive for many people (and isn't).  You have to determine price/performance for value, and to many, Wilson speakers have this.

My current speakers cost 9k, and i would put them up against anything under 20k.  One of the best values I know...even my buddy who has a 50k system came over, and said they do things that his system can't do.

Cheers,

KeithR