Amati Traditions or Serafino + Gravis Vi
 

I am considering upgrading my speakers from Harbeth SHL5+XD to either the a pair of Amati Traditions or a pair of Serafinos with a Gravis VI sub. Each combo comes out to about the same price (with one Gravis VI sub). Room is 28’x16’x8’. Gear is Mac C2700/MC611s/Esoteric N-01XD. Just for two channel music. Mostly classic rock, vintage country, classical, rhythm and blues.

Any thoughts on which combo? I can listen to the Amati Traditions and Serafinos, but not likely with the Gravis Vi sub. Could demo with a JL or a ML Balanced Force. Does anyone know if the SF Gravis subs are truly matched to the SF speakers? Or would it be better (other than for looks) to go with a JL or ML Balanced Force sub? Are there advantages to the dual driver design of the SF and ML BF vs the single driver type of JL?! And is is better to go with a subwoofer specialty company like JL/REL?

Thanks!

For the size of your room, I'd be inclined towards the Tradition - they'll fill the space better than the Serafino, especially since rock and R&B are a large part of your listening. I have the Futuras (the predecessor to the tradition) in a smaller room than yours, and they perform very well. If you go for the larger speaker, you can always do subs later as an upgrade if you feel the need. If you decide on the Serafino, I would seriously consider a pair of subs, not just a single.

Thanks Tony.

When I bought my Gravis III sub to use with my EAIII I was told the subs are voiced to use with Sf. The Sf subs are a copy of the Sumiko design which were close relatives to the REL design. I am please how they have performed together.

Are you using two?

No, I am using one. Two have been possible to do but space is an issue, translation WAF.