I have auditioned Kiis and own the Revel Salon 2s......
Who buys and owns what is
not the worst indicator of the comparative quality of audio devices. However, if we use this method, we have to confront a data point that runs the other way--Keith's difficulty selling the Salon 2s versus the Kiis and D&Ds.
Measurements and double-blind tests are better indicators of comparative quality. The new generation of
digital active loudspeakers seems to be measurably superior to
what came before in most respects. (The Salon 2s are better than the new speakers in several ways. The Kii Threes, without the very expensive bass bins, run out of steam pretty fast in the low end, and the Kiis' treble is a tad too hot. The D&Ds don't run out of steam as quickly but have had some reported QC issues, all reportedly resolved by D&D. The Beolab 90s take up a lot of floor space, are very expensive and arguably look weird.)
I realize we have a lot of Harman fans here and that old preferences for the Salons 2s, the M2s or other big Harman speakers will die hard. (I'm saying this as someone who, following the advice of
ASR posters, just advised a close relative to spend a couple grand on Revel loudspeakers!) If only Harman would make a product that competes with the Kiis, Beolab 90s and D&Ds, it would probably be cheaper and equally, if not more, excellent. I don't know why they're taking so long to do so.
In light of a question I received recently, I think we need a new thread on measurably excellent speakers that attempt to achieve SOTA performance. I am grateful that no one here is defending Wilsons on the basis of either weight or the old knuckle-wrap test.