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Cd player or Nautilus 804

I recently changed speakers from B&W Matrix 802 to the N804s. The speakers have been broken in for about a month and I am still not sure of the results. I know I like the sound better than the M802's, being more open and less laidback. The problem is on some material, the music seems a bit harsh and not a smooth as I previously remembered. At this point, however, I am not sure if it really is the speaker or my source.

The rest of my system is Krell HTS 7.1 (has preamp mode - a bypass) with KAV series amps, XLO ref & sig. cables, Cal CL10 CD changer and a sony 7700 dvd player. My general observations are...

*Cal with preamp section (bypass)...more open and forward vocals (Like)....detail sounding with less emphasis on the lower midrange (don't like..seems lacking). Can sound bright and harsh at times. Some CDs really shine, but overall fatiguing.

*Cal going through Krell analog inputs...vocals are more laidback, but a lot of the harshness is gone. More balance sounding with more noticeable lower-end. Nicer overall presentation, but doesn't seem as dynamic and engaging.

*Sony used as a transport...a bit surprised that it sounded as good as it did...sounded very similar (maybe better) to the Cal with the analog inputs. Once again, less harshness, but vocals are recessed. Seems more on the analytical side versus dynamic and musical.

At this point, I am not sure what to focus on....Is my issue with the CD player or the speakers? I know people either love or hate B&Ws, but I think the speakers can deliver the sound I am looking for without being bright (?) I am a bit surprised with the CAL...vocals are good (albeit a tendency to be bright) but much less emphasis on the lower end (didn't notice with M802's).

I have tried an Arcam player & I wanted to like it, but it didn't seem dramatically better than I have. Vocals were not as forward as the Cal and it didn't seem bright. It just didn't win me over. I am going to listen to a Cary 303 and the Ayre CX-7 player this weekend on my exact same setup at the dealer. I am just not sure this will get the desired result....a dynamic, detailed musical presentation without being fatiguing.

Sorry for such a long post....just not sure what to do next. Any thoughts...should I focus on the cd player? are the speakers part of the issue or just passing on what it is getting? Can a change in the CD player address all of these issues?

thank you, macct



macct
macct OP
55 posts
 
My cables are xlo reference speaker cables (bi wire) with reference balance interconnects b/w amp & HTS. I am using xlo signature interconnects b/s CAL and HTS (previously MIT 3, but XLO has cleaner sound). DVD player also xlo signature digital cable.

any thoughts?
tlday
137 posts
 
Having owned n803s and now 802s I can tell you that they won't truely break in for several months -- the 803s took six months, the 802s a little less. Give them a chance.

Tom
bwyoung
143 posts
 
When I purchased my N802s I had the same feeling as you that I could get much better sound with better components upstream. After much experimentation this proved to be the case. I upgraded my Krell from KAV300i to the KAV250 to the FPB 300cx. I auditioned many CD players and I think you will be very impressed with the Ayre player. I was. However, it came in second to the Resolution Audio Opus 21. This player is very detailed and clear yet without digital hash. I am very pleased with it. PS: I sold my preamp and run the Opus 21 directly to my amp now.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Are the N804's near the wall? If so, move them out some; 4 feet or more if you can. What you describe happens with the "tweeter on top" in some rooms if the speakers are near the wall.

Speaker placements matters a lot in many rooms..
audiobugged
528 posts
 
Tlday, is right I wouldn't abandon hope on the N804's just yet! Gosh at a period of a month they still have the new out of the box smell to them. You honestly can never compare them to the M802's, even after they break-in as they are entirely different speakers.

I wouldn't even start to listen to them till they hit the 200 hour mark, & critically until the 500 hour period. You are after all comparing their (N804) current sound to speakers (M802) with years of break-in.

If you where using the Sony as a CDP & not a Transport, I would say yes it could be somewhat bright sounding. But even in that case you could correct that with a trial membership to the joining the interconnect of the month club.

For now there is no Fast Fix, just remain patient, give the N804's time, & save your monies. If you feel the need to change CDP's at that tome the Cary should tone them down & warm thing up. IMO

Good Luck!
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