New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid

Your best mode of action is to demo as many speakers as you can. I know it is difficult these days, when many retailers are located only in major cities, but making time and coordinating them in advance will make you an educated buyer. 

You'll get opinions otherwise on this forum, but, as Julia Child used to say-

'you'll be sorry'

Bob 

You've probably been around high end audio long enough to answer your own question.  You simply must audition speakers until you find the ones you like best.  Is there any other way?  Happy listening.

You story has made me afraid very afraid...

I don't have a recommendation, but I can relate to your dilemma. I was considering an upgrade to my Von Schweikert VR-4 speakers (purchased in the late 90's) , but was concerned that I would spend the money and not be happy. I decided to stay with Von Schweikert.  The new speakers are a definite improvement and likely my last pair of speakers. 

@sls883 

Very confusing. You say you stayed with the VS speakers, then you say the new speakers are an improvement. Which is it?

I am also a bit confused, @ozzy62 , but maybe he meant he went with a new set of Von Scheikerts.  

Thanks for the replies.

I guess I’ve been around long enough to know that showroom audition may be an indicator, but once you get them home with different room and electronics, the result will very likely vary.

And home for me is Nassau, Bahamas so returning them, even if an option- is not an option (after shipping and duty etc.)

I guess a more general question might be are  speakers today (>$15k) better than their 25 year old equivalents?

Nothing to fear but fear itself.
… and money. Fear and money!
…and maybe the wife? Fear, money and wife.
Oh snap, then there is the sound…

Fear, money wife and sound. That’s it! 4 things to fear.

Depreciation! 5 things actually. .

Oh well, you only live once. Do it till you’re satisfied!

I would approach it differently. Are you an analytical, impulsive or emotional person?

If you are analytical, you will find and likely appreciate the differences. From your post, you are not though.

The improvements have been significant but it benefitted the lower segment more than the higher tier. (NOBODY WILL AGREE WITH THIS HEHE) That said, you can buy speakers in the 5K neighborhood that beat your current speakers, emotional, impulsive or what not.  Personally none of these speakers on your list get me excited but they must be great. 

@immatthewj I stayed with the Von Schweikert brand, but bought a new pair from their current product line. 

Is the Mac amp you have on top tube or SS?

@ozzy62 Sorry, didn't see your comment. I only meant that I stayed with the Von Schweikert brand.  Poor choice of wording on my part. 

The advances in speaker technology has been very large. Yes you have much to gain. The safest bet will be the B&Ws since you like their speaker sound and they are still very bass heavy. But a trip is still worth the time and expense.

 

I would read avidly about your choices, then make a trip to the states to confirm. With your knowledge of your speakers and auditions you should be able to extrapolate to your audio environment.

Well a 15k speaker today there 15 yo equivalent would be about 4k back then. Better is subjective for sure and you would need to listen. I had BW Matrix 801 vii for a while. With a monster amp pushing them they were just as good as most today. I’m not of the camp that speakers are night and day better especially comparing to totl from 20 years ago. 

Well a 15k speaker today there 15 yo equivalent would be about 4k back then.

That’s adjusted for inflation, but does that also apply to or account for the potential for increased performance due to R&D over 25 years?

If you like the B&W sound you are on the right track with the options you mention but you might like to add Focal to the list. Not my cup of tea but speaker choice is very personal and I prefer the more musical (less analytical ) speakers like Sonus Faber.

Why not stay with what you have? They are excellent speakers

Listening to music in the Bahamas on any of the speakers on your list sounds divine to me.

The 801s were $5.5k in 1999. New.
 

Several years ago I took a fav cd and went and listened to WW Puppies driven by great electronics and thought what’s the big deal. They did not seem to resolve any better and seemed lacking on the bottom. 
 

Now, how many iterations later, I wonder if the Sashas have improved enough- surely they must have, no? I would be looking at used so listening may be an issue.

The new 802s ( I wrote 803s above but meant 802s) share the same B&W DNA so should be an improvement and safer choice (but would still go for a listen). My ears have rolled off on top so B&W brightness may be less of an issue. 
 

I’m a big believer in physics and can’t see (or hear) how the X3s go very deep, but I failed to mention that I have a VMPS Larger sub driven by Crown K2, so deep bass is not an issue. Will try and have listen in Fla.

you need to look at Legacy's way more dynamic then all of the speakers you mentioned and designed to be bi-amped with their wavelet processor

the signature se $9300 depending on finish are an incredible deal

 

very efficient 92db

high power handling 20watts to 300

very deep subwoofer level bass 22hz

can be bi-amplified.

state of the art heil AMT tweeter and midrange for incredible resolution and a huge soundstage.

stunning real wood finishes.

American made ,great service and support.

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legacy dealer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems like you have enough power so no more versatile and bang-for-the-buck manufacturer as Magnepan.

Let me guess Dave, you no longer sell KEF, Paradigm, or Goldenear? 

@mapman A perfect analysis!

Give yourself permission to change.  I’d bet your taste in ice cream is different than it was 25 years ago - who knew coconut could be so good?  And I’m guessing you’d buy a different suit today, even if the old ones still fit!  So I’d recommend listening to different types of speakers and systems - I’m amazed how great some single driver speakers sound these days.  Florida Audio show is in February.  And Soundlux Audio in Miami has great stuff.  These speakers may be your last, so have fun.

@sls883 

For what it’s worth … I understood what you were saying.  
 

- Had an old pair of VS speakers 

- upgraded to a new pair

-stuck with VS brand

-don’t regret the upgrade 

 

@sls883 

Understood and good choice. I have owned two versions of the VR4. Albert (RIP) made some damn fine speakers.

I have had the X3's for about 4 months now and I would highly recommend them...

Definitely add Rockport speakers to your list to audition! Good luck !