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New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid

I really like my speakers but I am considering an upgrade. I have B&W 801 S2 MkIII that I bought new in 1999 (re-coned with modded x-over). I’m afraid that what I get will not equal them and new may  just be different.

They are bi-amped with McIntosh up top and Krell on the bottom. Analog is Revox B77 and dig is Oppo 105D with Bryston DAC3.

I will also likely upgrade the DAC but this thread is about speakers.

I need a dynamic loudspeaker that is as good with chamber music as it is with acoustic jazz, rock and electronic music (everything but Country and Rap).

I haven’t heard anything yet but am considering Borrersen X3, Wilson Sasha and B&W 803 D4.

Should I be afraid or will these speakers all best a 25 yr old design?

ritter06
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,179 posts
 

And the fun begins!!! Lol 

Many amps will work well with the Wilsons as long as they’re capable of high current delivery. I would not do McIntosh. But Pass, Gryphon, Boulder, D’Agostino, SimAudio Moon the latest North series should be good. Amp is the key to good sound with Wilson Audio. 
 

Enjoy your journey. It’s just money 😉

 

ritter06 OP
29 posts
 

I heard it at the dealer with McIntosh and the sound was liquid and holographic.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,179 posts
 

Cool. If you liked it go for it. You mentioned Crown. That is like making whiskey soda with a 25 year old Macallan. 

ritter06 OP
29 posts
 

I only drink vodka.

livinon2wheels
75 posts
 

I too am speaker shopping...and very afraid...I think I will have to go for some company that offers a home trial, which is the only way to truly audition a speaker. If it wont work at home, it doesnt work at all. So that puts me in a quandary. I think I want a pair of Ohm F5s but at 16k plus shipping its a tough sell, but they do have built in subs, and a free home trial. If I dont like em I ship em back and I am out only the shipping cost. Then there is the Legacy Focus SE which is less money, more efficient so it needs less amplifier, but with no home free trial. GRRR. I think the Fs are gonna take it.

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