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"The B&W Sound"

Does the "B&W sound" that may critics complain about have more to do with design or materials (perhaps both)? (i.e.: does a metal dome tweeter always impart a bright signature, or does it depend more on the crossover design?) I don't hate my 703's, but I'm certainly not satisfied either. I have been considering speakers that utilize a soft dome tweeter. What are the signatures (i.e.: weaknesses) of a soft dome design (if any)? Most importantly, what speakers will: 1.) Play at least as loud as the 703's (yes, I'm a product of the 70's -louder is better); 2.) Offer superior highs (smother, but still detailed); 3.) Rival or better the 703's bass response; 4.) Cost less!! ($2,000 - $3,000 range)??? I would like to hear from previous B&W users - preferably those who have replaced their 703's with speakers that offer a less fatiguing (i.e.: bright/harsh) sound.

Thanks,

Ben
2chnlben
slaw3
139 posts
 
I never really had the brightness problem with my B&W CDM1 NTs, but then I was running a tube pre, which may have helped some. Your equipment may have something to do with this brightness - have you tried other speakers in your set up?

Anyway, I was looking to upgrade so after listening to tons of speakers (almost literally) I finally went with the Gallo Reference IIIs, which are just phenomenal speakers! Great tight low bass, exceptional soundstaging, detailed but non-edgy tweeter. I got mine for $2500, so they're in your price range.

My system now:
Shanling T-100 CD
VPI MkIII/Rega 300/Sumiko Blackbird/conrad-johnson phono preamp
Eastern Electric Mini-max tube preamp
Nuforce Reference 9 monoblocs (incredible amps!!!)
Gallo Ref IIIs

I love it love it love it, and I'm done with the upgrade bug for the foreseeable future!
Good luck!
bearotti
164 posts
 
HMMMM, the B&W sound! I have heard some B&W in systems that I liked, and others that I did not! I myself was an avid B&W guy until I discovered JM Labs...Of course I had dreams of some Wilson Audio in my system, but it is a little to expensive for me. I have fallen in love with my JM Labs 926's. Smoothest overall presnetation I have heard from speakers in the price group. Used they would be a little more than what you 703's are worth, but I find their inverted dome tweeter to be most inviting to listen to. I would get some high-frequency fatigue while listening to my b&w's (602 s3's to the cdm-1nt's to the nautilus 805's in my speaker evolution) but I always thought that they created a good soundstage. I just think that the overall timberal balance of the JM Labs are much better. Best of luck! Try and get out and hear some other stuff, you will find something that tickles your fancy!
jppenn
130 posts
 
You mention the '"B&W sound" that many critics complain about'. IMHO, it is precicely that these speakers are so incredibley accurate and do not have a sound (sonic signiture) that seems to be the "real" seed of these complaints/critics. Questionable cables, improper amplifier power, or other improperly matched source components, will rear their ugly heads with a top of the line B&W speaker. Conversely, these speaker sing with "the right stuff".
baffled
106 posts
 
Listen closely to what Sugarbrie said. I was very unhappy with my 800N's until I started upgrading the digital front end. A high end tube CDP added bass and smoothed out the treble a bit. I have a new tube preamp on the way. New cables too. I am confident my speakers are going to sound great.
You should have no trouble auditioning your speakers with some good gear. There seems to be a B&W dealer on every corner.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the 703's are very nice with the proper gear. no need to upgrade without a really big jump in price.
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