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What's Next?

Im 6months new to this high end audio. My current system consists of B&W 803s 805s htm center for the speakers. Transparent speaker cables tributarie rca's and digital connects. DSP is the Rotel 1098 AMP Rotel 1095 CD Rotel. My problem is Im looking for new speaker's to look into. Another brand maybe. Must sound better obviously. Stereo is what id be mostly concerned about. These speakers must have a real wood finish, must like being played loud for a decent amout of time and still be accurate. The 803s never disapointed me Im just ready for my next step. Later next year Ill do the amplification. But Id like to build this system around great speakers. Thanks I know you a-goners will help steer me in the right direction with your honest knowledgeable advise. Thanks again Matt
mattblueg35
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I would try to listen to some JM labs if I were you. Before you do that, though, have a listen to the new B&W line. I think you'll find that the 803 Diamond is quite a bit better than your current speakers.
mimberman
299 posts
 
If you've only had the gear for 6 months (which I'm assuming because of your comment about being into high end for 6 months) and you're happy with the 803s then why change?

If your priority is stereo (by which I assume you mean 2 channel) reproduction, then you might want to ditch or sideline the Rotel 1098 and leave it for HT processing, and bring in a dedicated 2 channel preamp or integrated that has a HT Bypass or pre outs.

I don't love the 803s, but if you want to attain some accurary and better sound, then I think the rotel is holding you back(BTW, I've never heard of a speaker loosing accuracy if you play it loudly for an extended time. A speaker is either accurate or not, depending on the associated gear). Also, you never mentioned what your amplification is, but in another post you said you were using Krell, which if assuming it a 2 chnl amp or monos should be fine.

I wouldn't spend the money on speakers until you deal with the pre/pro seciton, but there are a pair of Verity Audio Parsifal Encores for 8500, which is an amazing price for these speakers. They're not wood finished (piano black) but these speakers are 20 grand new, and sound every penny of it. Some like the Sonus Faber Cremonas, which are a step up from the 803s, but they're pretty big. There's a pair of ProAc Response 5 in the optional ebony finish 8000 and that's a pretty great price for these lovely speakers.

My recommendation: get a real preamp first, then see if you still want to change the speakers
tobias
1,534 posts
 
You say you want to build your system around great speakers, and that's your choice. A lot of people do that. It's great when your refined, revealing, transparent speakers show you everything your source can do. But if you can hear everything your source can do and you're still not satisfied with your great speakers, well, it could be time to look at your source.

Personally I would be happy with any of the speakers Mimberman suggests, especially the Parsifal Encores (and that is a great price, wish I had it lying around). But not to dress it up too much, any of them would be slumming with a Rotel CD player. Sorry.

On the other hand, if you purchased the kind of CD player that made your 803s blush, THEN you would be ready for new gear downstream.
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