Getting the Upgrade Bug Again

Abrew19 - to coin a phrase "you don't know, what you don't know", that would describe my experience with the B&W's. The Luxman has made a huge difference. I will be keeping my PrimaLuna integrated and will be on the lookout for a pair of speakers that will be compatible with that amp.

After listening to the Luxman for a few weeks, I have decided that while there is an improvement, the B&W's still don't sound right. Luxman sent back and B&W's sold this morning. On a new quest for a more compatible speaker for my beloved PrimaLuna.

Greginnh,

I think you are doing things in the wrong order here. Speakers (and their fit with your room) will make the most difference to the sound of your system. I'd suggest settling on speakers first, and then figure out what amp works best with them.

Again, an audio show would be very helpful (and in audio shows, speakers are easier to evaluate than the gear that they are paired with, IME).

Thanks Roscoeiii. On the surface my approach may look a bit backwards but I should have left well alone. I know that I am extremely happy with my PrimaLuna integrated amp. am also happy with my sources and interconnects. The "updgrade" to B&W 803s was a big mistake (as others have pointed out). The only variable that I need to address now will be tube friendly speakers.

Break out the Raid.

The audio world is largely your oyster for a 10K investment.

Try a Rogue Pharoah Class D hybrid integrated, stick with an integrated and save a few grand. It'll pretty much drive anything to the max. My dealer who carries full Rogue and ARC lines thinks its the best. I've heard it and cannot disagree.

B&W is not a tube amp friendly design in general so I would steer clear of pure tube amps unless you have speakers better suited for the mating. The hybrid Pharoah is designed for those who like the sound of tubes but do not necessarily have the most tube amp friendly speakers to work with.