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B&W 803S, are they the right speakers for me?

I purchased B&W 803S three years ago after trading up from the 805S. My system currently consists of:
803S
MC352
MC41
Denon 2810 (Transport)
TADAC w/Tele NOS smooth plates
Upgraded Power cords
Tara Lab interconnects
Anticables (recent purchase)

My room is 20' wide and about 30' long, but I have a sofa about 10 feet from speakers (which are 9' apart and 2' from back wall). I do have a fair amount of furniture in the room with little opportunity for room treatments (wife issue). Speakers are very slightly toed in.

Speaker dilema- I have to crank them to get well rounded sound with reasonable imaging. I have tried for three years to make them really work. Where have I gone wrong? Thinking of a great smaller speaker that may be more efficient with better imaging (Dynaudio C1 is being considered).

Your help is greatly appreciated!
dmm53
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
Smaller speakers are usually less efficient. It's easier to fill a room with sound with more drivers. Your room is large and you are using an amp that is not really a good match for the speakers you have. I suspect the output transformer used in the Mac is limiting the available current needed to drive the B&Ws successfully.
Having said that, your setup is not really ideal either. You should move the speakers out into the room further if possible and move them closer together. You can try this in small increments until you get enough center fill. But two feet from the wall is really not enough. The golden rule is one third of the room length I believe, which would be ten feet. This probably not feasible for you. But it shows how much off you are.
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
I may be wrong about this. But I am fairly sure that using the 4ohm tap will lower the power output for an 8ohm speaker.
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Instead of a triangle set up I would try (if possible) either move the speakers closer together (6ft apart) or move the sofa back another 5ft. I would play with the toeing too if you can try either of these suggestions. You should gain depth by moving them farther from the back wall. Can't argue with the cost.

Thinking of a great smaller speaker that may be more efficient with better imaging (Dynaudio C1 is being considered).

At 85db they are not too efficient (love current). But the imaging will be better. I have the C1's and the B&w 802d and 803d were on my list for for 'full range' speakers but full range and my room don't get along too well. Should be great for your room in my opinion.

Last you may be surprised how a more power amp may sound.

Just my opinion
musicnoise
377 posts
 
I run a pair of 803s with a c45 driving an mc 402 - not much different than your system; and use the 4 ohm taps. Room is smaller 12/22 but with an open plan into other room. I am 9-10 feet back with speakers away from walls. The sound just gets louder with more juice but doesn't fundamentally change. You may want to look at the furnishings - I would be surprised if it is the speakers. I don't see going to a smaller speaker as a solution - maybe a larger speaker or a whole new design - planars, horns etc. Big room with two available corners? - go for a pair of k-horns with a warm tube amp.
james63
534 posts
 
It's the speakers. I have had B&Ws with the same issues. They need to be played loud to make them shine. I would get out and demo speakers (your gear is pretty good and your set up is fine).

I would think smaller speakers are the wrong move. It sounds like you just want more bass at low volume. What is your budget?

Wilsons thump at all volumes (used Sophias are under $6000 these days).
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