2. speakers
  3. 1273255441

B&W's objective opinions lean or accurate

I have a few posts and my system is evolving with the addition of a McCormack DNA225 for the fronts (which will be upgraded by Smc), McCormack HT5 for the center and surrounds, B&W N804 - scm's - and center, McCormack UDP1 Deluxe disc, Denon 3800 Blue Ray, etc. The system is evolving and can be changed as time progresses.

I have also read many threads on amps and B&W's. I understand there are very basic philosophical differences between tube system and ss system orientations and desires. But what I am struggling with is the B&W's and their signature sound. I am thinking of upgrading and do not want to regret making a narrow decision as my system evolves.

Assuming that the components powering them are acceptable, are the B&W's simply too lean and bright or are they accurate? As some have said, in a concert the sound is bright which is true. Also there is the fact that we personally listen to a wide variety of types of music so I think that we need a versitile speaker. I like the N804's but want more depth. I do like detail, soundstage, seperation of the instruments and vocals, and do not tend towards a dark sound or smooth if it means the loss of the individual instruments and seperation.

The limitations include this is a hobby with a budget and I can not hear all the brands. Even in S Cal there are limited comparison possibilities at showrooms who only want to push their favotites. I was already taken by that process and won't even mention the older stuff I bought. Here the stores push B&W, Sonus, Focal, etc. If you own anything over 3 years old, they want you to trade in. So I now buy used quality instead.

So, if you were in my position and in the cost range up to the pricepoint of a used B&W 802D, what would you reccomend as speakers in your opinion and why? In that price range there would seem to be many options.

I appreciate any feedback and understand this is very subjective and likely B&W's are overdiscussed in the threads. I really am still learning and enjoy getting the suggestions of different viewpoints and the knowledge of serious enthusiasts who have already gone through this.

Thanks again, sorry for being so wordy.

still_learning
still_learning
still_learning OP
21 posts
 
Interesting discussions

Over time and with equipment changes, with ARC (Anthem D2 room correction), tweeks, speaker position changes, cables, etc. I have improved the sound greatly. Sometimes I am happy with it and other times not as much.

But to go to the next level, I want to make better informed decisions. I have yet to find a friendly high end shop in The Beach communities south of LA yet, but maybe it doesn't matter as I want to buy used anyway. I did have a dealer but it went to HT and fired everyone. I then went to another very high end shop who insisted I needed the new Anthem D2V right away and to get rid of the D2 for only a mere $5,000 additional (if they could sell the old one). When asked why the D2V is a critical upgrade he then decided it may not be necessary. I went there to go over speakers but he felt anything other than JM Labs (Focal) is a mistake.

So I like this forum to gather information from people who love their systems and equipment and who want to share their reasons.

Thanks for the feedback it has given a lot to consider. Hopefully there will be more.
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
I have two pairs of B&W speakers and I find them to display an even frequency balance. One pair are the original matrix construction, non ported, infinite baffle and they still sound great. The N802's are ported as are most speakers, but I find the balance is dependent on the electronics and the room. If you look at the anechoic response graph, you will see they were designed to be accurate.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,606 posts
 
If you can swing the cost differential, the Vandersteen Quatro Wood has a slightly different profile, but similar delivery to the 3A. The 2ce Signature is also very good and slightly smaller than the 3A.
still_learning OP
21 posts
 
There are also the Vandersteen 5 and the 5s. Would those also work and what is the difference?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,606 posts
 
I have listened to the 1c, 2ce Sig. and the 7's more carefully, the 3A Sig., quatro and 5's briefly. I have liked every pair I have listened to in various systems and listening spaces, and have to say the 7's are a "Statement Audio Product". People on here swear by the Vandersteen 5's. I would do a search on the Agon Forum on "Vandersteen 5" - there are at least 78 threads, and plenty opinions provided. Hard to beat any of their line for sound quality at the price asked IMHO.
More to discover