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Advice on whether speaker upgrade is in order

Hi,

Looking for speaker advice.  I’m not super knowledgeable about gear nor do I have time/access to demo a lot of stuff.  I am still with my first pair of good speakers (B&W803Matrix2).  The signal first goes through a Velodyne DD10 subwoofer (using the sub's crossover to keep the lower registers).  I have a heavily Bryston system, and am probably not going to change that anytime soon:  All front end sources go in digital format to Bryston DAC 2, which runs to Bryston BP25 preamp, then to 7B squared monos.  System sounds pretty good, though I wonder if speakers are limiting factor, and I would like the simplicity of not having a sub.  I also can see what people mean about Bryston gear sounding a little tinny or bright at times.

If I were to evolve the system, would speakers be high on the list, and recommendations given this hardware? (I have read ATC, PMC, and Dynaudio are well matched to Bryston, but I don't know if materially better, and I can't keep up with the new entrants, Tekton, etc.)  Other thoughts on system evolution (or should I shut up and focus on music!).

Thanks

Matt

mathiasmingus
mathiasmingus OP
52 posts
 
Yes, yes - forgot to mention room acoustics.  I know that was high on the list, but I don't control the room (wife) so I will need to be creative on making any improvements.

On the feed, yes, I was unclear.  It is line level: preamp -> sub -> amps -> 803s.  No EQ added.

Thank you!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I’d sell the B&W’s and get a pair of Vandersteen Model 5's with integral bass amplifiers. There is a pair available now on eBay for $5995 from a seller in Brooklyn, NY. 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I'd keep all the Bryston gear - get rid of the subs! That "tinniness" is coming from the B&W tweeters!
turnbowm
353 posts
 
You might  try running the 803s full range without using the sub's HF filter. Less circuitry in the audio chain is always a good thing.
mesch
3,480 posts
 
As turnbrown stated,  I would try speakers without sub. Spend some time to hear if that improves midrange and highs. If you remain wanting more bass then look into getting a more full range pair of speakers having very smooth upper frequencies.  
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