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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
jerrybj
862 posts
 
A few years ago my Plinius pre/power setup was sounding bright.
Did some research (before the internet had information and reviews as accessible as it is now) and bought cable that made a huge difference.
Was so effective I moved up their line by three models.

So although not ideal, careful cable choice can help tame a bright system.
davekayc
173 posts
 
Big question is are the current speakers meeting expectation. Is there a certain flavour no matter how much you tweek. Make sure your room and speaker placement is up to snuff first . Experiment and take your time listening. 
jdesj's avatar
jdesj
24 posts
 
What your experiencing is the b&w’s overpowering your room. Major room treatment is required to tame these higher frequencies. 
My solution was to get rid of the b&w’s and two subwoofers. Purchased ‘full range’ Sonos Faber Amati Futuras. Now I have a very balanced sound with loads of very accurate bass. These speakers will play any type of music well. The wife will be satisfied since she’s looking at two Italian designed cabinets as opposed to the four cabinets you have now. 
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
I have Matrix 803 Series II.  My upgrade was subs.  It made a huge difference in the flexibility off controlling bass integration, and of course volume when needed.  I did time align the B&W speakers with the sub drivers, and use a separate amp and pre-amp for volume control and for power.
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