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What should I choose??

I have the old B&W 802d's.  I also have the older, first generation, Bryston 14bsst amp (now 15 years old). Both of them are performing well and are in mint shape.  My question is this:  I am interested in the new Bryston 14cubed amp...and I am also interested in the new B&W 802D'3.  But I can't afford to do both.  Should I focus on getting the amp first or the speakers?  Please, I don't need to be told to buy amps or speakers other then the ones I am asking about as I am a big fan of my system.  I just know that B&W has reworked their D series and that Bryston has done the same with their amps.  thanks, Jim
pfeiffer
mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
The newer Brystons have a somewhat gentler and more subtle sound, to my way of hearing. Does that help?
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erik_squires
16,046 posts
 
If memory serves (and it is not perfect) the big difference in the 802 series was in the bass. If you are happy with that, and only want to make things better, I strongly encourage you to leave them alone, and invest in room acoustics if you haven't, or a new amp.
soix
9,456 posts
 
If you don’t think your system is somewhat bright or thin sounding I’d side with upgrading the speakers. I could never warm up to B&W’s yellow midrange drivers, and having spent significant time with the D3 series I find their new silver Continuum drivers to be a substantial improvement. And the tweeter also sounds fantastic and melds great with the new mids such that the speakers very much speak with one coherent voice. If, on the other hand, you’d like more body and warmth and tame the treble a bit I’d consider changing the amp instead. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
First see if you can get a pair of the amps to audition with your current speakers.  That will make your decision between amps.  I don't agree with things like significant improvements over newer models.  That depends on the system that is driving the speakers (source, preamp, and amp).  Each components adds something to the sound and depending n the design can add a bigger improvement or just a little improvement.

Happy Listening. 
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