2. speakers
  3. 159635-128706

Alternative speaker suggestion to B&W 805d3

I have a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 805d3. They are the nicest speaker I've ever owned. I have had many "lesser" B&W models in the past. In fact it's the only brand of speaker I've ever owned. I love how they look (especially the 805's),  and they sound great. BUT I do recognize that it is a bright sounding speaker. Even with a pair of REL subs, some recordings can get fatiguing and to sound far too sharp. I really do love the detail but it can get to be a bit much sometimes. Other recordings sound absolutely incredible through these speakers. I'm wondering if there's another speaker I should try? I'm open to going to a floor standing speaker too. The Dali Epicon 6 looks great, Thoughts?
paulgardner
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
+1  harbeths

harbeths (and also spendors) are indeed the classy antidote to ’too bright for their own good’ speakers like b&w, kef, atc, totem and so many others


snuphy91
5 posts
 
Have you tried tone control? Why don't you start with the easiest thing you can try, rather than considering a new pair of speakers. No, I am not a purist who doesn't believe in tone control. :) Good luck.
paulgardner OP
183 posts
 
Yeah I understand they are the most “revealing” speaker I’ve ever owned and that not all recordings are created equal. I think I have plenty of power and my electronics are quality (Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II w/ Herron Audio VTPH-2A phono preamp). I tried an EQ awhile back but it seemed to kill the sound stage and flattened things a bit. Didn’t like it. 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I suspect the Rogue CMII pairing your B&W's isn't ideal.  To my ears KT120 amps tend to sound bright and a more sensitive speaker (than 88dB) may also coax a tad more rich tube sound from the same amp.  Can you roll tubes in that amp? I think the first generation CM came with EL34's which would be a sound I'd prefer but again, probably not with those sepakers.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
For somewhat less bright and still very detailed, as well as excellent looking, check out Salk speakers.  There's a recent thread where a member went through a number of options before arriving at Salks.  Worth checking out.
More to discover