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Speaker Upgrade

Hello,
I am looking to upgrade my speakers in the used market. I am considering The B&W 803D, Sonus Faber Cremona M, Dynaudio Confidence C-2, and Usher BE - 10.
The room is 20x20 with 18' ceilings. They will be mains in a 5.1 set up for SACD's, audio Dvd's and home theater. They will also be used when 2 channel listening. The amp is The Emotive XPA5 at 200x5.
Your input will be greatly appreciated!
pkelly1504
xti16
1,525 posts
 
First I never heard the Ushers. In my personal opinion the B&W's would be best for HT but not for 2 channel. They are forward and punchy. For 2 channel they will most likely give you listeners fatigue in the long term. That's why I didn't get them. The Sonus faber is very nice but just a little too laid back. While I was still in the market I heard Dynaudio. That was the only speaker I ever heard that I HAD to have. Yes I got the C1's. Tried to upgrade to the C2's but my room is too small. Your room is a great size. In fact I would consider stretching your budget a tad and consider the C4's (my favorites to date) because of your room size. I like the Dyn's so much I did upgrade to the signatures and couldn't be happier.

I can never recommend enough to try and listen for yourself - after all it's your money and ears.

Good Luck
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
I am a big fan of Dynaudio as well Contour S1.4 and S5.4. Their complete line up is very very good and will integrate well with each other. The also make a sub that will compliment the lowest bass for home theater and large scale works. A great pairing. Try to listen for yourself if possible.
pkelly1504 OP
62 posts
 
Thanks for your input. So far I have listened to the B & W 804D, The Dyno C2, Dyno 3.2 Contour and Paradigm S6. I really liked the C2 and so far the only one that I would consider a huge upgrade over my current B & W Matix 803's. My wife and I agreed that the sound was superior on the C2's and we also love the look. The 803D's were not in stock, hoping they will come in. Tomorrow we are going to listen to the Sonus Fabers. I have read great reviews of the Ushers however have nowhere to audition them in my area. Also was impressed with the Vandersteen CE2 that together with an integrated tube amp was far superior to the paradigm S6's that we auditioned in store # 2 in our opinion. Great sound for a $2000 speaker. We won't consider the Vandy's due to the cloth socks and the fact that we have cats.
A few members suggested a two channel integrated or pre with home theater by pass with a great two channel amp as a necessary investment prior to upgrading the speakers.
I am looking to purchase used here on Audiogon.
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