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Looking for bookshelf upgrade from B&W DM302s

Currently hooked to a Rega Brio-R w/ Dac Magic. I play mostly lossless files from a NAS, but occasionally vinyl. Unfortunately, I have pretty eclectic listening: led zeppelin to liszt, so to speak. I love the DM 302s, but it just seems like something is missing. Some "oomph." (...and I dont want a sub.)

I have been eyeing: B&W 685, Dali Ikon I MkII, Epos Epic 2, Rega RS1, and Vienna Accoustics Haydn Grand.

I would like to spend less than $1k.

Would anyone 1) steer me away from any of these, or 2) have any other suggestions?

As always I will try before I buy if I can...ideally at home, but we'll see how good the dealers are (especially unlikely for under $1k speakers?). Also, if I audition them elsewhere, they will likely be on a different system and/or not broken in.

Thus my post looking for experience. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
dcowen1234
tobias
1,534 posts
 
The DM302s are one of the most musical speakers you can find at the price. (Actually the only B&W I've heard that I liked more was the old DM4.) You'll need to take a big step if you want both musicality and extra weight at the low end.

The speakers on your list all have good reputations. You might consider adding the Triangle Comète.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
muzikat
929 posts
 
I think with the Rega amp, you should try the Rega RS1 speakers
jorgeparrapuppy
257 posts
 
Dcowen: I'm really curious which speakers you decide on getting. Please report back. I've had the 302s for years now in one system incaranation or another and just can't convince myself to upgrade because i've never had so much fun with other speakers as i have with these.
qq250
6 posts
 
You state that you love the sound of your 302's. Personally, I don't care for the highs on B&W's but they usually have a nice clean, fast midrange and decent lows. I don't think you should change them if you like them. The problem you are talking about is most likely due to the amp. The rega products are very nice sounding and easy to listen to, but is not usually the type of amp to really take command of the speaker. I good local dealer will usually let you try demo components if you pre authorize the amount on your CC, or something similar. I would do something like that, if possible. Changing the speakers may be a good option, as well, but I would still try the amp first given your description.
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