8-10k budget suggestions please


Hey guys, 

been out of the game about 10 years, got a new wife, new house, and plugged in my old B&W 804's.  Connected them to a Denon receiver expecting to want to do surround sound.......But forget it!  I really want to maximize my 804's for 2 channel listening.

My room is 15ft long by 13 by 9.  not very big but I need amplification and streaming capabilites.  Will add TT later as I do have vinyl.  Room tx is on it's way so let's just assume it's already done.

 

Thanks for all your help!

128x128asmithkash

Go for the KRELL. That K-300i integrated is fantastic. I am working a second job to buy the KRELL KSA i400 amp which has some of the same tech as the K-300i. I had the K-300i integrated and then the Duo 175XD amp. Both sold to get the KSA i400.

The KRELL is very smooth and buttery. Perfect for B&W speakers (I think). Only heard B+W at dealers.

@laaudionut 

I, too, shared your journey during that time frame. However, I did not like the McIntosh sound during that time; crazy. I gave modern MAC a chance again and was floored by what was presented. The modern MAC sound has changed for the better! We all hear things differently, which makes the hobby/addiction fantastic!!

I'm jealous of the OP because my journey has ended. Maybe onto interconnects now! It appears Krell may be a good fit for him which is certainly a fine component. 

Here is another data point. I think I was at about 10K to 12k range. Two Revel F208 speakers (during a sale), Benchmark DAC3, Benchmark Amp, used BlueNode streamer (streamer only), cables from Benchmark and BlueJean cables. I feel it sounds good for the price.  I don't care for B&W sound signature so try others to see what you think as time has passed.  My 20 year old Sonus Faber's had lost too much sound quality due to age and my tastes changed as well.    

@asmithkash - what music (2 channel) do you listen to?  And at what volume level (minding the size of your listening room)?

One reason you may be getting varying opinions of the B&Ws is that they've made many different speakers over the last 30 years or more with the 804 numbers.  It's unlikely all the generations were voiced exactly the same.  If you have really early ones, you may need to replace surrounds, ferrofluid, or crossover caps eventually.

If I were you, I'd get tickets to a concert or play in Houston, book a hotel room, take your wife on a well-earned night out, and spend the next day listening to some contemporary setups.  That'll help orient you a bit & give you a chance to see if there's a dealer you want to wok with.  If your wife is like mine, she'll love you for the night out, but might find other things to do for all or part of the next day.

For 7k, the KEF LS60 are getting strong reviews and gives you streaming, amplification, & a new set of speakers