New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid


I really like my speakers but I am considering an upgrade. I have B&W 801 S2 MkIII that I bought new in 1999 (re-coned with modded x-over). I’m afraid that what I get will not equal them and new may  just be different.

They are bi-amped with McIntosh up top and Krell on the bottom. Analog is Revox B77 and dig is Oppo 105D with Bryston DAC3.

I will also likely upgrade the DAC but this thread is about speakers.

I need a dynamic loudspeaker that is as good with chamber music as it is with acoustic jazz, rock and electronic music (everything but Country and Rap).

I haven’t heard anything yet but am considering Borrersen X3, Wilson Sasha and B&W 803 D4.

Should I be afraid or will these speakers all best a 25 yr old design?

ritter06

For something completely different and worthwhile for many check out Ohm Walsh. 

I second the suggestion for Focal speakers.  They are great all-rounds and have the ability reproduce the wide variety of music you like.  With your biamping, they would sound great.  Great deals on the used market.  As others have said, you should go listen alot, but very mindful the the amplification.  IMO, Focal respond to different sources.   

To answer your question directly, fear not, for I am confident you will find speaker technology dramatically improved with a proportionate improvement in sound quality over the past 20 years.  While there are many similarities in improvements across brands, the fact remains that each brand has its own signature that may provide you personally with vigor to listen for hours or fatigue within minutes.  It is a personal preference, but also an associated with system synergy.  I try to use a process  (based on my experience in quality engineering - everything is a process) as follows:

1:  While difficult, define you per personal preferences.  Not only musical genera but how you believe a system should sound.  It’s hard to articulate but I will give it an attempt.  Detailed/clarity or romantic warmth are two camps I have read in this forum before.

2: Define the specific improvements you wish to realize.  For example, you current speakers have prominent bass but you desire greater bass detail which I am confident modern designs will provide. Determine if you are willing to sacrifice some prominence for increased detail.  

3:  Do your homework.  Read all the pro reviews of “best” or “choice” speakers.  Match reviews with your preferences.  Look for similarities and differences in opinions between reviews on the same model.

4: Make a top 3-5 list.  Audition for an adequate amount of time to really explore if the sound is for you at a good dealer.  Question the dealer on system synergy.  Determine if they will allow home audition.  Not always feasible with large floor standers. Determine return policies.  

5:  Open your wallet after approval of your significant other. 

Others have made good recommendations.  I will add my personal preference for you to consider - Vivid.  Designed by Laurence Dickey, a name you should be familiar with.  He designed the B&W Nautilus.  Vivid designs are a more modern application of Nautilus technology.   I use the Vivid Giya G3.  Call GTT Audio in NJ.  See article below. Good luck. Sorry if I stated the obvious in the approach to use and if I was pontificating.  The latter is an issue I am working on. 
 

https://twitteringmachines.com/road-tour-gtt-audio-vivid-audio-speakers/