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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
miyu
14 posts
 

@ritter06 thanks for the recommend on Little Dark Age, they went a little Depeche Mode-y after a quick sampling. 
Will be interested in what you end up with. I have 3 sets of older speakers, Nautilus 805’s on the factory stands, and two pairs of Thiels, the baby .5’s and 1.2’s. (The CS .5 setup is the best, but it has by far the best DAC and amp). Unlike you, I’m pretty happy with 2 out of the 3 setups and have no desire to change. Maybe I am in need of a fresh perspective. 🙂

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,423 posts
 

Be a Man and do it...

ritter06 OP
21 posts
 

Stay tuned (no pun). I’ll get to some shops this Fall.

hiend2's avatar
hiend2
408 posts
 

If you can, Buy the new speakers of choice and keep the existing set as well for a while to see if you really like the changes, You might not.

Newer designs will go for more resolution and will pry bring thin never before head ks out of the recordings.

I found Cables same line older were very listenable as they got newer got more sterile.  My 2cents.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
ken7
53 posts
 

In terms of chamber music. you would need to switch to something like the Harbeth 40x series that are very Quad like in their ambience and ability to recreate string tone so beautifully. As for rock and other loud music stick with you've got especially since the crossovers were rebuilt( the original crossover components were severely compromised)

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