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 - I suggest you bring CDs to test speakers. When I demoed many speakers, I used a selection of CDs to test: familiar music, piano, violins, female and male voices, trumpet, orchestra… For acoustic instruments tests, I used a CD Test discs like the Sheffield Lab test cd. During demos, I was evaluating accuracy and involvement (whether the speaker resonated with me) Best of luck in your hunt |
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I think it's safe to say that based on the rapidly rising technology curve you'll find some really compelling options that'll best your existing set. To make a direct comparison re: your B&W's vs a new pair will be tough unless you bring your electronics with you to the new speaker demo (or they give you a trial period at home) you'll never really know if the improvement is solely in the speaker section or comprised of all the parts. I'd push for a trial period at home because not only will there be differing electronics at the store you're also demoing in a completely different room than you have at home. I just bought a new pair of Klipsch La Scala that I have paired with an MA12000 and absolutely love them. Good luck! |
Well I listened to some speakers (in Atlanta) today. Borresen X3, Sonus Faber Stradivari, WIlson Sasha V and Watt Puppies. All in different rooms and different electronics (but all excellent- Mac, D’Agostino etc.). I used known and new source material (ear candy pieces from the dealer) to audition .Summary below: X3’s were first and sounded quite good- if unremarkable (from memory to the 801’s). Well balanced and no warts. I could live with them. Sonus were next up. Fuller with more bass but also mid-bass murkiness to my ear. The Sashas sounded great. Holographic, good sound stage and transparency (my fav kind of trans). The Puppies were last - but not least. In fact, the best. Fantastic transparency - even more so than the Sashas but without edge or glare. Very balanced. Great coherence. Very ample bass. To my ear the best of the 4, although close with the V’s. I went back to the X3’s for fun, and just 20 seconds was enough to show they were not in the same league. Next up the B&W 802 D4’s, but already thinking about the Puppies. How different do the prior gen Wilsons sound to the latest iterations?
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