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Confused addict: need help with upgrade

Current sys: B&W Nautilius 805; rotel 1070 cdp; classe 151 integrated amp; audioquest slate and audioquest coral

I recently replaced my rotel 1060 integrated amp with the cap 151. I was pretty happy with the rotel but reading the magazines made me want to buy the next better amp. Different dealers said the Classe and B&Ws are "a match in heaven". I thought it made some sense because B&W distributes Classe. I auditioned the Classe at the dealer and liked it and bought it. ( I heard Krell 300iL may be too bright and CLasse has a more airy treble.)

While there is significant improvement in the base response, I notice more roll off at the high frequencies. The dynamics are vastly improved but I can't detect any significant difference in transparency.

(To avoid decompensating my neurotic-pyschotic neighbour, I listen at a reduced level with the Classe. The relative dynamic compression of the rotel is a mixed blessing.)

Is this an inherent compromise for an airy treble?
What should I do to increase the transparency?

I coninue to read What HiFi, Stereophile, Absolute Sound, HiFi Choice. I am thinking Sony SCD XA-777ES is the solution. Am I on the right track?

My dealer said the Signature 805s are much better than the regular 805s. Would my money be better spent with new speakers?

Any help is appreiated.
128x128glai
hackmaster
102 posts
 
I suspect you're maxing out the front end of your system. Classe is indeed a good match for B&W. It is sufficiently powerful with enough current output and bass control. It also has a polite sound as opposed to some amps (you mention Krell in this vein) which can sound overly bright on B&W's.

It follows that you would hear improved dynamics - but I think in order to improve transparency you should audition some other CD players. The Rotel is strong at that price point but consider listening to something a step up. You might be surprised how much of a bottleneck the front end can be.

Also FYI leave your Classe and CDP on at all times - that makes a huge difference. If you aren't doing that presently you may find that will increase transparency.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I third (or fourth) the wire recommendation, it is the first thing I thought of when I read your post.

When you really get it right your system should really click. I am not familiar with the Audioquest wire but when it is right I bet you will know it.
judit
217 posts
 
I own the B&W Nautilus 805s. I have a very high quality front end interfaced to these speakers. They deliver what you feed them. My system is riveting on Jazz, vocals and instrumentals. For large scale orchestral music I will have to walk some additional miles ...
cdc
1,757 posts
 
Maybe the Rotel was bright and not the Classe rolled off. That was my impression of Rotel integrated on B&W 601's. Stereophile could seem to make up their mind about giving the Classe an "A" because of it's forward sound. Finally gave it a "B". So I don't know if you could call Classe rolled off.
I swithed from Classe to Musical Fidelity with Revel M-20 / F30 and lost a lot of high frequency energy. So maybe Classe is really not less bright, just more "correct". Just my thought.
subaruguru
1,375 posts
 
Are you sure Classe is distributed by Equity (Rotel and B&W)? They're a Quebecois firm, and pretty unrelated to those guys in the UK, eh?
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