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Speaker upgrade - please advise.

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade pretty soon - most likely speakers, and I'm looking for any ideas you guys may have on the right choice. I'm looking to spend up to $6,000 used. My current system is listed on in the 'virtual systems' on Audiogon, but here goes:
Bryston 4bst power amp
Sonic Frontiers Line 3 Preamp (with tube upgrades)
B&W Nautilus 805 speakers
MSB Link DAC III & Monolithic Power supply & Upsampling
Muse Model 5 Transport
Kimber KCAG, Cardas Golden Cross analog interconnects.
Nordost Silver Shadow digital interconnect.
Stealth Triple Ribbon & PC Premier speaker cable
PS Audio 300 Powerplant
3 Shunyata Sidewinder Power Cords.

I'm thinking of moving to tube amplification at some later date (BAT or Sonic Frontiers), so will need speakers to match that set up. The speakers I'm really considering are Dynaudio Confidence 5. I'll also consider B&W Nautilus 802, but suspect there's better out there at the price. Anyway, any advice is much appreciated (also, if you see other potential upgrades in other components, let me know). Thanks!
John (Outlier)
128x128outlier
landmarkbldrsf3a2
40 posts
 
Outlier: You can't do much better than the B&W N802's. Those babies just sing, and the only step up would be revel's, but the N 802's just look sooo cool. I sound like the guy above me I know but read the reviews---#1 and #2. You could use your 805's for your center, or rears in surround sound. Good luck, I think you would love the 802's.
south43
386 posts
 
I like the Maggie suggestion, but tubes may not be the order of the day with them(they need current). I got my hands on some Meadowlark Kestrals and never looked back. They have been powered by tubes(Anthem amp 1) and SS(Aragon 4004,Marsh 200watter,) and the kestrals sung with both. I would think the other models of Meadowlark would bring the level up a tad. As suggested audition everything and go with what makes you happy.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,212 posts
 
Two suggestions for you. First, upgrade the MSB to their Platinum unit. The upgrade is well worth the incremental dollars. Second, whatever speaker you chose, buy it in combination with the "down the road" amplifier. The synergy between power amp and speaker is too important for them not to be considered as a single unit. If you want a big, ugly speaker that won't impress any of your audiophile friends and doesn't have much "sound", consider the Spendor S100. It's much more neutral as well as natural sounding than the B&Ws. The DAC upgrade and the Spendors will give you a better bang than only going with a higher priced speaker.

Whatever you do, don't take it too seriously. It's not a reflection on your manhood if you make a mistake. Remember, this shit's supposed to be fun.
macm
116 posts
 
The Talon Khorus speakers need to be on your short list. They can be had used for under $6k. They may not look as cool as the N802's, but they're an attractive speaker nonetheless. Check out their website for professional reviews and more info at www.talonaudio.com. Note that they've recently modified the look and weight of the cabinet and now call it the Khorus X.
jvr
105 posts
 
i think that you would do better with the tube power amp/s before the speaker change. there have been alot of good speakers suggestions. i like the merlin vsm m's. good luck.
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