Best speakers for amp


Hey folks,

I'm looking at upgrading speakers from my B&W DM601S2s. I currently run a NAD C370 with NAD C541 CD Player.

I'd like to keep my amp...how much do you think I should spend maximum on my speakers before I'd need a better amp? Are there any models you would recommend?

In upgrading, I'd like to improve the presence, imaging, and soundstaging, as well as enhancing the bass response.

Any examples of speakers used with this amp? I've thought about the higher end B&W models, such as the DM602S3 or CDM1NT. I've even considered the Nautilus 805s, but would I be wasting money?

Thank you for any help you can provide.
lennychen
For wire, I'd try Acoustic Zen.
For speakers, look at http://tyleracoustics.home.mindspring.com/

I would also recommend trying new amps first though. Not knocking NAD, but there is better out there.
If you were to venture into HT, I'd look into MIRAGE loud-
speakers. They are easy to drive, sound great with any SS
int. amp./receiver and have a wonderful soundstage.(www.tsto.com. The Stereo Trading Outlet is selling Mirage
790 loundspeaker for $495) The VDH D102 interconnect is an
excellent cable. I ordered mine through hificables.co.uk. If I were to consider B&W CDM 1 NT/805's, I would most certainly look into a higher level of amplification. IMHO,
B&W's need a high quality tube amp/or warm SS amp to sound
musical.
I just upgraded to QED Silver Anniversary Bi-wire and VDH D102 III HB interconnects.

The difference is quite subtle, but is definitely there. I did a slow transition to both, and the D102 III HB definitely improved the high-frequency clarity and a little of the bass response. The Silver Anniversary opened up the sound a little afterward, separating the instruments a little better, exposing the mid-range more, and improving the bass response a little.

The end result generally is a more smooth, detailed, and open sound.

I am thinking of putting off any upgrades for at least half a year, because this hobby is getting expensive!
Okay, so yesterday I actually went to audition the 602S3, CDM1NT, and N805, with my own music (which varies from Classical to Opera to Jazz to Blues to Pop to Rock to R&B to Funk to Dance - pretty much everything). The salesman hooked it up to a Myryad MI 120 Amp, MCD 600 CD Player.

I know the equipment he used isn't in the same range as my NAD equipment, but I really enjoyed the N805s. The 602S3 definitely had more bass, but it was generally more cloudy than the 1NTs and 805. The 602S3 definitely lacked the huge soundstage that the 1NT and, even more, the 805s had. I also felt that the 1NT, although good in bass, was a little boomy in comparison to the 805s.

I felt that the 805s were essentially transparent, with fine, detailed bass, excellent mids, and amazing soundstaging. The CDM1NTs were good, but the 805s really shined.

Here's my situation. So, I found out that I am able to trade in my 601S2s full value to upgrade, but only once. I have 6 months left to do it before the offer runs out. I'm graduating from school, subletting for the summer, then moving into a new permanent place in late August. The salesman said I could borrow a pair during their slow times (which is earlier in the week), but by the time I move in, I'll be busy working on the weekdays (I travel weekly) and so I won't be able to audition them at home.

I could alternatively bring my kit in to audition with it too. At the moment, I am not willing to upgrade my amp and CDP for at least a year or so, as I am not fond of selling things.

What do you guys think about the 805s with my amp and CDP? I am not sure they are worth the extra $1400 I will be paying to upgrade. The 1NTs will cost $800 to upgrade, and the 602S3s will be $150 to upgrade. I am not considering floorstanders, as I feel the sound is much less focused in these units.

Thanks for any help you can provide!
No advice to give as I have not hear any of the speakers listed...can say this: Take it slow and have fun with it. The worse thing that can happen by waiting, is the price will drop eventually:)

Trust your ears!!