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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
mdomnick
332 posts
 
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!!
ohlala
1,235 posts
 
If you are not going to upgrade your amp or cdp, you'll be wasting some of your money with a speaker upgrade. You will be a wasting a lot with the 805s. They sound good in the store because $3k of electronics were telling them what to do. I have $1700 speakers, that are more forgiving/less resolving than the 805s. I have $2900 worth of electronics need to be upgraded long before i will consider changing speakers. Take your rig over and check it out, but the best you can do while staying with B&W is to upgrade to the CDMs and use the extra that you would have spent on the 805s to upgrade the CDP.
lennychen OP
28 posts
 
Ohlala, after a couple of days of sitting on it, this is my conclusion as well.

I am not even sure about moving to the CDM1NTs, which would cost me at least $700 to upgrade to. I have done some research and reading, and found that I will definitely need a better CDP and Amp to make the speakers worth it. I've decided I'm not really willing to spend $2000 right now, even in a CDP and CDM1NT upgrade. Small increments is the way to go.

So, I will look at the 602S3s and consider CDM1NTs, but my feeling is that it will probably be the 602S3s, which will be $150 to upgrade to.

A couple of last questions. I'll be using my current Atacama Nexus 6 stands (24" high). Will the 602S3s be too tall for them? Second question - regarding the difference between the 601S3 and 602S3, if my room size measures 12' x 14', do you think it would be wasteful to use get the 602S3s, and possibly be too boomy? If it will be too boomy, then the 601S3 would perhaps be more compatible.

Thanks for all your help.
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