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Tuff decision, need help

Hello folks,

I've recently purchased a PSB GOLDi, to match a McCormack DNA-1 and McCormack TLC-1 pre-amp. I also have a Sunfire subwoofer, but I rarely use it.

The thing is that, although I'm close to satisfied with the PSB's, it is very far from perfect. My main complaint is the lack of clarity in the highs, and the muddiness on the bass side.

I was considering trading my PSB GOLDis (new edition) for a pair of used B&W Matrix 801, old as hell. I always liked B&W but never have gotten the chance to acquire one.

Do you guys think the trade might pay off? How about the amp, will it be enough to drive the power hungry 801?
jmabe
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Since I realy didn't like any "part" of sound of PSB Golds(BTW not any better than Silver) i.e. mids, highs and bottom and pretty much enjoyed 801's except the price(realy killing!), I would say no matter how old 801's, they're substantially better than new PSBs.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
My very humble opinion is like Marakanetz'--to me, your speaker change looks like a sidegrade. Different sound, yes. The PSBs I've heard had OK highs, though, and that makes me wonder about your source.

You don't mention your source. My second humble opinion is, garbage in, garbage out ( no I didn't make that up ). In other words, the things you feel are wrong may be coming from further upstream than you think. I don't mean your source is garbage, I have no idea what it is. But I have seen many systems here with pretty good electronics and speakers, all reproducing (quite well) the sound of an entry-level source.

I feel that, given a $3G budget, for example, if you spend 4 or 5 hundred on the source and the rest downstream you are not heading for great musical satisfaction. Turn that ratio around and now you're talking fun. Further upgrades will just let you hear how fine your source is.

If you already have EMM Labs, Ensemble or a decent Linn at the front end, of course, I didn't say anything.
sean
6,231 posts
 
To me, PSB's have always sounded a little thick in the warmth region and lacking in definition. If you wanted something that had better attack, definition and focus, i could easily see someone moving from PSB's to the B&W sound. Sean
>

PS... One of the worst pairings of gear that i've ever heard at an audio show was when a local dealer mated NAD electronics and PSB speakers. Most NAD gear has their typical "house sound" i.e. slightly warm and soft. This did not help with the PSB's elevated mid-bass bloat and lack of definition. Kind of a compounding of problems if you ask me. The sound came across as very thick and indistinct to say the least. Having said that, i think that McCormack electronics would be better suited to the house B&W sound than to the PSB's. That's just my opinion though : )
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
I use a Pioneer 563a as the source. Good for SACDs, but poor with Cds. I also produce music, so I use my M-Audio soundcard as source sometimes.

I feel exactly what Sean mentioned about the PSB, lacking in definition. I will try to get myself a B&W. But they are so expensive nowadays...
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
What about a Paragon Regent? It has Dynaudio Contour drivers, and it is supposed to be really good. Would that be a good replacement for my PSBs in your opinion?
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