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Need suggestions on upgradeing from B&W N805

I'm looking to replace my speakers in the following system:

Mark Levinson 390s (connected directly to amp)
McIntosh Mc501 monoblocks
Revel Ultima Sub30 (set at 80hz)
B&W N805 on matching stands
Nordost Valkyrja balanced IC's throughout
Audience Au24 speaker cables

Although, I'm extremely pleased with the overall synergy of my system, I feel that there remains potential for even greater sonic bliss down the road with a speaker upgrade.

In general, I'm hoping to find something with overall greater resolution, neutrality, midrange transparency and top end refinement that my 805's.

Since, I am incorporating the amazing (i must say so) Sub30, I don't neccesarily "need" full range speakers, but am open to suggestions.

So far, I've been considering the following monitors...
JMlab Micro Be
Revel Gems

And if I go w/ floorstanders...
JMlab Diva Be
JMlab Alto Be
Revel Studios
Wilson Watt/Puppy 7
Wilson Sophia

I'd love to get any thoughts or advice that you guys and ladies might have. Thanks.
aldog
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I would think with the Mac gear and Audience cables a good fit might be the Merlins' . Either the MX ( full range ) or the Monitors if you want to keep your sub....Unless you have a realy large room I would think this should be a great fit for you.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
It appears to me that you have an awesome setup already. Personally, I think the 805's are excellent speakers, and the 805S is even better. If you like the sound you have now, you may want to give those a try. However, since you already have a Revel Sub, I would definitely say try the Gems. I think they will embarass the 805's. Also, if it were my money, I'd stay with a monitor. For people that appreciate how a monitor speaker sounds, it's tough to find those attributes elsewhere. I think the Gems would round out your system nicely.
docsavage
109 posts
 
With your existing components I would listen to all the electrostats I could. With your sub, bass will be no problem and if you are looking for midrange transparency stats are the way to go. Check out Innersound if a narrow sweet spot is not a problem for you.
krell_man
827 posts
 
Have you listened to the Thiel 2.4's? They're very, very good for the money.

Or, if you do want to stay with a monitor, and get a really exceptional one that will give you the true midrange bliss you want, I'll sell you my B&W Silver Signature's and I'll go buy the Thiel 2.4's.
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