2. amps-preamps
  3. 1240367845

Better to change Speakers first or new Preamp+amp

I would like some advice...

I currently have a Classe SSP800 with a Krell Theater Amplifier Standard (5x200) and a Krell KAV2250 running a B&W 700 surround sound system(703s for the L/R with the matching center and surrounds). I watch a lot of movies, but listen to mostly music; probably 30/70.

I am ready to upgrade and I really feel like my B&W speakers are now the limiting factor. I am interested in going with the Wilson Sophia 2s with the Watch Center. A big chunk of change, but I was blown away by their sound.

I told the sales guy my plan to upgrade and he told me that if I enjoy music the most I am better off buying a good preamp along with a good two channel amp with the money instead of the speakers first. (He recommended a Boulder 810 Pre with the Boulder 860 two channel running in home theater pass through for movies). I can then later upgrade the speakers.

Does this make sense?

Thanks
rshad0000
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Speakers come second directly after finding a good room for you system.
rockadanny
1,226 posts
 
Shadorne - What is a "good" room and how does one go about finding it? Hmm ... (answering my own question) perhaps you are suggesting he move his system to different rooms and listen/measure for optimal placement? Assuming he has more than one room to try, this is a very good idea. Assuming he has only one room (to use for audio) then speakers first! Yes?
sherod
1,690 posts
 
This thread could go on for months if we start talking about room treatment, but yes, room treatment is an important part of the equation.
maineiac
649 posts
 
This seems like this scenario is repeated over and over again and again. It seems like a lot of shops are good at selling B&W with classe, krell, or rotel and then the poor buyer gets wore out by the sound and has to effectively start again. I guess it must be a path of least resistance thing.

My advice, do a ton of listening to a wide variety of speaker types with different types of pre/amp configurations before you plunk down the dough. The speaker and amp combo is so important that you could get into an expensive tail chasing exercise.
soix
9,789 posts
 
One of the most important and hardest things about building a system you truly love is finding the speakers that really blow you away. Sounds like you may have found that, and I'm sure they'll sound pretty damn good with your electronics -- probably not up to their potential but you'll certainly get a lot of what made them so special to you. You can always experiment w/ lots of amps and pres later (much easier than carting speakers to your home to audition by the way), and I'd bet a good buck the sound you'll get in the meantime will be more satisfying than if you hooked the Boulders up to the B&Ws. Not sure the salesman has your best interest in mind here -- go figure. Best of luck.
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