2. amps-preamps
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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
upgrade1394
1 posts
 
Go with speakers first, the ssp800 is a very good 2-ch pre-amp also. Almost on par with the krell evo-202 and the theta cb3. Changing the 700 series will be a substantial improvement though I would try non-B&W speakers just to see what other brands have to offer. Wilson is a good choice though the dollars are comparatively high (for similar improvement) vs other competing brands such as revel.
2chnlben
595 posts
 
The Sophia IIs are in a whole different league than your 703s - and that's not knocking the 703s, as they truly have a remarkable midrange. That upgrade alone will net you real tangible (audible) differences. How many times have you upgraded electronics only to find a slight improvement? The speaker upgrade is the way to go – you’ll hear a big difference.
For what it’s worth, I went from the 703s to the Krell Resolution IIs and heard a huge difference. A fellow Agoner went from the Krell Resolution IIs to the Sophia IIs and reports even greater improvements.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
My advise is to find a different dealer.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
The speakers for sure
maineiac
649 posts
 
Definately get the speakers first. Boulder with B&W 7 series is a terrible mismatch.....not sure what your sales guy was thinking......

The salesperson knows that the boulder set-up alone isn't going to get his customer to where he wants and nobody can argue with Boulder so in all likelihood the victim will turn around and buy new speakers very soon. So he will sell both a boulder set-up and speakers instead of just speakers.

I agree with the others in that you should seek a reputable dealer that is willing to direct you to what is best for you and not him.
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