B&W 803D and Parasound

Not sure if your 803s are new or relatively new. I've read a number of comments from those who claimed these speakers sounded harsh/bright when new or relatively new, but once burned in this impression went away, and the sound became very listenable and satisfying. Otherwise, I did have the opportunity to audition several of my classical "test" lps on the current 803 Diamonds in an audio salon and found the entire experience extremely enjoyable. I heard absolutely no stridency or brightness whatsoever. I would be somewhat surprised if the tweeter in your 803 model(preceding the Diamond tweeter) sounded harsh after being broken in. Incidentally, the electronics used in my audition were by Ayre.

The Parasound 2250's are good at there price but no where near what the 803D's need. The Halo line from Parasound is a much better match specifically the JC1's. Of course you will probably need to update the rest of your system as well. The 801D's are a very revealing speaker, which means they will let you hear a lot more of what is going on in your system either good or bad.

It's best to remember your system is a chain and you will o be only as good as your weekest link!

Also it may not be all of the 2250's problem. What is the rest of your system? I have installed lots of Parsounds and most of there sin's are of ommision.

So if you are going to upgrade one piece at a time IMO it is best to track down the weekest link and change it first.

I have a demo Rogue pre-amp in place of my 2100 and the tube does sound warm and possibly a bit sweeter but is still not what i experienced when auditioning several 803's in the past... absolutely no stridency or brightness whatsoever would also be my experience... I contacted B&W and they told me to take a look at the resistor in the high freq cross over and measure the values as they suspect this could be the problem...Stay tuned....

B&W 803D have rather complex phase impedance behaivor demanding use of highly powered amplifier(s) which can produce high peak voltage and peak current without too many distortions.

I am not familiar with your current Parasound power amplifiers and thus cannot comment

All The Best

Simon