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B&W Nautilus 802D, Wilson Sophia 2, or others?

I'm getting the upgrade itch again. My current speakers are Nautilus 802's and I am using a VAC PHI 110 setup with 8db negative feedback. The speaker impedance curve won't let me use the zero feedback setting. Overall the system sounds very good. Areas, I would like to improve would be bass impact or punch, a bit more clarity in the midrange. The room is approximately 15 by 14 with a vaulted ceiling going from 8 to 11ft. It is also open at the very top to a kitchen/dining room area so it acts like a bigger room. It does have a room peak in the 30-40hz range with a null around the 60hz range that I believe robs some impact. I love the looks of the Nautilus speaker and what I have does sound very good. From the reviews I have read the Diamond version improves in the areas I feel need improvement but still presents a difficult load requiring the amp to use negative feedback. The Wilson Sophia might present an easier load allowing Zero feedback with some sonic gain just from that change alone. I am a bit concerned that the Wilsons are ported to the rear since the front wall behind the speakers has seven foot wide french doors in the middle which might present a reflection problem. I have not listened to either speaker but metro Phx has dealers for both. Would somebody that is basically happy with the B&W speakers like the Wilson Sophias or should I just stick with the 802D's? Any other speaker recommendations that are compatible with the VAC amp? I don't like the looks of any speaker that looks like the basic box with drivers in it. Listening preferences are primarily jazz and vocals. I usually listen to music with peaks less than 90db but sometimes crank to peaks around 100db. I don't want it to crap out if I want to crank it. If anyone has upgraded from 802's to Diamond version, I would also appreciate your comments. Thanks
rhljazz

Showing 3 responses by rhljazz

rhljazz OP
1,255 posts
 
Brian, what areas of the 802D performance did you find lacking or not to your preference? Also, what amp were you using at that time?
rhljazz OP
1,255 posts
 
I noticed in Stereophile that a local dealer is having a Vandersteen presentation on June 2 which sounds like an interesting event to attend. Two different comments about boomy bass on the 802D make me wonder if the Rohacell drivers are at fault. I don't have boomy bass with the 802's. On another note, seeing the room response measurements for the W/P8's in Wes Philips room in the current Stereophile makes the measurements I have made for my own room look great when I considered them to be a bit lumpy. Perhaps Jaybo is right, and I should just be happy.
rhljazz OP
1,255 posts
 
As others have noted, your own gear is pretty good and you should never underestimate the potential of tweaks, set-up and positioning. A system has many variables at work and the room is primary.

Best of luck
Oscar44 (Answers)

Thanks, that is the path I've decided to take first. I decided to upgrade the a/c power supply. I already had a Nordost Thor and a couple of Brahma cords mixed with several other brands and stock cords. I now have every component connected with a Brahma cord except the CD transport which has a captive cord. I'm starting on the third week with the coherent loom and I like what I'm hearing so far. The bass is better defined and controlled without losing all the tube sound. The whole system sounds more linear as the volume is increased/decreased. I already have substantial room treatment. At some point, I will have an audition with the Sophias but for the moment the upgrade itch has been quelled.
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