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Cd player or Nautilus 804

I recently changed speakers from B&W Matrix 802 to the N804s. The speakers have been broken in for about a month and I am still not sure of the results. I know I like the sound better than the M802's, being more open and less laidback. The problem is on some material, the music seems a bit harsh and not a smooth as I previously remembered. At this point, however, I am not sure if it really is the speaker or my source.

The rest of my system is Krell HTS 7.1 (has preamp mode - a bypass) with KAV series amps, XLO ref & sig. cables, Cal CL10 CD changer and a sony 7700 dvd player. My general observations are...

*Cal with preamp section (bypass)...more open and forward vocals (Like)....detail sounding with less emphasis on the lower midrange (don't like..seems lacking). Can sound bright and harsh at times. Some CDs really shine, but overall fatiguing.

*Cal going through Krell analog inputs...vocals are more laidback, but a lot of the harshness is gone. More balance sounding with more noticeable lower-end. Nicer overall presentation, but doesn't seem as dynamic and engaging.

*Sony used as a transport...a bit surprised that it sounded as good as it did...sounded very similar (maybe better) to the Cal with the analog inputs. Once again, less harshness, but vocals are recessed. Seems more on the analytical side versus dynamic and musical.

At this point, I am not sure what to focus on....Is my issue with the CD player or the speakers? I know people either love or hate B&Ws, but I think the speakers can deliver the sound I am looking for without being bright (?) I am a bit surprised with the CAL...vocals are good (albeit a tendency to be bright) but much less emphasis on the lower end (didn't notice with M802's).

I have tried an Arcam player & I wanted to like it, but it didn't seem dramatically better than I have. Vocals were not as forward as the Cal and it didn't seem bright. It just didn't win me over. I am going to listen to a Cary 303 and the Ayre CX-7 player this weekend on my exact same setup at the dealer. I am just not sure this will get the desired result....a dynamic, detailed musical presentation without being fatiguing.

Sorry for such a long post....just not sure what to do next. Any thoughts...should I focus on the cd player? are the speakers part of the issue or just passing on what it is getting? Can a change in the CD player address all of these issues?

thank you, macct



macct

Showing 4 responses by macct

macct OP
55 posts
 
My cables are xlo reference speaker cables (bi wire) with reference balance interconnects b/w amp & HTS. I am using xlo signature interconnects b/s CAL and HTS (previously MIT 3, but XLO has cleaner sound). DVD player also xlo signature digital cable.

any thoughts?
macct OP
55 posts
 
Based on most of the comments here, it sounds like my issue is with the speakers, specifically not enough break-in time. The speakers are about 12" from the wall and I really can't move them out any further.

I still prefer the sound going through the Krell analog (not bypass). The sound is fatiguing with the analog-bypass. Any idea why this is? I never thought of the Cal player being bright with a shy bass signature. I think I will still look at a few new players, but take it slow until I have a better idea of how the speakers will work on my room.

thank you for your replies.
macct OP
55 posts
 
I tried moving the speakers out a few feet, and the results were startling. The treble harshness was virtually eliminated and the speakers sounded great with a dynamic and wide soundstage. I couldn't get over the difference.

I moved them back a bit, but the speakers are a still in the walking path. I really need to moved them back a bit. If I add sound treatments behind the speakers and add curtain to the window (its near the left speaker) would it enable me to move them back a bit without bring the harshness back? In terms of tweaks....I don't currently use any....suggestions beyond the rooom treatments.

I really appreciate all of the feedback. The suggestions have made a world of a difference.
macct OP
55 posts
 
I have made a lot of progress. I appreciate all the helpful advice. The first being moving them further from the wall just to see if it was the room or speakers. Moving the speakers further out was simply an amazing difference. Its incredible how much of an improvement. I have always been somewhat skeptical of tweaking claims, but you can truly hear it.

Since then I have moved the speakers back and have tried a number of items. I have made little felt baffles which were recommended. They made a big difference for a little effort. At this point, I only have them draped over the rear opening of the tweeter housing. I have also added acoustical panels to the side of the tv as well as to the wall in back of the speakers. Finally, I added curtains to the window which is near the left speaker.

At this point, I am very pleased with the improvement in sound. They now sound like what I demoed. The speakers do not sound bright at all! The biggest downside is the two acoustical panels on the wall. While they are a nuetral color, they still stand out and detract from the room visually. Its a trade-off I find worth having. I will probably work on the aesthetics at some later point.

I now understand why people's reactions can be so mixed with these speakers. It has taken a lot time to get them to sound good in my room. I am not sure most people will want to or expect to go through this excercise. Overall, I very pleased with the sound quality and hope to just enjoy my system for a while before anymore changes.

thanks, macct
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