Looking for more detail in a speaker


Kind of a long first post but needed the space to set up my situation. 
I decided to do something about my speaker situation after demoing a pair of B&W 805d’s. One of the tracks played was Sympathy for the Devil. At the beginning of the song, a percussion instrument, either a guiro or cabasa, just popped out at me on the left speaker. I’ve heard that song a million times but never noticed that percussion instrument coming at me like that. I came home and played the track through my system, through my streamer and turntable. My speakers are Golden Ear Triton One’s. That same presentation just isn’t there like with those 805’s.
The GET1’s are certainly decent speakers; are they not designed for this type of detailed presentation? Is it my room? My listening room is a odd shaped man attic with a 3.5’ wall on one side with an 8’ wall on the other side peaking a 9’ in the middle. My listening position is about 17’ from the speakers.  I’m sure the room is acoustically challenged. Also, I have a long speaker wire run, like 40’. Does that contribute to the lack of detail? I figured out a way to trim about 15’ of speaker wire length from each run and plan to do that ASAP. I’m using AudioQuest construction rated wire. I believe they’re 14 gauge.
So, why not buy the 805’s? I’ve thought seriously about them but concerned they’ll be kind of small for my room. Seems like I need floor standers. I’d like to keep any replacement speakers at $4k. I have an opportunity to pick up a pair of Dynaudio S5.4s for $4k but haven’t made a move in them yet. 
Any suggestions on a speaker selection or adjustments to my room or speaker wire are appreciated. To sum it up, I’m looking for more instrument detail with good sound staging either by making tweaks to my current set up or getting another flavor of speakers. Thx. 
bfoura

Showing 5 responses by b_limo

I agree that it was just the way the 805D was “voiced”.  Probably a certain range of frequencies were elevated. There are many variables for sure though.  Everything was different...  It also could have to do with the B&W’s being more open which in turn allows to hear more clearly the underlying tones and get a better understanding of an instrument.

A few pairs of speakers you might want to check out are:
-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signatures.  Theres a pair for $3500 in zebrawood.  You’ll have to talk the srller into shipping though.  Each speaker uses 5 seas excel drivers. Seas excel are awesome drivers and are used in many great sounding, expensive speakers.  

-Paradigm Tributes.  Theres a pair here on Audiogon for $2750.  These are also awesome sounding speakers and use a very nice sounding Beryllium Tweeter.  
-Those Dyn’s you are considering look to be nice as well but the driver configuration is a bit strange... not sure how they’d sound while walking around the room with the tweeters so low.  Dynaudio makes a great product though.  Really well designed and built!

I think any of these 3 speakers I mentioned would be a step up in refinement from the GE’s.
I was thinking Maggies as well.  They are very directional and you have to sit with your head in a vice but they over loads of detail.  
I’m not a fan of Martin Logans...
“I chased detail (the more the better) for many years until I realized that musicality and tonal balance should have been my pursuit.“... ditto.  Musicality, tonality, and emotional connection.  Dynamics have been eeking in there as well.  Having a full, rich, detailed sound at low volumes in another.


@bfoura, you already know that you like the B&W’s, pull the trigger on one of those suggested pairs!  B&W makes a fine speaker, especially the ones you are looking at!  You may want to add a sub or two down the road but no biggie

Whoa, 40 foot run of speaker cables?

Brother, you have too many variables here to compare ehat you heard with the b&w’s vs at your home.

Also, contact gik and get a consultation from them as well.  I much prefer gik over most everything else out there.  Magnolias roomtreatments don’t look that great to me.  Giks new scatter plates that you can put over the bass traps looks really nice.  
Whats your source?  Are you streaming tidal or...?
Yeah Buddy!  Rowland gear is awesome.  Built right here in my hometown.  
That amp should be awesome.  Congratulations!!