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New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid

I really like my speakers but I am considering an upgrade. I have B&W 801 S2 MkIII that I bought new in 1999 (re-coned with modded x-over). I’m afraid that what I get will not equal them and new may  just be different.

They are bi-amped with McIntosh up top and Krell on the bottom. Analog is Revox B77 and dig is Oppo 105D with Bryston DAC3.

I will also likely upgrade the DAC but this thread is about speakers.

I need a dynamic loudspeaker that is as good with chamber music as it is with acoustic jazz, rock and electronic music (everything but Country and Rap).

I haven’t heard anything yet but am considering Borrersen X3, Wilson Sasha and B&W 803 D4.

Should I be afraid or will these speakers all best a 25 yr old design?

ritter06

Showing 3 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,501 posts
 

Congratulations!

Ex B&W owner. I was going to say the closest thing will be the Wilsons. They sound real and alive. Slightly more laid back than the B&Ws but in a good way. 
 

I highly recommend having your new Wilsons set up by your dealer. If there’s a downside to Wilson speakers it’s their sensitivity to placement and room acoustics. 
 

Good luck and enjoy!

keep us posted. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,501 posts
 

And the fun begins!!! Lol 

Many amps will work well with the Wilsons as long as they’re capable of high current delivery. I would not do McIntosh. But Pass, Gryphon, Boulder, D’Agostino, SimAudio Moon the latest North series should be good. Amp is the key to good sound with Wilson Audio. 
 

Enjoy your journey. It’s just money 😉

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,501 posts
 

Cool. If you liked it go for it. You mentioned Crown. That is like making whiskey soda with a 25 year old Macallan. 

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