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

Currently, the pre-owned gear market is mostly a buyer’s market and as such, there are some pretty good deals out there. Revel Salon 2s, Yamaha NS-5000s and Spendor Classic 100s are a few examples for which I’ve seen better than usual prices.

Just mentioning those as examples, not to suggest they would necessarily be an upgrade over your B&Ws. My point is that, given current market conditions, you might be able to save a good chunk of change once you have a better idea of what you want.

Didn’t someone say that the only thing to fear is fear itself?

Trust your ears. 

@ritter06 thanks for the recommend on Little Dark Age, they went a little Depeche Mode-y after a quick sampling. 
Will be interested in what you end up with. I have 3 sets of older speakers, Nautilus 805’s on the factory stands, and two pairs of Thiels, the baby .5’s and 1.2’s. (The CS .5 setup is the best, but it has by far the best DAC and amp). Unlike you, I’m pretty happy with 2 out of the 3 setups and have no desire to change. Maybe I am in need of a fresh perspective. 🙂