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

If you can, Buy the new speakers of choice and keep the existing set as well for a while to see if you really like the changes, You might not.

Newer designs will go for more resolution and will pry bring thin never before head ks out of the recordings.

I found Cables same line older were very listenable as they got newer got more sterile.  My 2cents.

In terms of chamber music. you would need to switch to something like the Harbeth 40x series that are very Quad like in their ambience and ability to recreate string tone so beautifully. As for rock and other loud music stick with you've got especially since the crossovers were rebuilt( the original crossover components were severely compromised)

@ritter06 - I suggest you bring CDs to test speakers.

When I demoed many speakers, I used a selection of CDs to test: familiar music, piano, violins, female and male voices, trumpet, orchestra… For acoustic instruments tests, I used a CD Test discs like the Sheffield Lab test cd. During demos, I was evaluating accuracy and involvement (whether the speaker resonated with me)

Best of luck in your hunt

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