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

Have you ever considered custom horns? I made round tractrix 100hz midbass horns on a lathe and never heard anything better. No flat surfaces or right angles to make resonance and don’t sound like traditional hornes.

Have you ever considered custom horns? I made round tractrix 100hz midbass horns on a lathe and never heard anything better. No flat surfaces or right angles to make resonance and don’t sound like traditional horns.

What Xover mod did you do? My 802's had North Creek's, Anodyne filter(only bettered by the Krell version), dissipation plates that attached to the rear of both the tweeter and bass cabs and Marigo Dots.

I only sold them because the buyer wanted the NC's but I made him purchase everything. I settled on Merlin's.