Speaker Upgrade


Hello,
I am looking to upgrade my speakers in the used market. I am considering The B&W 803D, Sonus Faber Cremona M, Dynaudio Confidence C-2, and Usher BE - 10.
The room is 20x20 with 18' ceilings. They will be mains in a 5.1 set up for SACD's, audio Dvd's and home theater. They will also be used when 2 channel listening. The amp is The Emotive XPA5 at 200x5.
Your input will be greatly appreciated!
pkelly1504

Showing 5 responses by xti16

First I never heard the Ushers. In my personal opinion the B&W's would be best for HT but not for 2 channel. They are forward and punchy. For 2 channel they will most likely give you listeners fatigue in the long term. That's why I didn't get them. The Sonus faber is very nice but just a little too laid back. While I was still in the market I heard Dynaudio. That was the only speaker I ever heard that I HAD to have. Yes I got the C1's. Tried to upgrade to the C2's but my room is too small. Your room is a great size. In fact I would consider stretching your budget a tad and consider the C4's (my favorites to date) because of your room size. I like the Dyn's so much I did upgrade to the signatures and couldn't be happier.

I can never recommend enough to try and listen for yourself - after all it's your money and ears.

Good Luck
C1 signatures in mocha. I was also able to find a pair of black/chrome stand 4.
Taters Yes I use a Rel B3. Really sounds great.

Pkelly1504 I would ask to hear some speakers and once you ask the price you can always ask about pre owned or demo.
Unsound - Not necessarily in my opinion. The reason is when I was speaker shopping and first heard the C1's I was floored by the price meaning I was looking to spent about 1/2 the MSRP. I knew absolutely nothing about Dynaudio prior to that day especially pricing. I told the dealer I need at least another year to save unless he knew of a customer that wanted to upgrade or even 'B' stock. He told me he would ask around. About 2 weeks later he told me he had a 'A' stock at 'B' stock price. We split the difference and I was able to buy new from an authorized dealer.

Now since I had first demo'ed the C1's there was 1 sold pair on A'gon. Kept looking but nothing before he called. I pulled the trigger - got them and yes there were a couple of pair on A'gon shortly thereafter. The point is I found and established a good business relationship with this dealer. I get a great price on new equipment but most importantly service like I never thought existed. NO PRESSURE - in home demos with delivery and pick up. In fact he let me demo in my home for 9 days a pair of C2's. They were too much for my room. He picked them up and said thanks. I asked why he was thanking me and he said if they don't work in your room they may never. You need what you think sounds best and in my case it was the C1's. He loaned me his CDP when mine (bought elsewhere) needed to be sent in for service. I'll admit his prices were just a little higher than A'gon used prices but should there be a problem he is right there. His upgrade policy is simple. Should you ever decide to upgrade he will take what you paid (less taxes) and that's your trade in value. So it was really a no brainer to jump on the signatures when they came out.

No other dealer I've been to in 36 years ever treated me so good. I would rather pay a bit more than used and get new with the service I get. Great peace of mind.

I'll also admit I found the 'holy grail' of dealers and they are very very few in the world. So by inquiring about what you really want without mentioning a price range it may work out.
Tyler at Nextlevelav in Bartlett Illinois..

His home is his store but everything is through appointment only. That my help explain why the pick-up and delivery. Also I am local. He does sell across the nation. He has had quite a few people fly in to hear different setups. In fact I met 2 A'goners because I had a setup that he didn't have. One guy was from NY to hear my Octave V70SE w/C1's that Tyler didn't have (he has the V40 and V80). The second was from Calif and wanted to hear the signatures with Naim. I got Tylers Sig's when they arrived. The first arrived at the Dyn warehouse on a Mon and he delivered them on Sat (was out of town). Tyler brought a Naim cd5xs - hicap p/s and XS integrated to my home 3 days before the guy came in. To my knowledge neither has purchased anything from Tyler yet.