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Speakers to replace B&W N804s ?????

While a fan of B&W, I think I want to look at some of my alternatives to my current N804’s. I am in a difficult space and I think the B&Ws are too unforgiving. They sound really great with acoustic and most classical music, but are fatiguing with other music. Its not a glaring/obvious problem, but I find I am listening less and less to so much of my music b/c its just not as enjoyable. I am happy with my source components (& have eliminated them as the cause (Cary 306, Cary Cinema 5, Krell HTS, XLO cables). I have also made adjustments to the room (acoustic panels, curtains), but the dimensions and layout cannot change. I would like some recommendations for a small floorstander that provides detail, but errs on the warm side. The speakers will also be part of a HT set-up and must look good.

The room – 12X13 with a 5-foot opening into a sun parlor 7X12. The speakers straddle the ent. center in the corner. I know, not optimal, but the room must be functional. The speakers are 6” to 8” away from the wall. Based on some reading, I thought possible contenders would be Meadowlark Osprey, Triangle Luna, Von Schweikert VR2 or VR4jr (maybe too large). Any thoughts on these speakers? Any suggestions or recommendations? Thank you
macct

Showing 1 response by audiopath

audiopath
92 posts
 
Macct,
If you have your heart set on new speakers, the new B&W 703's have delivered a death blow to the current N804's. For $500 less they sound better in the midrange and they kill the 804's on the top end.
I suspect that your XLO cables might be the culprit. You should try some other brands of speaker cables first and then interconnects. Try to stay with one brand of cable. Let them break-in for a week or two before passing final judgement. Are you bi-wiring the speakers. If not, try a shotgun bi-wire speaker cable.
You didn't mention a sub. Try listening with a subwoofer if you aren't now.
The other brands of speakers that you mention are all good companies. But keep in mind that B&W spends more on R&D each year than all three of those brands added together sell in total sales.
You might want to wait as the new Nautilus line is due out at the end of the year and I am sure that they will sound better. And no, I don't own any, sell any, or work for B&W.
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