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Splendor D9’s.2 vs B&W 803 D2 which I own

I’ve had the 803 D2’s for about 9 months now and enjoy them but they don’t connect with me for all music, especially more rock oriented music. They excel at jazz and even country! Because of them, I’ve become quite the jazz fan. But, most of my collection is rock of many varieties, so I’ve always been kind of curious about other options. I’m visiting Houston this week and there’s a pair of Spendor D9.2’s that interest me. I read they are pretty neutral and a bit more fast sounding. I’m thinking they could be a fit and the owner says I can audition if I’m a serious buyer. To me the B&W’s are more on the laid back side. This is based on my limited exposure to speakers but will say they are not as forward/fast as my previous Cornwall II’s or maybe even Triton 1’s. Any thoughts how the Spendor D9.2’s would compare to the 803 D2’s and if they would be more versatile for rock? Thx. 

Gear:
Livingston 532H
Audible Illusions L3 preamp
Herron phono preamp
Technics 1200 G
Sony HAP Z1 server
McIntosh MB 50 Streamer/DAC
Assortment of mid to lower level IC’s
AQ Rockefeller speaker cables
bfoura

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

avanti1960
1,551 posts
 
the Spendors love a class A or an ultra smooth amp like the OPs Levinson. They do not sound their best with a neutral or slightly forward presentstion.  

They do like power too, their special subwoofer-not-required bass comes from their unique transmission line bottom flared port.  Best bass sounding bass I have heard in a passive speaker.  
The D7.2 /9.2 are truly jack of all trades speakers.  The speed and dynamics of a horn speaker with none of the drawbacks.
My only misgiving with the D7 when I owned them was an occasional too far forwardness on certain recordings.  In hindsight a very minor offense considering their positives.  I should have  kept them.  

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