Time to change. But to what?


I've had my B&W N803 for a while now. Love them. But have a craving for a different type of sound.

I want speakers that play all kinds of music equally well. Excell at soundstaging, imaging, resolution, are NOT analytical, sound natural(this is very improtant...I hate artificial sound), and do the bass so you not only hear it but feel it as well.

I started building a list of potential candidates.
Here goes it:
1. B&W 803D
2. DALI Helicon 800MkII
3. DALI Euphonia MS4 or 5
4. Dynuadio S5.4
5. Sonus Faber Cremona

from the list I am familiar with S5.4, 803D and Cremona. I have never heard DALI speakers.

Room width is about 14 feet. Length is 18 feet. Speakers are on the short wall. Behind the speakers corners are treated with 8th Nerve Rectangles and Triangles, there is an area rug in front of speakers.

I listen to rock music, jazz(vocal and instrumental but dynamic stuff...no smooth jazz at all), acoustic music, solo, chamber and large orchestral classical(Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Bartok, Shoenberg, Shostakovich, etc). I would like the orchestra to be rendered as large and real as possible within the natural limitations of my room, system, listener.

I like to listen on realistic levels when I can, but since I have a 5 year old who goes to bed early, low level resolution is VERY IMPORTANT. I do a lot of late night listening at low levels and want to hear as much information out of the speakers as possible. My B&Ws excell at playing loud without strain. I want this quality to remain with the new speaker as well.

The speaker upgrade will most likely force me to use my Bel Canto DAC3 as a preamp for a while.

I am selling my BAT VK-51SE preamp right now to raise some funds for the speakers. Once I sell the preamp I plan to sell the B&Ws.

DAC3 isn't that bad direct into my Pass Labs X250.5 and I have a feeling I can deal with it for the time being.
No plans to change the amplifier, or anything else. Just the speakers.

What are my options?

Your advise is greatly appreciated.
128x128audphile1

Showing 6 responses by newbee

Twoleftears

"Newbee - Much appreciated"

For not posting a wordy response of the forum?

Sorry, I'm feeling just plain silly today. :-)
Tvad, Not all Silverlines! :-)

Mine are highly resolving but not in anyway analytical. They really do favor those folks looking for a real alternative to the typical high end speaker. And they work well with tubes!
You might just like the Bolero's. They really fits snuggly into the description of the sound your are looking for. I have been extremely pleased with mine. I've had them a year now and have NO reservations whatsoever.

I use them in a 19x13x9 room and listen primarily to classical and jazz music. If you are seriously considering them and want a 'testimonial' e-mail me. BTW, although I'm sure you noticed, unlike other Silverlines, they have all Dynaudio drivers, including the Esotar tweeter, and they are voiced very differently than the other Silverlines.

FWIW.
Tvad, Not for you specifically. You are too sophisticated to be influenced by my observations. I just don't want my opinions of equipment that I did not chose, to be the basis for others when making their purchase decisions. Those that are serious about speakers I chose vs did not chose will have to ask and have to settle for e-mail. I'm too wordy to burden down the forum with my specific opinions. :-)
I believe they have have dealers on each coast as well as the Chicago and Texas areas. I don't know how much of the line they stock. If you want to trace one down call or e-mail Alan Yun at Silverline. He is very responsive. He will also deal with you direct at an advantageous price if there is no dealer in your area, and of course you could always hear them (by appointment) at his shop. This was not the greatest environment IMHO - he is not very anal about demo's, set up wise. I listened at his shop but wasn't nearly as impressed as when I brought them home and set them up. FWIW, if this is a serious 'listen' for you, you are always welcome to come to my home, but I do live in the boonies in Northern California (so few have asked). :-)