2. amps-preamps
  3. 1014962180

Which direction would you go?

I have spent the last ten years living with a system that is to my ears unlistenable. I was sucked in by the stereophile recommended components list, and bought based on cost and ratings, rather than common sense and proper auditions. I ended up with the following: B&W 802 Matrix II's, a Threshold S350e amp, a Krell KBL preamp, and a front end comprised of a Theta pro Gen II and Data Mk II. As you might well imagine, I have endured bright, harsh sound in three different homes over the years. I tried room tunes (any buyers?) all manner of cables (I presently own Cardas Cross bi-wire) a CJ premier 10 pre-amp (not enough of a difference to justify the switch) and Cal audio front end. In frustration, I have sold the Krell, and the Threshold, and have active listings for the B&W and Cardas, and plans to sell the Theta as soon as possible. I listen mostly to small scale instrumental and female vocals from various genres. I enjoy Linda Ronstadt, Sara K, Rickie Lee Jones, Allison Krauss, Annie Lennox, Dixie Chicks, Etta James, Karen Carpenter, Joe Sample, Miles, Ronnie Earl, Govi, Willie and Lobo, Lyle Lovett, James Taylor, and so much more. I have front row center seats for the NY Philharmonic for the last fifteen years and have seen more concerts than I could name. I was set on the idea of downsizing to a home theater setup, Integra receiver and DVD/CD with Definitive Technology pro 100 speaker system or maybe the NHT Super Series SB3. They seem to have OK sound on both music and movies, but I wonder if the trade-off is too great since 98% of the time I will be listening to music with only an occasional music video or movie. I am quite certain I have never heard my B&W's perform the way they should, but am not certain I wish to invest more money chasing the Holy Grail. (Also tried Bryston 4B). I have reviewed threads here and contemplated trying the Classe gear. I have also thought about selling the B&W's and buying a speaker with a silk dome tweeter or a propensity toward warmth. (Mission, Soliloquy, JM Labs, Vandersteen) My room is a LIVING room and dining room L shape, (20 x13 living attached to 14 x12 dining) and it is lively with 11' acoustical ceiling. In any event, I would like to avail myself of the multi-channel options while focusing on two channel performance. I keep my speakers on the long wall and listen near-field. I do not believe electrostats are an option for me due to size, placement, and WAF issues. Please let me know your thoughts, and be gentle as this is my first post here on Agon.
mike7142

Showing 1 response by ttrulis

ttrulis
8 posts
 
Hey Mike,
I had the same problem with B&W.
Had the 805 Nautilus, the sound was so bright, I had to put on sun-screen!
I tried them with all manner of solid state and mos-fet integrated amps, including such non-bright amps as the Rega Mira.
Also tried the Electrocompaniet ECI 3, The Bryston, The Arcam A85, and Plinius 8100.
Changed my cd player from the Arcam 72 to the Rega Planet 2000. Changed ALL my cables and still the B&W's remained way too hot. Even with my Linn turntable, those 805's burned the walls!
My dealer suggested a sub woofer to help compensate for the harshness. I did not take his advice because it did not address the basic problem of those metal dome tweeters.
After about 4 months, I sold them and bought Dynaudios 72's.
They retail for about $800 less and after break in, they absolutely smoke the B&W's.
Great bass and fullness, just as detailed as the B&W's but much more listenable and realistic. My suggestion, audition a pair of Dyn's. They will be music to your ears.
The Plinius 8100 is a great integrated. Powerful, detailed, explosive, and with the Dyns pretty smooth.
Match carfully with cable. I noticed the power cables made a big difference.
I had an AC master coupler from Synergistic, this just made the problem worse.
I now am cabled through-out with Transparent, altho the VDH sounded excellent too!.

Hope this helps. Good luck.
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