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
suretyguy
44 posts
 
Be careful with the Cary CD player: You may get hooked and not want to have it leave your house! I just purchased a 306 which is incredible and I don't think the 303 is far behind. Why these units have stayed relatively low profile escapes me.

In another vein, should you still not be happy with the B&W's after the new equipment settles in, perhaps a look & listen at a couple of models from Audio Physic or Vienna Acoustics might be rewarding, although I'm not sure where you might be on the budget at this point.
mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
I know what you mean about the CDP, and I do plan to upgrade from the Theta anyway, it may just happen sooner rather than later. Regarding your other point, I actually have auditioned the Audio Physic Virgo's and the Vienna Acoustics Mozart and Bach. The Virgo's were very detailed on top and a little forward for me, but possibly due to using solid state amp. Still a very nice combo though, BAT VK30SE and BAT VK200. Listened to the Vienna Acoustics and liked them alot, but they were hooked up with a cheap Marantz A/V receiver. Wonder if they would work with the Cary stuff?
kona
8 posts
 
hi, i had the same problem with the bright sounds and dynamics. when i switched to tubes it stopped. everything is easy to listen to and comforable. i have listened to all this so called audiofile equipment and it does not sound any better.i have learned no matter what the specs say or the high price it is not better, just different. if your amp has no background noise then what can be better! you can only hear so much. there is to much hype in audio. i have access to all types of audio. speakers for 50,000 who is believing this nonsense. price means nothing and has nothing to do with good sound. look and listen to equipment that you normally wouldnt. you may be surprized.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Mike, if the VA's sounded that good hooked up to a A/V receiver, imagine what they could do with quality amplification. It's the silk, soft dome tweeter man. I have my Beethovens hooked up to a Threshold T400, whew, awesome. If your B&W's have a metal tweeter, which I think they do, that may be your problem.
Try to see if you can audition some VA's at home, or in a system with better amplification. You may buy them, and end your problem.

John
mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
Well, it's been three days since the Cary Rocket has arrived, and instead of the 303 CD player, John lent me the 306. I must say I have never heard B&W Matrix 802's sound better. Even though I am nowhere near the end of the break in period, I am amazed at the warmth of the sound I am hearing. Sure I gave up a small amount of visceral feel in the bass, but what I gained in the treble and midrange is spectacular! I certainly plan to live with the 802's for a while, heck maybe forever. Now though, when my Theta stuff comes back from California and I have to return the 306?
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