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New speaker with imaging

I have a pair of B&W matrix 804's, original owner and about 12 years old. I like how they sound with timbre and dynamics. I have a high current amp. I mainly listen to orchestra. I would like something with better imaging and less as a point source. I want the B&W sound however with imaging that spreads about 6-10 feet wide at my listening position about 8-10 feet away. Can I get it for under 10 grand? My short list includes Legacy Focus and Von Schweikert VR4-jr or VR4.
drjjpdc
vx700
71 posts
 
call your local McIntosh Dealer and see if he has the LS360's. They are voiced well to tube and solid state gear- large sound stage- deep tight bass, furniture grade cabinets @ 140 lbs each, audiophile binding post and can take 600 watts of power! I know that McIntosh speakers are never spoken of because Mc gear is known for amps- but they make some great value equipment and it is timeless.
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=20&cat=Loudspeaker+Systems&prodid=1033&product=LS360
outlier's avatar
outlier
381 posts
 
You may want to consider Audio Physic, if it's imaging you are after. My sense is that AP may be peerless in this particular area. Virgo III, or a used Avanti may be ones to consider. Ones you're sitting in the sweet spot, the speakers literally disappear. That's the unique quality about this line that made it quite a hit. I guess I may be biased - I own a pair of Virgo IIs, but I used to own B&W Nautilus 805, and had a friend with N804. Apples and oranges from a comparison perspective, but I certainly found the Virgo II to be a step up in many areas - most prominent of which was imaging. Good luck with your search.
davewav1
47 posts
 
Have you ever auditioned Thiel 7.2, they are the imaging king. soundstage width, heighth, and depth. please audition the 2.4 and up as well.

enjoy
dave
jwells
60 posts
 
Have you considered the Merlin VSM-MX or MMs? I ask b/c I am a current owner and simply couldn't be more satisfied. Before purchasing the merlins as well as after after, I compared them to a B&W Nautilus 801, 802, and 805. The Merlin VSM-MMs WIPED the floor with the Nautilus series. The ONLY area the 801 outperformed the merlins was in the depth of bass. The merlin simply demolished the B&ws in areas of imaging, soundstaging, detail retrieval, highs, mids, and bass detail. The merlins had much more detailed bass than the b&ws and about the bass output of the 802s. A HUGE plus with the merlins is you have direct access to the speaker's designer and company president, bobby palkovic. He is an amazing, AMAZING resource to help you get the best out of ANY speaker.

Jason
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