Those are good refinements to my query. I do like accuarcy in speakers and it is true the 801's let me know what is in front of them. I would not like to give up the bass which i now there. Rock is not my music but classical, jazz, and good vocal recordings are. To my ears the Threshold amplification is very good, though I may add a tube preamp at some point. It may be that improvements without five-figure list prices are hard to achieve.
How to upgrade B&W Matrix Series 2
The upgrade frame-of-mind is starting to set in and I am considering upgrades to the B&W Matrix Series 2 speakers, purchased new in the late 1980s. Unfortunately, the only local dealers are midfi at best although there is a Vandersteen dealer within a 90 minute drive. The amplification components are all Pass/Threshold with the S550e amp and Fet 10e preamp and Sony SCD 777ES CD player. I think the speakers still carry a good trade-in value. The budget could probably accomodate new speakers in the list price range of $4,000 or so and then I would work to trade or sell the 801's. Auditioning in my location is difficult, so I am searching for opinions which can make my search a little more efficient. Thanks.