Thinking about an upgrade


My set up currently is based around a Primaluna Prologue 1 and Paradigm Studio 40's, with an HSU sub.I have been very happy exploring all my music with this, but now I'm ready to think about an upgrade. I listen mostly - maybe more true to say I listen critically mostly - to classical music, jazz a close second. Rock and pop not so much.

A favorite in our our house would be Dvorak's 9th symphony. Now, Dave Brubek's Time Out is glorious on the Primalune/Paradigm set up, but bigger orchestral pieces get choked, and I can feel the limitations of the separation and the soundstage.

So I was wondering if I need to go a different direction and look at something based around B&W 805's? I heard a pair of 803's through a Bryston amp recently and it took my breath away. Just beautiful separation and the soundstage was huge! I can't afford that, but it got me thinking.

My conundrum is that I really like the rich warmth of the tubes and the Paradigms. I tried a pair of Totem Arrow's and just hated how harsh they were in comparison.

So am I going to find the same thing with B&W and an SS amp?
stephenjess
I'd recommend auditioning Dynaudio monitors in your budget, the Nola Boxer, and, if you can swing it, Penaudio.
The 804 Diamonds look really nice, would be a big step up from the Paradigm 40s.

Also look at the Gallo offerings on Agon, many great deals on very good speakers. Very fast, sweet mids and top-end, excellent dispersion...

-RW-
Can I still consider driving those with the Primaluna? I always thought that something like B&W 805 or 804 needed more power than my tube am could deliver.