What other speakers would you consider for this ..


I know there is no substitute for auditioning , which I have been doing, but wonder if there are other speakers I should consider which would meet my system and other requirements:
I have ...
Analog front end with:
Gyro SE
Shelter 501 MC
Plinius M14 phonostage

Digital: Cal Audiolabs ICON MK2 HDCD - to be upgraded if I can find some CD player that makes upgrade worthwhile

Preamp: Lamm LL2 dual mono tube

Amp: Plinius SA102

Current Speakers: B&W Matrix 804

Interconnects/speaker cables - to be upgraded depending on speakers.

This system is almost too detailed and "in your face" for digital but quite nice with analog which is 90% of my listening.

Other important considerations - My litening area is in an open floor plan home in a corner of a 30 X 30 area. So the total room is large but i am not centrally located in it. I can be 4' off the walls but primary listening seat is about 10' from the speakers with open space behind.

Given open exposure of my system to the rest of the living space WAF (wife acceptance factor) is big. Speakers which are deep but present a narrow front surface seem to have the greatest acceptance.

What I have listened to and considered but not in my exact system:

- B&W Nautilus 803 - I really liked 'em
- Audio Physic Virgo - I reall liked 'em too!

anything else? Much thanks for your suggestions!
128x128jyprez

Showing 1 response by kehut

I suspect since the system sounds good with analog...your probably best served to change your digital to something like a Jolida 100 with level 1 mod.(Big bang for the buck player) It supposed to sound very analog like and smooth. Your system with the B&W 804's is quite a nice match otherwise and knowing the B&W sound is anything but harsh..and having previously owned a CAL Icon MkII I know its tends to be a bit forward(although not bad sounding) your best off upgrading the digital first IMO
Happy Listening :)--Ken