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

Showing 7 responses by mike7142

mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
I see I neglected to provide that all important budgetary information so here goes. If I keep the 802's I would like to keep my outlay around $ 3,000. (Admittedly probably not enough to do justice to the speakers). If I sell the 802's I would consider any options up to $ 5,000. Also, I had a positive experience yesterday auditioning NAD C270/C160/C660 through Mission 783. If I left out anything else, let me know.
mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
First, thanks to all for your input thus far. I am leaning at this point to selling the B&W's for several reasons. First, I don't think I want to spend the required funds trying to build a new system around them, be it with Classe, Musical Fid, Electrocompaniet,etc. I think I would like to try a speaker with soft dome tweeters and do a complete new system around them, because as others have pointed out, I don't think I will ever be happy with the characteristic B&W sound. As for rebuilding my home to alter the room acoustics, I point out that I have had the same complaints in three different residences, not to say that my room couldn't use some attention (After all, whose room couldn't?) I JUST got back from an audition of Totem monitors, and will try to find their floor standers since I liked the sound of their upper registers, but missed the bass. (I am, after all, switching from B&W's) I am also unfamiliar with YBA, but will definitely seek that out as well. Thanks again, and keep it coming.

Mike
mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
OK, I have some sound ideas to build on. I plan to make a livable speaker selection, paying attention to what is being used to drive them. I would like to point out that I am leaning toward a multi-channel setup, (either a sat/sub arrangement, or a better pair of mains with center surround and a sub)but with music as a priority. I notice everyone is suggesting two-channel setups. I am not sure if this is because you all believe a multi-channel setup is not capable of doing stereo "right" or because I didn't make myself clear enough. Yes, 98% of the time I will listen to two channel audio. But I would like to be able to throw in a movie or music DVD and enjoy what multi-channel has to offer. Thanks for your continued input.
mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
There's one in every crowd.
mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
Many thanks to you all, I can see that all is not lost. I think Sean has touched on some of my problem by pointing out that load matching may have been an issue with the Krell pre-amp and Threshold amp. Both of these pieces have been sold right here on Audiogon (Thanks to those buyers). I have also been fortunate enough to speak with John Rutan of Audio Connection, through whom I had a chance to meet Dennis Had of Cary. John remembered that my Theta DAC had an output of 7 volts, which, when hooked up with my other gear meant that I couldn't turn the volume on the Krell up past the nine-o-clock position, and most often it was closer to seven or eight o'clock. Perhaps not a good thing. Anyway, I sent the Theta in for a voltage gain reduction, which will help until I can upgrade the entire digital front end and only cost me about $ 100. I have also purchased a Cary SLP 2002 pre-amp and their new Rocket 88 tube amp. John has also been kind enough to offer me a loan of a Cary 303 CD player, to compare with the Theta. While I am waiting for the amp to arrive (which I can return if I am not happy!!!) I am using the time to install 3 dedicated lines per instructions I have read on old threads. I will be setting up my speakers on the long wall of a 19 x 14 room, with roughly a 9' triangle. There is a wool area rug over a felt pad, some artwork and a sofa on the rear wall, and some trees in the corners. If I can't make peace with the B&W's after all this, I will begin my quest for new speakers to match with the Cary gear. Thanks again for your interest and support. Mike
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?
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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