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B&W's objective opinions lean or accurate

I have a few posts and my system is evolving with the addition of a McCormack DNA225 for the fronts (which will be upgraded by Smc), McCormack HT5 for the center and surrounds, B&W N804 - scm's - and center, McCormack UDP1 Deluxe disc, Denon 3800 Blue Ray, etc. The system is evolving and can be changed as time progresses.

I have also read many threads on amps and B&W's. I understand there are very basic philosophical differences between tube system and ss system orientations and desires. But what I am struggling with is the B&W's and their signature sound. I am thinking of upgrading and do not want to regret making a narrow decision as my system evolves.

Assuming that the components powering them are acceptable, are the B&W's simply too lean and bright or are they accurate? As some have said, in a concert the sound is bright which is true. Also there is the fact that we personally listen to a wide variety of types of music so I think that we need a versitile speaker. I like the N804's but want more depth. I do like detail, soundstage, seperation of the instruments and vocals, and do not tend towards a dark sound or smooth if it means the loss of the individual instruments and seperation.

The limitations include this is a hobby with a budget and I can not hear all the brands. Even in S Cal there are limited comparison possibilities at showrooms who only want to push their favotites. I was already taken by that process and won't even mention the older stuff I bought. Here the stores push B&W, Sonus, Focal, etc. If you own anything over 3 years old, they want you to trade in. So I now buy used quality instead.

So, if you were in my position and in the cost range up to the pricepoint of a used B&W 802D, what would you reccomend as speakers in your opinion and why? In that price range there would seem to be many options.

I appreciate any feedback and understand this is very subjective and likely B&W's are overdiscussed in the threads. I really am still learning and enjoy getting the suggestions of different viewpoints and the knowledge of serious enthusiasts who have already gone through this.

Thanks again, sorry for being so wordy.

still_learning
still_learning
still_learning OP
21 posts
 
It seems to me that I need a lot more listening time with various brands. I still plan on buying used though. Raquel is correct and I actully am going to be speaking with Steve McCormack about speakers when my DNA 225 is upgraded.

These forum discussions are really helpful as common characteristics of a brand come up giving hints on what to listen for and how the synergy works throughout the system and components. Ultimately it is preference, but it is really valuable to get input from those with more experience.

One additional limitation is the room having couches and cabinets so speaker placement is a little difficult and there are size limitations.
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knownothing
1,535 posts
 
If size and placement is an issue, you might want to look at PSB Imagine or Synchrony lines as an alternative to B&W for combined music and HT duty. Vandersteen 3As are not ideal given your circumstances as they are relatively big and need room to breath.
still_learning OP
21 posts
 
That is too bad on the Vandersteens, they sounded interesting. I have to carefully review my placement options with the fireplace and built in cabinets on each side. Maybe I can figure out something.
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
Oh, you are damn right in saying that B&W speakers have been much discussed & bashed on Audiogon. I cannot think of another brand that has evoked such strong opinions from so many people & sustained each time the word "B&W" comes up in a thread. Quite amazing. Maybe B&W is secretly very happy 'cuz they get so much free advertising from our heated discussions of their speakers?? ;-)

Assuming that the components powering them are acceptable, are the B&W's simply too lean and bright or are they accurate?
If you know what you are doing (& this is a loaded statement) then B&W speakers are actually very musical - they are neither lean & bright nor are they accurate in a negative way.
I've heard many B&W setups in dealer showrooms & audio shows where the sound was horrendously crappy - lean, bright, bloated bass, screechy highs.
I've been a B&W owner myself of a modestly priced B&W & I enjoyed a very musical setup with it. I got a lot of flak on Audioasylum for saying this but I maintained & still maintain my stand. I've heard my friend's setup which has 802Ds & it's also a very musical setup.
Of course, IMO. YMMV as always.
still_learning OP
21 posts
 
Interesting discussions

Over time and with equipment changes, with ARC (Anthem D2 room correction), tweeks, speaker position changes, cables, etc. I have improved the sound greatly. Sometimes I am happy with it and other times not as much.

But to go to the next level, I want to make better informed decisions. I have yet to find a friendly high end shop in The Beach communities south of LA yet, but maybe it doesn't matter as I want to buy used anyway. I did have a dealer but it went to HT and fired everyone. I then went to another very high end shop who insisted I needed the new Anthem D2V right away and to get rid of the D2 for only a mere $5,000 additional (if they could sell the old one). When asked why the D2V is a critical upgrade he then decided it may not be necessary. I went there to go over speakers but he felt anything other than JM Labs (Focal) is a mistake.

So I like this forum to gather information from people who love their systems and equipment and who want to share their reasons.

Thanks for the feedback it has given a lot to consider. Hopefully there will be more.
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