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Advice on whether speaker upgrade is in order

Hi,

Looking for speaker advice.  I’m not super knowledgeable about gear nor do I have time/access to demo a lot of stuff.  I am still with my first pair of good speakers (B&W803Matrix2).  The signal first goes through a Velodyne DD10 subwoofer (using the sub's crossover to keep the lower registers).  I have a heavily Bryston system, and am probably not going to change that anytime soon:  All front end sources go in digital format to Bryston DAC 2, which runs to Bryston BP25 preamp, then to 7B squared monos.  System sounds pretty good, though I wonder if speakers are limiting factor, and I would like the simplicity of not having a sub.  I also can see what people mean about Bryston gear sounding a little tinny or bright at times.

If I were to evolve the system, would speakers be high on the list, and recommendations given this hardware? (I have read ATC, PMC, and Dynaudio are well matched to Bryston, but I don't know if materially better, and I can't keep up with the new entrants, Tekton, etc.)  Other thoughts on system evolution (or should I shut up and focus on music!).

Thanks

Matt

mathiasmingus
mathiasmingus OP
52 posts
 
Thanks,will play around with getting the sub out of the way.  My recollection from years ago was that the bass was uninspiring, but this is an old memory, and without much attention to room treatments

In terms of my general inconsistency and speculation, my reading led me to hypothesize that speakers could be a weak link, and I had never heard B&Ws criticized for being too bright.  So I added my only sonic criticism of the system (a little bright), which is sometimes thrown at Bryston - just trying to provide info for the more knowledgeable to opine.  Who knew what you folks might say (e.g., yes, it will always be slightly bright, but you will get a huge lift out of xyz speaker....) :-)
atagulkula
14 posts
 
Following and reading as this is interesting to me as I have old but very reliable 804Matrix fronts from early nineties I think and 805 N rear surrounds (sound anchor on both make dramatic positive impact to low end ) some unknown but ok sounding ceiling and in wall speakers that were in when I bought house.  The BW’s are my weakest links aside from wall ceiling believe but I’m not unhappy with overall sound.  Just upgraded a Krell HTS 5.1 avp to McIntosh MX 123.  Krell Kav 2  and 3 channel amps plus a sweet sounding MC275 mkV  powering fronts.  Kubala Sosna ics and speaker cable.  No sub yet until new speakers.   Thinking of maybe used Sony’s Faber Olympic III? Or more bw 803/4 D2/3.   
jerrybj
843 posts
 
A few years ago my Plinius pre/power setup was sounding bright.
Did some research (before the internet had information and reviews as accessible as it is now) and bought cable that made a huge difference.
Was so effective I moved up their line by three models.

So although not ideal, careful cable choice can help tame a bright system.
davekayc
173 posts
 
Big question is are the current speakers meeting expectation. Is there a certain flavour no matter how much you tweek. Make sure your room and speaker placement is up to snuff first . Experiment and take your time listening. 
jdesj's avatar
jdesj
24 posts
 
What your experiencing is the b&w’s overpowering your room. Major room treatment is required to tame these higher frequencies. 
My solution was to get rid of the b&w’s and two subwoofers. Purchased ‘full range’ Sonos Faber Amati Futuras. Now I have a very balanced sound with loads of very accurate bass. These speakers will play any type of music well. The wife will be satisfied since she’s looking at two Italian designed cabinets as opposed to the four cabinets you have now. 
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