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B & W speaker upgrade suggestions

I am currently using B&W CM4 speakers for my front speakers, and a B&W CMC center speaker. I use them bi-wired with a Rotel 1055 receiver, Rotel RMB 1075 power amp, a Rotel 1072 CD-player and my beloved Teres 160 turntable. My rear speakers are Infinity Alpha 20s. My sub-woofer is an Onix Rocket. My system, due to space constraints is used for pseudo home theatre (I don't have a dedicated room) and music, with the emphasis on musicality.

My musical preferences are somewhat varied, but tend to be mostly in the jazz, classical, classic rock, world music, and blues genres.

At some point in the future (probably far future!) I would like to upgrade my main speakers. My fantasy budget is $5000. I know this amount is somewhat limiting, but I doubt that I will be able to afford more. Besides which, my sources (other than the Teres turntable, IMO) are no doubt considered mid-fi here on Audiogon, so stellar speakers would just point out their short comings. I also have a preference for maple/birds-eye maple finishes, just because I like the look of the wood, but finish is secondary to sound.

Anyway, any suggestions as to what speakers I should consider?

Holly
oakiris
jjwa
69 posts
 
I had CM4 and went to VERITY SARASTRO something like 12x the price. Was it worth it?...no!!. The CM4 mid and highs are pretty good needs more bass! Try used Verity Parsifal Encores.
pookie10
41 posts
 
Look at the Linbrooks from TylerAcooustics. And you can have any finish you want including every type of burl nature offers. I just ordered a pair of his Super Towers for a little less than 5K with shipping.
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Yes, by mains I did mean my front speakers - guess I should have been more specific. Once I have upgraded my front speakers, I would probably use my CM4s for the rear speakers until I could get something else. I just can't afford to buy new fronts, rears and center, so thought I would optimize my two channel system first because music is really more important to me than home theatre.

I am actually pleased with my current sub and am not considering replacing it at this time - the Onix Rocket is quite musical and works well for me in my somewhat awkward, small room. I should note that my room is not ideal - it is basically what is called a "great room" these days (though small,) as it is an open room comprising both kitchen/eating area/living room with cathedral ceilings and lots of windows.

I am surprised to see folks recommending B&W speakers; for some reason I didn't think they were well respected here! So the B&W 703s have more bass? That would be nice!

Jjwa - I can't imagine finding a pair of used Verity Parsifals in my price range - aren't they something like 14-17K new? I don't imagine used ones would drop to 5K! They definitely look nice, though.

I have read good things about the Tyler speakers, so will definitely put these on my list.

Any comments on the Usher CP-6381 speakers? They have received some rave reviews....

Thank you for your suggestions; hope to hear more!

Holly
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
if you like b&w just move up the line
jkalman
298 posts
 
If you can spend the extra money I would get a pair of 803Ds (or at least audition the 803S, which I never did, but is in your range if you get 12% discount). As far as bass on the 703s, the bass extension seems great to me when playing in stereo (two channel bypass through a Bryston SP1.7 into a Bryston 9B SST Amp using a Meridian G08 CDP). I've read reviews that mention it as surprisingly deeper than expected.


3-way vented-box system, 2 x 6.5" paper/Kevlar cone bass drivers, 6" woven Kevlar cone FST midrange driver, 1" alloy dome tweeter, 38Hz-25kHz ±3dB, 8 Ohm impedance, 90dB sensitivity, 120lb/pair.

I liked the 703's better than the 804S when I auditioned both. Definitely worth audtioning both IMO, or any choices you are considering for that matter. I auditioned the 803D and 802D and wept inside... If I had known how much I would love that 802D, I would have bought those and filled out a 5.1 system later. Anyways, I didn't, so now I will add those later and move the rest of my equipment to other positions when I can.

I don't see why people wouldn't like B&W speakers here, their speaker models seem to be excellent values at their price, and they are well received across the board in every publication I have read.
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