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how to side-grade from B&W 805's?

hello, i have b&w nautilus 805's and would like to change things up.. i need some advice on what speakers to move onto

first of all, some background on my room

it's about 11x15 and i do have some minimal acoustic treatment (8x 2x2 absorbers)

my electronics consists of a peachtree decco (soon to be nova), and a mcintosh 7100

as far as power, i feel that the mcintosh provides enough clean power for my room, i'm just looking for a different sound

what i love about the 805's is mainly the midrange/imaging... it is silky smooth and very rich... vocals and jazz really excel on these speakers... imaging is off the charts, the speakers simply disappear and the soundstage is huge, love that

however, when i listen to bass-heavy/faster music such as electronic/rock/etc, i feel that the 805's leave something to be desired... also, after extended listening, the metal tweeter does cause fatigue

long story short, i'm looking for something with more bass (prefer not to add a sub) and better attack/PRAT while retaining the smooth mid/highs

my budget is around 1.5k, give or take a few hundred

what should i be looking into? who has HAD the 805's and moved onto something of similar price, but better overall performance?

thanks
koven
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,029 posts
 
I was in your position and I would highly consider looking at the Dynaudio Contour S1.4. It is fast, detailed and goes deeper than you would expect for a monitor speaker. The bass is taught and tight. The S1.4 uses the very highly regarded Esotar tweeter which is a silk soft dome type.(Great for non faitique listening) very smooth with extended range. Definitely get the stand 4 for them which direct couples the speaker to the stand. These are an all time "Best of". I have two pair of these. Check your PM.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
I agree with Kal - judging from the Stereophile measurements the PSB Imagine T is an outstanding value speaker reminiscent of Energy's best speakers - a beautifully smooth on and off axis response.
mst
163 posts
 
Maybe SALK or Triangles? Paradigm studios would also be worth listening to.
redhummer96
12 posts
 
I also have 805Ns. I use 4 for main and surround speakers in my HT. I agree completely with your evaluation of them. With that being said, over the summer I started putting together a budget stereo system, looking for exactly the same things you are, and ended up going with Totem Staffs (powered by a Krell Integrated). The Staffs are really amazing little floorstanders with decent bass response. If you like a wide soundstage, this is the speaker for you. I highly recommend taking a listen if you have the chance.
steveaudio
328 posts
 
I've owned a bunch of b&w's, inc. M802's, & Sig. 805's. The 805 Signatures, I sold after a month. No bass was one issue, but after owning 802's, small Spendors, Merlin TSM-M's, I just found the 805's very lacking. (I also had a pr. of M805's that I got rid of pretty fast too).

Then I found a pr. of slightly used Totem Mani-2 Signatures. Like night & day vs. the 805's, & probably the best speakers I've ever owned. Totem Model 1's might be worth checking out too. Also Dynaudios, also Spendors......
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