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B&W 803S, are they the right speakers for me?

I purchased B&W 803S three years ago after trading up from the 805S. My system currently consists of:
803S
MC352
MC41
Denon 2810 (Transport)
TADAC w/Tele NOS smooth plates
Upgraded Power cords
Tara Lab interconnects
Anticables (recent purchase)

My room is 20' wide and about 30' long, but I have a sofa about 10 feet from speakers (which are 9' apart and 2' from back wall). I do have a fair amount of furniture in the room with little opportunity for room treatments (wife issue). Speakers are very slightly toed in.

Speaker dilema- I have to crank them to get well rounded sound with reasonable imaging. I have tried for three years to make them really work. Where have I gone wrong? Thinking of a great smaller speaker that may be more efficient with better imaging (Dynaudio C1 is being considered).

Your help is greatly appreciated!
dmm53
james63
501 posts
 
It's the speakers. I have had B&Ws with the same issues. They need to be played loud to make them shine. I would get out and demo speakers (your gear is pretty good and your set up is fine).

I would think smaller speakers are the wrong move. It sounds like you just want more bass at low volume. What is your budget?

Wilsons thump at all volumes (used Sophias are under $6000 these days).
nolitan
865 posts
 
How are the acoustics of your room ?
Sometimes bad acoustics can be a major determinant for bad sound system.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
I may be wrong about this. But I am fairly sure that using the 4ohm tap will lower the power output for an 8ohm speaker.
These speakers, while stated as 8 ohm, perform more like 4 ohm. Years ago when using N803's, I contacted a B&W rep. and was told to use the 4 ohm taps.
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
It certainly won't hurt to try the 4ohm tap.
dmm53 OP
63 posts
 
Thanks to eveyone's advice.

Switched to 4 ohm taps a long time ago. Did positively change sound.

I have played with separation and toe in many times and find it does make a big difference.

My guess is that Rwwear may have had iit right the first time. I need to change the location of the speakers, which is currently impossible.

I am however, going to pull some furniture out, just to test the effect over the weekend.

I may need a different type of speaker. I owned a pair of Magnepan Typonies years ago (talk about tough placement) and have been spoiled ever since. Just dont have the room for 3.6 or 20.1.
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