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Speaker upgrade - please advise.

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade pretty soon - most likely speakers, and I'm looking for any ideas you guys may have on the right choice. I'm looking to spend up to $6,000 used. My current system is listed on in the 'virtual systems' on Audiogon, but here goes:
Bryston 4bst power amp
Sonic Frontiers Line 3 Preamp (with tube upgrades)
B&W Nautilus 805 speakers
MSB Link DAC III & Monolithic Power supply & Upsampling
Muse Model 5 Transport
Kimber KCAG, Cardas Golden Cross analog interconnects.
Nordost Silver Shadow digital interconnect.
Stealth Triple Ribbon & PC Premier speaker cable
PS Audio 300 Powerplant
3 Shunyata Sidewinder Power Cords.

I'm thinking of moving to tube amplification at some later date (BAT or Sonic Frontiers), so will need speakers to match that set up. The speakers I'm really considering are Dynaudio Confidence 5. I'll also consider B&W Nautilus 802, but suspect there's better out there at the price. Anyway, any advice is much appreciated (also, if you see other potential upgrades in other components, let me know). Thanks!
John (Outlier)
128x128outlier
mdorsam
58 posts
 
I'd opt for the N802s: they are considered in the top-tier, with Revel Studios, at $8000, new. At $6,000 you should get a great deal.

I've have an array of them, and they do sing.

mdorsam
vader007
121 posts
 
Forget Dynaudio or Martin logan if your considering tubes.
Both of these speakers are hard to drive and have nominal
impedance of 4ohms or less. Watch who you take advice from
there are some know it all clowns out there.
Plan your system before you purcase, audition everything.
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Vader007

Not only do you have the coolest name I've seen (Tubegroover's bumped from the top!) You have common sense and gave great advice!!

Now for my .02...... How anyone could listen to B&W speakers and an amp as bright as Bryston (yes, I'm sure many will attack me for this, but it's what I hear in this setup!) Get a smoother amp and less harsh speakers!
landmarkbldrsf3a2
40 posts
 
Outlier: You can't do much better than the B&W N802's. Those babies just sing, and the only step up would be revel's, but the N 802's just look sooo cool. I sound like the guy above me I know but read the reviews---#1 and #2. You could use your 805's for your center, or rears in surround sound. Good luck, I think you would love the 802's.
south43
386 posts
 
I like the Maggie suggestion, but tubes may not be the order of the day with them(they need current). I got my hands on some Meadowlark Kestrals and never looked back. They have been powered by tubes(Anthem amp 1) and SS(Aragon 4004,Marsh 200watter,) and the kestrals sung with both. I would think the other models of Meadowlark would bring the level up a tad. As suggested audition everything and go with what makes you happy.
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