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Tuff decision, need help

Hello folks,

I've recently purchased a PSB GOLDi, to match a McCormack DNA-1 and McCormack TLC-1 pre-amp. I also have a Sunfire subwoofer, but I rarely use it.

The thing is that, although I'm close to satisfied with the PSB's, it is very far from perfect. My main complaint is the lack of clarity in the highs, and the muddiness on the bass side.

I was considering trading my PSB GOLDis (new edition) for a pair of used B&W Matrix 801, old as hell. I always liked B&W but never have gotten the chance to acquire one.

Do you guys think the trade might pay off? How about the amp, will it be enough to drive the power hungry 801?
jmabe
sol322
426 posts
 
Jmabe:
How long have you had the PSB's? Hours put on them?
What's the other system parts i.e. cabling, etc.?
What speakers did you have before the PSB's i.e. your previous reference ?
In room set up of speakers and dimensions will help evaluate your situation

Gold's do require break-in time..
Luis
steveaudio
328 posts
 
Which Series are the M801's? I'd hold out for the S3's myself.

You might also consider Matrix 802-S3's. They look great in Walnut. Try to get them with the Sound Anchor stands.
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
I have the PSBs for over a year. I use Van Den Hul cabling, CS-122 and The Source. My source is a Pioneer 563a (i just wasnt willing to spend more). My previuos speaker was a Dynaudio Audience 120.

The speaker has been placed in my room, which is retangular and currently under construction. Now it is in my room, which is very big and tall. In both places, I noticed the bass muddiness and the lack of clarity with the PSBs. I hate the Sunfire subwoofer BTW. My main musical tastes are rock, pop and electronica (house and trance).
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Since I realy didn't like any "part" of sound of PSB Golds(BTW not any better than Silver) i.e. mids, highs and bottom and pretty much enjoyed 801's except the price(realy killing!), I would say no matter how old 801's, they're substantially better than new PSBs.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
My very humble opinion is like Marakanetz'--to me, your speaker change looks like a sidegrade. Different sound, yes. The PSBs I've heard had OK highs, though, and that makes me wonder about your source.

You don't mention your source. My second humble opinion is, garbage in, garbage out ( no I didn't make that up ). In other words, the things you feel are wrong may be coming from further upstream than you think. I don't mean your source is garbage, I have no idea what it is. But I have seen many systems here with pretty good electronics and speakers, all reproducing (quite well) the sound of an entry-level source.

I feel that, given a $3G budget, for example, if you spend 4 or 5 hundred on the source and the rest downstream you are not heading for great musical satisfaction. Turn that ratio around and now you're talking fun. Further upgrades will just let you hear how fine your source is.

If you already have EMM Labs, Ensemble or a decent Linn at the front end, of course, I didn't say anything.
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