B&W 805D alternatives

I owned the B&W 802N and later the 800S. When I listend to the 800D I knew I would not buy it.

When you want to go further in the world of highend a deep and wide stage is a very important part what sets it to a new dimension.

B&W weakest point compared to competitors are their crossovers. Their stage is a lot less wide and deep. A deep and wide stage makes music so much more involving and instruments and voices become more apparent.

In 2007 I started to sell 3 dimensional sound. These days I only sell 3 dimensional sound. I use shops with 2 dimensional sound to let my clients hear how big the difference is. And it is huge!!

I compared the 805D with the Monitor Audio PL-100 a few years ago. The Platinum speakers give a much wider and deeper stage. Also there is more dacay and instruments and voices are more physical touchable.

Magico also give a much wider and deeper stage compared to B&W. But you need an amp which also can give a deep and wide stage.

Without an amp or source what can give a deep and wide stage it is still useless.

You can find some great deals on discontinued Focal speakers right now. I love my Chorus 836v speakers on a 50w tube amplifier (ultralinear). Music Direct has Chorus and Profile series speakers, I think.

The better Focal speakers also have better crossovers compared to B&W.

I've auditioned Sonus Faber in a shop that used a MC275 for the power plant and it sounded REAL NICE. I auditioned the Cremona Auditor, but think the SF Olympica I would be a nice step up from the 805Ds.

FWIW I just sold my 805Ds, which had been in a Linn System. I upgraded from the B&Ws to Harbeths. I then sold the 805Ds because the Ayre Ax-7e in my media room second system didn't provide enough power. Essentially, decided to keep the Ayre & sell the 805Ds. I'm currently running the Ayre with some profoundly inexpensive Pioneer SP-BS41LRs as I plan my next move.

I don't recommend Harbeths with your Mcintosh MC275, but the Sonus Fabers might be a good way to go.