Description

I think my system is doing pretty good for now. However, I'd like to add a tube preamp and upgrade my speakers to Diamond Series or something else. Could anyone please give me some feedback and suggestion on what speakers I should look into? Will B&W 803 Diamond Series be good enough? Please share your experience and I really appreciate any feedback from members.
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Components Toggle details

    • Mcintosh MVP871
    Universal Player
    • Mcintosh MX120
    Multichannel Pre-Amp.
    • Mcintosh MC252
    2Ch Amplifier. 250W/CH
    • B&W B&W 804S
    B&W 804S rosenut
    • Velodyne Velodyne SPL-1200R
    SPL-1200R
    • Transparent Reference XLR
    Transparent Audio Reference Balanced.
    • Purist Audio Design Opis
    Purist Audio Design Opis 2m
    • Pure -i20
    Ipod Dock

Comments 8

Sweeeet system. I'm a bit envious. My dream system would be similar with the mc252, c46, mvp881, mr87, and B&W 804.

mjcmt

Owner
Thanks so much for your kindness inputs everyone here. I am saving up for the next level of speakers. I am also thinking of replacing my SUB. I heard JM Audio has a couple of good SUBs. Any thought about that? Thanks very much again.

plumenis

Love the mighty Mac's! My two cents for speakers, check out the VSA line of speakers. Should you upgrade up the B&W line can't go wrong. Good hunting.

glenfihi

I have a simular Mc based system. Take the big jump 802Ds and be done with it. Use your 804s in the rear

vernneal

Hi,
I upgraded from the 804S to 803D a few years ago - overall a significant improvement in the areas that are critical to me, namely bass weight and treble smoothness. What I appreciate the most about the diamond tweeter is the combination of detail without edge – makes for more relaxed listening with CDs which tend to be inherently a bit harsh.
Do note that the 803D is much larger than the 804S. But I also love the look of the 804/803 - a timeless design.
Also the frequency balance is different, the 803D is bit more laid back (midrange not as prominent) than the 804S. So audition if possible to decide if you like that type of sound.
The big difference I noticed between the 803D and 802D is the more open midrange of the 802D and under-damped (a bit ripe) bass response of the 802D. Personally I prefer the 803D bass balance (in context of my listening room and amplifiers).
The new 804 Diamond and 803 Diamond are apparently more open sounding, but I don’t have any personal experience to compare to the 803D. I have auditioned the new 802 Diamond – very open, brighter, vivid sound quality with tighter bass than the 802D/803D.
Don't automatically assume that your amps won't drive the 803D. I found the 803D easier to drive than the 804S, both because it is a bit more sensitive, and because it did not require as high volume to achieve decent bass weight.
Mark

mark_nz

Owner
Thanks so much Joe and Mike. I've heard so many good things about Tyler Acoustic. However, I've got used to B&W sounding and more importantly I love the way B&W looks. I think I will go with Joe's suggestions. I will have a look at 803D and 802D in the near future, but I will require me to upgrade my AMP also. So, that would be a challenge for me financially. I like C2300 very much as well and I almost pulled a trigger on that before I got MX120, but due to the budget wise, I had to stick with MX120 since It'd gave me both Music and HT at the same time. Thanks again all:-).

plumenis

check out Tyler Acoustics. I've owned BW 805n, Proac's, Kef reference and other speakers. Hands down the Tyler's sound the best, are constructed unbelievably well, using only the best parts and cabinet building techniques. Dollar for dollar the best deal in all of high end audio. I will hold onto mine for many, many years. Just a suggestion. Good Luck. Mike.

gadmanrdh

Hey man great system. I completely understand your problem. I started with the cm-5 monitor speakers and upgraded. Definitely try to compare the 803d and 802d head to head if you can, I did. They are a huge improvement. They are very similar sounding but also two different animals. The 803d sound amazing but the 802d noticeably edge it out overall. I am also looking at some tube preamp. The c2300 is a nobrainer but I'm trying to save some scratch from the c500. If you upgrade your speakers to the diamond series you will need to upgrade your amp also.

joeweiss84

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