Wanting to replace Krell Integrated + B&W 804 - what next?
treudoof -- Sat, 09/11/2010 - 11:38
I would like to replace my current system and get a smaller footprint speaker/systems for my loft.
I've been thinking about Esoteric MG-10 and Moon I-1. I mainly listen to acoustic vocals and jazz.
Here's my current system:
Krell KAV-300i High-End Hifi Integrated Amplifier
Krell KAV-250cd/2 High-End Hifi Audio CD Player
Bowers & Wilkins Nautilus 804
Tara Labs Air 2 Balanced XLR Connectors (CD-Amp)
Tara Labs Prime 1800 Connectors (Amp-Loudspeakers)
Thoughts and advise are welcomed!
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My 2-channel listening room dictated a small footprint speaker but I wanted as little bandwidth compromise as possible. I chose the Dynaudio Confidence C1s and couldn't be happier with small-scale music.
If you like the B&W sound you might consider the 805's. Maybe the new diamond tweeter version. Both Dynaudio and B&W like a fair bit of power. I have had the B&W 805's (both the Nautilus and the follow up 805, before the diamond tweeter) and the Dynaudio Contour 1.3 and can tell you that, even in a small space, both brands like plenty of power. You can drive them with 50-100 watts but, in my opinion, they come alive and sound their best with more power. I used 250 watt power amps by both Bryston and Musical Fidelity with good effect.
If you need to place them close to a back wall I would suggest a speaker with a front mounted port (B&W) rather than a rear mounted one ( Dynaudio).
As far as 'footprint' goes I think you will find that the base of the stand may be even bigger than the 804's which are a fairly small floorstander. You should consider trying your 804's with more power as well.
How about the Definitive Technology Mythos STS: small footprint, 93dB efficiency, and rave reviews from TAS including POY 2007. I recently purchased the Mythos ST for my HT (driven by Bryston's AV processor and amplifier) and can say that these speakers deserve all of their accolades. Transparency and resolution are far and above what I was expecting. Don't let their low price fool you.
I have basically the same system as yours. I was also using a PS Audio Digital Link III to play CD's that were imported to iTunes. The Digital Link sounded very similar to the Krell KAV-250cd/2. I replaced the Digital Link III with an Ayre QB-9 and my system took off. Now there is no need to make any changes, although I will get a much better amplifier. My 804's sound, with the QB-9, maybe better than 804D's without the QB-9.
Something a little different the Pass INT-150 with the new Aerial 7-T's.
Since you have a loft and don't need to pressurize a lot of air, how about the Reference 3A Episode speakers coupled to an Audio Research VSi60 integrated amp. What makes this combo interesting is that you're mating a speaker that has no crossover to an integrated amp that really has no preamp. The front end is passive. And those output tubes would connect directly to that midrange driver with no crossover in between. Now that is straightwire. Attach an Esoteric X-05 CD/SACD player and you can still use the cables you have - otherwise check out Synergistic Research Tesla model cables. I bet the midrange on this system is incredibly pure and there is no weakness at the frequency extremes either. Bass into the 30's and a top end that goes on forever with that Murata super-tweeter.
Don't ya just love spending other people's money? : )