Replaced my Nautilus 803 speakers with the 803 Diamond version. I was not at all sure when I read about these that the change from an aluminum to a diamond tweeter was all that big of a deal. So much for reading...
Then, I listened to them. There is so much more definition than with the old speakers. They are so much clearer, providing more detail and transparency.
Also, B&W upgraded the woofer array. Whereas the 803 had two 7" woofers, the 803D has three of those babies. Without being overpowering or overly dominant, I have a real and palpable sense of authority in the bass, and a low of air is getting moved around the room.
Still, I need to upgrade these speaker cables. Immediately. Today. Right now. In fact, I'm going to stop writing...
June 2007. This amplifier replaces the Adcom GFA-565 monoblocks that I had had in my system for quite a while. This made a huge, huge difference. I think that if I had known how bad those Adcoms were, I would have done this a long time ago!
Ayre Acoustics L-5Xe Power Filter
June 2007
Ayre Acoustics Signature Series
Interconnnect
B&W Nautilus 803 D
August 2005.
Conrad Johnson Premier 17 Line Stage
September 2004
Kimber Kable Monocle XL
October 2005. I replaced a pair of Kimber Bifocal XL cables with two pair of Kimber Monocle XL cables. The Bifocal XL uses 36 strands (24 for the low frequencies, 12 for the high frequencies). Each Monocle XL cables uses 24 strands, so in the pair, there is a great improvement in high frequency reproduction.
No amount of equalization can overcome the cheap components and fundamentally bad sound of the 901. The whole concept of the speaker is flawed. It's like expecting a Yugo to run with a Honda S2000 by using better spark plugs and wires in the Yugo. It just isn't going to happen -- and it's certainly not worth the effort or expense. -- Ron
You might consider auditioning some of the Paradigm speakers, specifically the Paradigm Reference series. The Studio 60s or 100s represent great values, but you'd have to ditch the amp, too. Something like a Classe or Audio Research would be a nice step up.
Down the road, you'll want to get a better preamp, too. Again, ARC or Classe offer some nice units for the money -- especially if you buy them used. But there's lots of good equipment out there. Just take your time, listen to lots of stuff and buy something that will have a market when you want to upgrade again. At this point, the worst thing you could do is buy something right away because anything decent is going to make you painfully aware of what you've been missing.
