Description

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...
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Components Toggle details

    • Ayre Acoustics V-5Xe
    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.
    • Sony SCD-1
    November 2003

Comments 26

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I think the reason why Sony has never been viewed as a higher end product is not only that they are marketing the brand to mass consumers, but, also, their higher end products tend to be pricy without valued justifications.

I had the opportunity to audition some of Sony's top models 10 yrs back. Their amps and cd players were pretty good. The CDPXA7ES is a classic. The amp, I think it's the N90ES, is also killer. But, at $3000 a piece, one has better alternatives. I don't have a very high opinion of the ES speaker line though.

viggen

Is your Yamaha amp the Class A amp? I was told the Class A Yamaha amp from the 80s is killer. So, I'd say upgrade the pre and speakers.

viggen