Loudspeaker Upgrade: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

[MervD]

I am in the midst of upgrading my Studio 100 v.5 and am considering the following:

B & W 803 Diamond, Focal 1028BE or paradigm Sig 8 or any other suggested speakers.

Your input would be greatly welcomed and appreciated

My system is comprised of: Krell S550i Integrated amp 275 w/ch
Arcam FMJ BDP 300 Universal Player
Arcam AVR 400 processor function: rears S-10 and sub (in conjunction with Krell S550i Theater Throughput)
Speaker Cables; Audioquest Rocket 88 72 Dbs
Analog Interconnects: Audioqest Water

 

[j_garcia]

I'll just leave this here http://philharmonicaudio.com/

Have you listened to each of these speakers in your list? At this price point, you're going to have to. IMO, the Sigs are a very noticeable step up from the Studios, but still not quite something I drool over.

 

[zieglj01]

I'll just leave this here http://philharmonicaudio.com/

+1

However, from the list I would look at the Focal

 

[Irvrobinson]

There's no need to match a speaker to an amp. With an amp like that especially, choose the speaker that sounds best to you. I agree with the others, for best value you might consider taking a chance on ordering the Philharmonics. I don't care for any of the speakers on your list in that price range. If the Phils are too far off the beaten path, I really liked the Revel F208s when I heard them. They sound similar to the Salon2s.

 

[markw]

Define "upgrade".

Any of these speakers will sound significantly different than your current speakers, but "different" isn't always "better".

But, if "upgrade" means simply throwing money at something just for a change, then any will do.

As another poster alluded to, you should really listen carefully to your contenders, and with music you're familiar with.

After all, you're just getting opinions here, not concrete facts, and somebody else's taste might not be the same as yours.

 

[Ponzio]

it's not even a contest and I've heard all three; the Focal 1028Be gets my vote. one mans opinion. clarity, soundstage, imaging ... check, check, check. trust ur ears though not ours. we all have biases in what we like tonally.

 

[3db]

I'm going to add

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/tower-speakers/Imagine-T3-Tower

 

[MervD]

it's not even a contest and I've heard all three; the Focal 1028Be gets my vote. one mans opinion. clarity, soundstage, imaging ... check, check, check. trust ur ears though not ours. we all have biases in what we like tonally.

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately due to physical disabilities, it is not very easy for me to get around to the respective dealers, however, I will do my due diligence and agree the one's opinion may vary from others. Therefore, getting in the trenches and auditioning each would be sound advice

 

[j_garcia]

Your system is nice enough that whichever speaker you choose is going to do well IMO, so you really just need to find something that suits your tastes and you'll be good to go. That's why I say it will be important to try to listen to them if possible.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If only those 3 loudspeaker options, I vote for the B&W 803 Diamond regardless of amp, processor, media players, DAC, or wires/cables.

 

[MervD]

Define "upgrade".

Any of these speakers will sound significantly different than your current speakers, but "different" isn't always "better".

But, if "upgrade" means simply throwing money at something just for a change, then any will do.

As another poster alluded to, you should really listen carefully to your contenders, and with music you're familiar with.

After all, you're just getting opinions here, not concrete facts, and somebody else's taste might not be the same as yours.

Thanks for you invaluable input. To define upgrade, I may have used the term rather loosely. After purchasing the S550i, ( the IA has met all the Krell marketing hype and I am very pleased with the performance and seamless integration into my existing system to add the element of much improved 2 channel application.
I am looking to replace the 100's as IMhumbleO i can access all of the Krell's musicality with a step up in speakers

 

[MervD]

If only those 3 loudspeaker options, I vote for the B&W 803 Diamond regardless of amp, processor, media players, DAC, or wires/cables.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my need for input into speaker decision

 

[MervD]

I'm going to add

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/tower-speakers/Imagine-T3-Tower

Thanks for your input. I did some research into the T3's and was somewhat impressed with PSB's design esthetics and specs. They, if i saw correctly, the sensitivity spec of 85, would be a difficult load to drive, and possibly would not sound as good with lower volume. Please set me straight if I have wondered down a rabbit hole

 

[MervD]

If only those 3 loudspeaker options, I vote for the B&W 803 Diamond regardless of amp, processor, media players, DAC, or wires/cables.

Thanks

 

[MervD]

Your system is nice enough that whichever speaker you choose is going to do well IMO, so you really just need to find something that suits your tastes and you'll be good to go. That's why I say it will be important to try to listen to them if possible.

You are most certainly correct. If a picture paints a thousand words than actual auditions of my selections would be music to my ears or such nonsense

 

[gene]

I am in the midst of upgrading my Studio 100 v.5 and am considering the following:

B & W 803 Diamond, Focal 1028BE or paradigm Sig 8 or any other suggested speakers.

Your input would be greatly welcomed and appreciated

My system is comprised of: Krell S550i Integrated amp 275 w/ch
Arcam FMJ BDP 300 Universal Player
Arcam AVR 400 processor function: rears S-10 and sub (in conjunction with Krell S550i Theater Throughput)
Speaker Cables; Audioquest Rocket 88 72 Dbs
Analog Interconnects: Audioqest Water

It sounds like you have a pretty nice system right now. You may want to ask yourself why do you want to upgrade? What are you unhappy about with your current speakers? Have you address speaker placement, seating placement, room acoustics first? What are you looking for in new speakers that your current speakers are lacking (IE. more bass extension, more detailed highs)? Ask these questions first!

 

[PENG]

I am surprised by this post because it has the only poll I have seen here that I can cast my vote based on my subjective experience. I auditioned all 3 speakers extensively and carefully a couple (may be longer) years ago and ended up with the 1028. I agreed to what everyone else have suggested so far including Gene's, except that I remember TLSG didn't like the Studio speakers though I thought even the Studio 3 sounded pretty good, but the S8 sounded slightly but noticeable more transparent.

 

[3db]

The lower sensitivity means you would need to set the voulme control a little higher than for a higher sensitivity speaker. However, low sensitivity doesn't affect how the speaker plays at lower levels such as normal conversation levels or a litttle lower. I would audition them and listen for yourself to see if they are your cup of tea.

 

[markw]

Merv, you've got 275 watts per channel to play with. I don't think the sensitivity of the PSB's will be a limiting factor in your listening experience. You're reading numbers on paper and not correlating how they relate to the real world.

 

[KEW]

I don't care for any of the speakers on your list in that price range.

I know you have carefully listened to a lot of great gear and value your opinion.

What did you find wanting in the Focal 1028Be?