Diminishing Returns

[Davemcc]

"Era Design 5 Satellites"

The system, which includes dual subs, not just the Design 5. And the B&W in their room, which was a large showroom more than a "demo" room vs. my room which is quite small and treated with acoustic panels and bass traps. I found both the B&W and my era system display similar characteristics, each within their own venue, that I find pleasing. Both have full, rich midrange, clear but not overly bright highs and tight yet effortless bass. The B&W probably are, and should be, much better than the era in certain ways. Of all the speakers that I've heard, they are the closest tonal match to what I have, but I doubt the B&W would work in my small space. I count myself lucky that I've found a set of speakers that I like so much that I don't feel the need to upgrade. I was actually listening to the B&W to test the amp that was driving them and went home with the amp.

 

[eljr]

Between the Bryston

Bryston 4B SST

http://www.bryston.ca/4bsst_m.html

and the (I like this amp better. But it comes down to performance. I would have to listen to the 803D's with it.)

Bryston 14B SST

http://www.bryston.ca/14bsst_m.html

Maybe the Parasound A-21

http://www.parasound.com/halo/a21.php

Or the

McIntosh MC252

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=1&id=14&cat=Power+Amplifiers&prodid=1055&product=MC252

McIntosh MC275

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?hid=1&id=14&cat=Power+Amplifiers&prodid=1093&product=MC275

I think your choice needs to take into account your listening habits. If I had it to do over I think the Bryston 14B SST is clearly what I would do. My reason would be that I like sustained loud music and the heat sinks on the 252 and 501's simply cannot handle this. This seems to be a strong point of the
14B SST. Also, the 803d's benefit from power. They seem insatiable in this regard.