[Musicmansweden]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

You've captured a lot here--



I agree the E-Type is a magnificent machine. One of the most beautiful cars of all time.



I also agree that matching amps and speakers is essential, though I would not phrase it pejoratively as you have.



I think our difference is on the idea of "sub-optimal". It does not phase me that any of my gear might be sub-optimal. At the price levels we are discussing, pretty much everything sounds great, but almost every speaker, amp, source, has some sort of compromise--all gear is sub-optimal. The 805s, just for example, might be bright, but they have startling clarity and detail. Similarly, when we compare SS amps to tubes, we are balancing superior bass against superior midrange. It is hard to find a free lunch--we're just balancing trade-offs. Apparently, you believed this at the point you purchased the 805s.



So my concern with tinkering with a B&W speaker is that you are second guessing people who are far more expert and experienced than you are likely to be, and likely just swapping one suboptimal behavior for another. This would be similar to taking that BMW 325 up to track levels of performance, and then getting too rough a ride around town.



I do not expect the D4's to be "optimal". I expect them to be better than the D3's and tougher competition for speakers from other excellent companies.

I must say that this was the best statement and explanation of what hifi is all about, that I have read for a very long time. Its all about compromises and combination of gear and a dose of humility. I own the 803D3 and my experience is that those speakers are very honest to the recording and have given me new details in music that I havent experienced before. Are the tweeter bright or just revealing? I dont know but I know that descent produced and mixed recordings sound amazing and poorly recorded music sounds just like that. Poorly.

Just my two cents…

Johannes