Monitor upgrade

[5flagsaudio]

I've decided I would like higher quality monitoring. I've currently got a pair of JBL LSR4328 monitors and a Velodyne DD-12 sub. While I feel the JBL speakers are perfectly acceptable for "rock and roll", I would like something that is going to provide better soundstaging for the classical work that makes up the bulk of my business. I get a solid center image from these JBL speakers, but they don't disappear. Left obviously comes from the left speaker and vice versa.

I auditioned, in the local dealer, a pair of B&W 802D and can say nothing but "wow". However my bank account nearly fainted at the price. So, I feel my best two options are the 805S which will cost a bit over $2000 for a pair, or a used pair of 802N, which can be found used for $4000-6000.

The dealer does not keep the 805S in stock and therefore the only way I can audition them is to buy them. At the same time, I've never heard the 802N, only the 802D, which has the "diamond" tweeter. So I'd be going into either situation "deaf" if you will.

I hate to spend $2200 or so on the 805S speakers knowing I could put that money towards some 802 speakers. However, I am aware of a couple of factors that lean in the 805S favor. First, my room is not very large, but I could potentially move the "office" to a larger room in the house. The 805S could potentially be brought on location with an amp and used whereas, that's not practical with the 802. Either way, I'll have to buy a high quality amp to power these speakers, which I'd likely also pick up used.

Ultimately, I know that choosing monitors is a very personal thing and that nothing substitutes for listening to them in your own environment. I'd like your feedback on the situation, since I know most of you have agonized over these sorts of decisions before. Have I examined all the angles? Am I omitting anything?

[Remoteness]

How did your monitor upgrade workout for you?

[c.gymer]

It might be a bit late but I'd just like to say that I've been using B&W Matrix 805s for about a year now and they're a phenomenal speaker. I use them both in the studio and in my hi-fi and they sound great on everything from jazz and classical to punk and metal. Best money I ever spent, so if your still considering the B&Ws I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend them.