upgrade from diamond 9.1 speakers options

[admin_exported]

Hi folks

Would be interesting to hear peoples thoughts on the wharfedale diamond 9.1 speaker, and whether something such as the b&w 685 are a big and viable upgrade path. I have the diamond 9.1, and have recently assembled a nice little setup, consisting of a Nad 326, DacMagic, Onkyo NDS1 digital dock, Ipod Classic 160gb. I had the diamond's free with a Denon DM37 last year, and will probably end up buying the NAD 545bee CDP aswell to compliment my system, as I am missing a dedicated CDP.

BUT, the problem I have is, am I missing out by using the Diamond's with my current setup?, would I gain much by upgrading my speakers to something such as b&w 685's or other recommendations? (budget up to approx £400) I listen to a variety of genres of music, so need a good all rounder. I am happy with my Diamonds, it's just that I always wonder whether I could do better.

opinions would be greatly received.

 

[ear]

no such thing as a listening session.just to make you happy I find the 9.1 better than the 10.1

 

[Anonymous]

If you are interested in floorstanders, I would say that the Acoustic Energy Neo 3's are a big sonic step up from your current speakers, for less than 300.00 new.

 

[Anonymous]

I have some atacama nexus stands which I'd like to utilise so would prefer smaller speakers. Any more thoughts on upgrading bookshelf speakers anyone?

 

[RCduck7]

bifftanner1:I have some atacama nexus stands which I'd like to utilise so would prefer smaller speakers. Any more thoughts on upgrading bookshelf speakers anyone?

Try to find and listen to a pair of 2nd hand Hyperion HWS-586 bookshelf speakers, or the smaller and more affordable 585.

I found they have weight to the sound, a bit of a bloomy midrange and sweet treble without a hint of brightness when run in. They were certainly a big step up to my previous Wharfedale Diamond's.

 

[Anonymous]

any other thoughts on a not too expensive upgrade to diamond 9.1's??

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, check out the review section in the top banner for speakers. There are many in the around £300, and you should get an idea from that. Depends on size, finish and kind of sound you are looking for. What kind of music you listen to?

 

[Anonymous]

I would suggest the Monitor Audio Bronze BR2's, I absolutely love 'em! Got mine hooked up to a NAD BEE through an Onkyo amp and they make a terrific sound and look the dogs!!

Nick

 

[Anonymous]

Hi thanks for response folks. I like a nice wide range of music, from pop,reggae,dance, classical, to a bit of jazz and swing, and hip hop. So need a good all rounder. I don't like nothing to boomy, and really like a good mid range with nice clear treble, but not too bright. Don't listen at massively high volumes (semi detached house). Love it when you can hear guitar strings and nice clear vocals. Something I've noticed since going from the DM37 to the NAD326 is definitely the range of sounds you can hear, but want to make sure I get the best out of the amp. The diamond 9.1's have been 5 star speakers for a while, so I want to ensure that when I upgrade them that I can tell the difference.

Speakers gonna be sitting on Nexus 6 stands (in black), so ideally want something to match.

Cheers

 

[Anonymous]

Enough said???

 

[d_a_n1979]

I agree with the M/A BR2's but IMO the B&W 685's will offer a better, more detailed soundstage with deeper and more taut bass along with detailed midrange and treble.

I would also consider the M/A RX1's as well. Superb speakers and look stunning in gloss black

Ideally you need to demo. So if you can, see if you can hear the M/A BR2,s M/A RX1's, B&W 685's and maybe the Dali Lektor 2's as well.

 

[Anonymous]

You have to be real careful about placement with the BR2's. I had them, and when situated near a rear wall, the bass was boomy. I know they are front ported, but that was the case. Great speakers though, and a bit larger than normal £200 standmounters

 

[Anonymous]

Interesting, as I too have mine located close to a rear wall and have'nt experienced any booming. like you say, they are front ported. what kind of stands did you have them on? mine seem to work fine on the Spectral's I'm currently using.

Nick