B&W 805 Matrix series - good synergy system match?

[Spacebulb]

Hi there - I have a nice pair of the older B&W Matrix series 805s, black (sudio) edition. I am just curious about other options for speakers that might match "better" with this gear. I have plenty of power and it sounds great, studio like - but thinking of wanting something a bit for fun sounding - vintage is fine. Wondering what other people have used and were happy with. I am listening to a huge range of styles so i need a versatile speaker. I don't have space for floor standers, so needs to be about the same size footprint of the 805s. I also have a pair of Sony APM 22ES, and though they sound fun, the don't match the quality of the B&Ws, so they have been relegated to serve as the fronts in my surround system, which i think works great. Price range also similar to the 805s used market value or a bit more.

Look forwward to any thoughts, thanks!

Equipment:

Speaker - B&W 805 Matrix
Sub - Velodyne SPL-1000 Ultra

Source: Denon DP-67L with a Denon 103D MC cart.
Pre-Amp: Sony ES E80ES
Power Amp: Rotel Michi RHB-10
Speaker connects: Nordost Blue Heaven
Great interconnects all around - high end but nothing insane.
High end after market powercables for the TT and Rotel.

 

[Buck Rogers]

I'd probably move the shelves/LP's under your 805's and get a full size set of speakers like B&W 802's.

Lots of full size towers out there, Going to a higher priced 3 way, You get much better midrange integration and higher quality components.

PS: I love your LP shelving buildout, Jealous... (You should paint the shelf board edges just a little darker than the walls).

 

[Spacebulb]

I'd probably move the shelves/LP's under your 805's and get a full size set of speakers like B&W 802's.

Lots of full size towers out there, Going to a higher priced 3 way, You get much better midrange integration and higher quality components.

PS: I love your LP shelving buildout, Jealous... (You should paint the shelf board edges just a little darker than the walls).

Thanks Buck! Yeah, actually I've always wanted 802s, and recently almost pulled the trigget on a cheap pair locally, but they were white, and no way that would pass the the wifey test. Anhoo - I totally agree with your assessment, and is likely what is going to happen. I used to have Kappa 7s but the room was all wrong, but I loved the sound of them. I need crystalline highs clear mids and pumping bass. They had that, until the polydomes went kaput.

Thanks, it's true that when i built these, we discussed painting the edges, my wife wanted to do that to match the brown theme of the MDF, but i see your point with darker than the walls - nice touch. It's an odd room, but I ain't complaining - never had a dedicated media room, surround sound, or gear of this caliber - happy days.

 

[mad shadows]

You got some nice equipment. I would buy a pair of speaker stands and start experimenting with speaker placement.

 

[Spacebulb]

You got some nice equipment. I would buy a pair of speaker stands and start experimenting with speaker placement.

Thanks, well I used to have stands and don't disagree. But with a family and kids i needed a solution to keep things safe. Maybe in the future i can revisit stands, or as another nice member suggested get some floorstanders.