Upgrade fever

[Erik Tracy]

Is there a group called audio addicts anonymous?

If so I should join! :D

I was lurking on audiogon and came across a listing for a pair of B&W CDM-1NTs.

I made a fair cash counter offer for local pickup – was accepted – and now I own them.

They are setup and installed, calibrated and integrated into my HT setup.

They are replacing the RTiA3s I had as mains.

Why? Good question. Was I unhappy with the RTiA3s? No – not really. I guess I was curious about the ‘next level’ – if it existed – if it was noticeable – if it was worth it.

Kinda like eating costco steak vs a prime New York. Is it worth it? You will never know unless you try it!

The B&Ws I picked up are several years old – well taken care of in a nice system, lots of hours – well broken in – great shape except maybe for some scratches on the bottoms and a couple on the sides.

First Impressions:
The B&Ws are similar in some ways to the RTiA3s – detailed and spacious.
They differ in the soundstage and imaging. The B&Ws are more focused and ‘dense’ in the sound they present in the center – kinda like a LSi7 – but they retain that spacious 'sparkle' and detail that I like in the RTi series.

The B&Ws also have a warmer midrange compared to the RTiA3 which in a cursory comparison sounds just a tad ‘chilly’ (clinical?).

After re-calibration of my AVR I was able to integrate the B&Ws with the rest of my system quick well. Because the CDM-1NTs have a reputation for detail – they seem, so far, to integrate nicely with my CSi3 center and RTi4 surrounds.

I’ve got my AVR recalibrated with several settings for movies and music (2-channel, Pure Direct - analog only), w/ music the B&Ws seem to be a step up in imaging, soundstage, warmth of presentation and more ‘musical’.

Time will tell – I’m going to spend more time getting acquainted then swap the RTiA3s back in.

More later….

[xcapri79]

I dare say most on this forum would be members. I just got a pair of cherry RTi12's after a long wait only to place them beside a pair of LSi25's ( I own two pairs of them).

Seeing that you like bookshelf speakers, you need a pair of LSi9's.

[Zitro]

Are the LSi9's really that much better than the 7's?

[Erik Tracy]

I dare say most on this forum would be members. I just got a pair of cherry RTi12's after a long wait only to place them beside a pair of LSi25's ( I own two pairs of them).

Seeing that you like bookshelf speakers, you need a pair of LSi9's.

I tried the LSi7s and kept the RTiA3s.

The B&Ws I just picked up retail for more than the LSi9s - but hey, I'll be first to admit that price is just one factor to consider. (I got the B&Ws for a great price for cash/local pick up).

But hey - who knows - its all about trying stuff - like wine - gotta try it...not read about it!! :D:D

[Ern Dog]

Shoot the upgrade fever started in 2006 for me and it still hasn't stopped. Sure is fun.

[xcapri79]

Are the LSi9's really that much better than the 7's?

They are bigger, they cost more, and yes they sound better but you need a better amp too.

[Zitro]

They are bigger, they cost more, and yes they sound better but you need a better amp too.

Eh, I really like my 7's. I'm sure the 9's are better but they are in the price territory of speakers from other makes I'd rather buy. I have a feeling that buying a better speaker than the LSi7's might be inconsequential until I upgrade my NAD; 50 wpc can only get you so far i suppose.

[TouchOfEvil]

Eh, I really like my 7's. I'm sure the 9's are better but they are in the price territory of speakers from other makes I'd rather buy. I have a feeling that buying a better speaker than the LSi7's might be inconsequential until I upgrade my NAD; 50 wpc can only get you so far i suppose.

If you put more power to the 7's you'd be impressed i am sure. They really open up with some nice power behind them.

[PSOVLSK]

Hey Erik, maybe you could start a group. I'd be one of your charter members:p

Are the LSi9's really that much better than the 7's?

Not in my opinion. Enjoy your 7's.

[Erik Tracy]

Hey Erik, maybe you could start a group. I'd be one of your charter members:p




Not in my opinion. Enjoy your 7's.

Hi, my name is Erik, and I'm a speaker slut....welcome to this week's therapy session...:D

I'm gonna be broke soon - but at least it goes in my ears and not my arm! :D

[Ron Temple]

It sounds like you like them. Keep them in your rig awhile, you'll probably grow to love them. Analyzing back and forth will only get you second guessing yourself. I've always felt the As were open, but slightly nasal at the top. If the B&Ws correct that and still give you the midrange and better imaging, you've got a winner...for awhile. Enjoy.

[NJPOLKER]

I must have missed the pictures :o

[danz1906]

Congrats!

[xcapri79]

Eh, I really like my 7's. I'm sure the 9's are better but they are in the price territory of speakers from other makes I'd rather buy. I have a feeling that buying a better speaker than the LSi7's might be inconsequential until I upgrade my NAD; 50 wpc can only get you so far i suppose.

Don't sweat it. As others have said, enjoy your LSi7's. I really enjoy mine.
Take your time building your speaker and system collection.

[Erik Tracy]

I must have missed the pictures :o

As requested! :D



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I may just have to do some re-design of my system layout so I can get them off the wall and on to some nice stands - but for now - I gotta do what I gotta do.

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[john E]

Is it just me or is your HDTV not squared.

[Zitro]

If you put more power to the 7's you'd be impressed i am sure. They really open up with some nice power behind them.

I can imagine; would like to hear them on a more powerful amp. I'm sure I'm holding them back with 50 wpc; they're 4 ohm and not very sensitive. My next upgrade will likely be a used integrated, maybe even a vintage Sansui or Marantz if I get lucky enough. Something with a bit more muscle. Been going to thrift shops like mad recently.

EDIT: BTW, I like those B&W's; their speakers always fit my tastes sonically and visually.

[Erik Tracy]

Is it just me or is your HDTV not squared.

Its on a swivel mount that can be pulled forward - I just didn't push it back 'square'.