Replaced my Nautilus 803 speakers with the 803 Diamond version. I was not at all sure when I read about these that the change from an aluminum to a diamond tweeter was all that big of a deal. So much for reading...
Then, I listened to them. There is so much more definition than with the old speakers. They are so much clearer, providing more detail and transparency.
Also, B&W upgraded the woofer array. Whereas the 803 had two 7" woofers, the 803D has three of those babies. Without being overpowering or overly dominant, I have a real and palpable sense of authority in the bass, and a low of air is getting moved around the room.
Still, I need to upgrade these speaker cables. Immediately. Today. Right now. In fact, I'm going to stop writing...
June 2007. This amplifier replaces the Adcom GFA-565 monoblocks that I had had in my system for quite a while. This made a huge, huge difference. I think that if I had known how bad those Adcoms were, I would have done this a long time ago!
Ayre Acoustics L-5Xe Power Filter
June 2007
Ayre Acoustics Signature Series
Interconnnect
B&W Nautilus 803 D
August 2005.
Conrad Johnson Premier 17 Line Stage
September 2004
Kimber Kable Monocle XL
October 2005. I replaced a pair of Kimber Bifocal XL cables with two pair of Kimber Monocle XL cables. The Bifocal XL uses 36 strands (24 for the low frequencies, 12 for the high frequencies). Each Monocle XL cables uses 24 strands, so in the pair, there is a great improvement in high frequency reproduction.
If you're enjoying vinyl now, and you enjoy listening to jazz, then I would say (and again, this can be a touchy subject, so just MHO) ditch the B&O. It serves a purpose, but only up until a point. I think you're correct in saying that the Pro-Ject 1.2 isn't much better. Thenagain it's an extremely entry level piece of equipment (I think needledoctor is clearing out old stock for like 300$) which will only give you a hint of what vinyl can really sound like. I used to own both a B&0 TX and TX2, and they were fun tables that provided acceptable sound quality. They're are, however, highly limited by the proprietary cartridge system (B & 0 cartridges are definitely lacking) and another of other reasons (construction, etc). I moved up to a Music Hall MMF-7 and realized how much I was missing before (a variety of catridges from the stock eroica to a dynavector and grado reference). I'm intending to move soon to a VPI Aries 2 or Scoutmaster (recommendations anyone?) and while I won't say that I listen to exclusively vinyl now (I'm also the proud owner of a sony scd-1) it's changed my software priorities and listening tastes for the better. You have a lovely setup, but if you're intersted in vinyl your system deserves a better rig.
