Wilson Benesch vs B&W
Posted by: Willito on 11 December 2002
Hi,
I've been building up my Naim system over the past four months, and have come to the time to add speakers. I've looked at various models, and have narrowed it down to two models: Wilson Benesch Actor and B&W Nautilus 803. I have arranged to home dem both over the next few weeks which should prove to be the ultimate arbiter. I would appreciate, however, any insight or feedback that any of you may have on said speakers, their manufacturers, and, most importantly, how they partner with Naim.
My system to date is:
CD5
102/HC (looking to upgrade to 282 in new year)
200
In addition to music (the vast majority of time), the Naim equipment also forms part of an AV system with an Arcam DVD player and AV amp. Consequently, whatever front speakers I choose, I will have to ultimately add a matching centre speaker.
I currently have some B&W entry level floorstanders (603?) and centre (LCR 60).
Thank you for help!
Regards,
Will
PS: though I've been lurking and reading for some time now, this is my first post. It's rather daunting!
I've been building up my Naim system over the past four months, and have come to the time to add speakers. I've looked at various models, and have narrowed it down to two models: Wilson Benesch Actor and B&W Nautilus 803. I have arranged to home dem both over the next few weeks which should prove to be the ultimate arbiter. I would appreciate, however, any insight or feedback that any of you may have on said speakers, their manufacturers, and, most importantly, how they partner with Naim.
My system to date is:
CD5
102/HC (looking to upgrade to 282 in new year)
200
In addition to music (the vast majority of time), the Naim equipment also forms part of an AV system with an Arcam DVD player and AV amp. Consequently, whatever front speakers I choose, I will have to ultimately add a matching centre speaker.
I currently have some B&W entry level floorstanders (603?) and centre (LCR 60).
Thank you for help!
Regards,
Will
PS: though I've been lurking and reading for some time now, this is my first post. It's rather daunting!
Hi everyone,
Sorry to detour from the main thread -
Is there a WB "Home" forum ?
I'm using the original WB ACT 1 powered by an AYRE V3; front end is CDS 2, 82 & HiCap.
I'm rather happy with this set-up, especially as from today as I'm using a Monster 2.2 bi-wire LS cable, replacing an older Straight Wire Sextet.
....but - further tweaking (up-grades??) on the WB side is always on the books
Thanks for your help for the appropriate WB-forum-
links
Merry X-Mas, and Happy New Year to you All
...and I try to make it my New Years Resolution: Less fiddling & tweaking, but more enjoying the music !!!
Urs
Sorry to detour from the main thread -
Is there a WB "Home" forum ?
I'm using the original WB ACT 1 powered by an AYRE V3; front end is CDS 2, 82 & HiCap.
I'm rather happy with this set-up, especially as from today as I'm using a Monster 2.2 bi-wire LS cable, replacing an older Straight Wire Sextet.
....but - further tweaking (up-grades??) on the WB side is always on the books
Thanks for your help for the appropriate WB-forum-
links
Merry X-Mas, and Happy New Year to you All
...and I try to make it my New Years Resolution: Less fiddling & tweaking, but more enjoying the music !!!
Urs
Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a great holiday season and happy new year!
I took advantage of the break to try out a few more speakers, namely the Shahinian Arcs and Obelisks.
From what I've read on earlier threads, their prowess has long been touted. They really are very special speakers with quite a unique sound.
As for the differences between the two, I found the Obelisks better able to command music needing a lot of attack (eg, Rage Against the Machine). Both however sang oh so sweetly with anything lyrical or ethereal.
Based on earlier forum advice, I disregarded the first 10 minutes or so. This proved sage advice as both speakers seemed to need a healthy warm-up period.
On the whole very, very impressive!
Other than the price (nearly four thousand pounds for the Obelisks! ay caramba!) my one concern is how they would work in an AV system. Given that Shahinian doesn't make a center channel, my dealer's suggestion is to use a single super-elf. Any views?
In any case, my new equipment is really starting to sing. I am still waiting on the 282 and will update on the difference that makes. The CDX2, however, has made a substantial difference to the sound as many on the forum suggested.
I am off to try some Neats tomorrow (I've been corresponding with Bob S. the last couple of days via e-mail -- he really is a very nice man!). I will let you know how that takes.
Tke cre and all the best,
Will
I hope you all had a great holiday season and happy new year!
I took advantage of the break to try out a few more speakers, namely the Shahinian Arcs and Obelisks.
From what I've read on earlier threads, their prowess has long been touted. They really are very special speakers with quite a unique sound.
As for the differences between the two, I found the Obelisks better able to command music needing a lot of attack (eg, Rage Against the Machine). Both however sang oh so sweetly with anything lyrical or ethereal.
Based on earlier forum advice, I disregarded the first 10 minutes or so. This proved sage advice as both speakers seemed to need a healthy warm-up period.
On the whole very, very impressive!
Other than the price (nearly four thousand pounds for the Obelisks! ay caramba!) my one concern is how they would work in an AV system. Given that Shahinian doesn't make a center channel, my dealer's suggestion is to use a single super-elf. Any views?
In any case, my new equipment is really starting to sing. I am still waiting on the 282 and will update on the difference that makes. The CDX2, however, has made a substantial difference to the sound as many on the forum suggested.
I am off to try some Neats tomorrow (I've been corresponding with Bob S. the last couple of days via e-mail -- he really is a very nice man!). I will let you know how that takes.
Tke cre and all the best,
Will