Upgrade fever

Erik Tracy
Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
edited January 2010 in Speakers
Is there a group called audio addicts anonymous? :eek:

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….

H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
Post edited by Erik Tracy on
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Comments

  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    Are the LSi9's really that much better than the 7's?
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited January 2010
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    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

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited January 2010
    Shoot the upgrade fever started in 2006 for me and it still hasn't stopped. Sure is fun.
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    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.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2010
    Zitro wrote: »
    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.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,235
    edited January 2010
    Hey Erik, maybe you could start a group. I'd be one of your charter members:p

    Zitro wrote: »
    Are the LSi9's really that much better than the 7's?

    Not in my opinion. Enjoy your 7's.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited January 2010
    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    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 ****....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

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited January 2010
    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.

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited January 2010
    I must have missed the pictures :o
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited January 2010
    Congrats!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited January 2010
    NJPOLKER wrote: »
    I must have missed the pictures :o

    As requested! :D

    CDM1nt-RTiA3-grills-2.JPG

    .
    CDM1nt-RTiA3-nekid-1.JPG

    .

    CDM-1NT-Wall.JPG


    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.

    .

    CDM-1NT-System-1.JPG

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • john E
    john E Posts: 32
    edited January 2010
    Is it just me or is your HDTV not squared.
    ONKYO TX-SR607
    PolkAudio Speakers
    Front-Monitor 70's
    Center-CS2
    Sur-round-Monitor 40's
    Sur-round Back-Monitor 60's
    Subwoofer-PSW-505
    Back fill in Bass PSW-10
    LG 50"Black 1080P Plasma HDTV (50PS60)
    LG Blu-Ray Disc BD390
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    TouchOfEvil wrote: »
    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.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited January 2010
    john E wrote: »
    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'.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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