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This is my first full review of any product after approx. 15 or so years audiophilia behind, so it’s natural I want to share my impressions with audio fellows exactly over here on Htguide forum – IMO the most qualified place today to talk about B&W as consumer.
There are two parts of this review: my audiophile B&W STORY and the REVIEW. Feel free to skip the story if found full text too long – I just considered such an intro as possibly helpful for better understanding…
MY B&W STORY:
I am passionate B&W fan from 1991, when I have met their magic with DM 310, very nice pair standmounts – revealing, totally accurate, if a bit bass shy – quite normal given the size… Driven by (now so romantic in my eyes/ears) Marantz PM-550DC (65/90 Wpc), DM 310 was a real transcendental initiation into the real HI FI… My passion which eats greedily a huge percent of my money today, being my personal spiritual sanctuary in this not too happy part of Europe… And it will remain being so.
I sold my DM 310 in 1996, upgrading to new DM 602, until 1997 when I turned to floorstanders, DM 604. I upgraded to new DM 604S3 in 2001 (all that DM’s have been driven by various Rotel amps), accomplishing quite an extensive experience with entry level DM Series – in a few words: excellent drivers, poorish cabinetry in most aspects, cheap internal wiring… Too many compromises which spoil their great sonic potentials.
Being not satisfied enough by upscale CM amd CDM ranges (auditioned many times at B&W’ authorised retailer KODI Audio Center shops in Skopje throughout last 7-8 years), I have gathered my forces (sold 604S3 and a few smaller items) in 2004 and decided to go directly to the B&W highest range. Nautilus.
Small wonder N805 was only affordable (1800Euro) Nautilus for me. Driven by Rotel combo RC-1090/RB-1080 and Vincent SV-236 hybrid integrated (front: Marantz CD-6000KI Sign. and Vincent CD-S3; cabling: Kimber, VDH and Audioquest), smallish N805 have been showing me (full 12 months) a brave new world of sonic excellence and extravagance, unreachable for lesser DM, CM and CDM Series speakers… True sonic giant, with a bit too brave tweeter with certain recordings, but…
Being an audioholic, I found myself unresisting to upgrade again. A few months ago, in May 2005 I sold both Rotels and N805 and got the biggest investment (based on extended payment) - two pairs of recently released B&W top 800 Series: 803S and 805S.
REVIEW: 803S
I faced the sweetest dilemma when received two pairs brand new boxed speakers: which one to try first? As a kid always takes the bigger chocolate first, I didn’t resist to unpack and hook - 803S.
Man, they are really bulky and – heavy! Unpacking was quite a demanding work for two hands only, so my wife’ assistance was welcome. According the B&W web, 803S weights 41kg net. I would estimate a bit less, given only 42kg declared as shipping weight on the external carton box – such size of carton itself must be about 5-6kg, so estimated net weight of speaker should be not above 36-37kg each (I wrote to B&W about this – they replied not precisely enough, mentioned only their concern to reconsider weight items published on web). Recalling old Nautilus Series weight, the predecessor N803 measured only 30kg, according B&W’ web, again. That 11 kilos extra weight (if accurate) into the same cabinet sounds amazing for 803S in terms of internal extra work/material invested, isn’t it? I must say that rosenut finish failed cut my breath – OK, it’s top quality veneer, but color wise I still prefere gorgeous red cherry finish of my recently sold N805s – magnificent mahagony redish color and finest texture… Beside underwhelming, slightly deja-vu (for me) colour, I want to say this is a true masterpiece of modern industrial design. Seems to be excellently braced/dampened – cabinet almost deadly hard and unechoic on knocking. Not only taller, but also much deeper and wider than N805. With grills lifted, this speaker has truly stunning appearance.
Amplifier:
I am fully aware that 100Wpc (500VA toroidal transformer) Vincent SV-236 hybrid integrated might be not current capable to drive such sized floorstanders properly, but having not preamp temporarily (own only Halo A21 power, still boxed), this is only choice at the moment. Rich, lush, polite, accurate enough, light-weight balanced sound – was fine match with N805.
Front, cabling:
I hooked Marantz front: CD-6000KI Signature (interconnect Kimber PBJ) and DR-17 recorder/player (interconnect Van Den Hul D102Mk3), plus third CD player Onkyo DX-7210 (interconnect Ixos Gamma Audition II). My reference CD player Vincent CD S3 sleeps in the box last months. Old tuner Technics for warming-up. Speaker cables Audioquest Type 6+, full biwiring configured with 4 pieces of cabel, 3m each.
Room:
About 26m2, ceiling 2,35m. Square form, living room, no acoustic treatment.
I have started first session with preliminary warming-up of the Vincent SV-236 amp via tuner, since the amplifier was boxed about three months. After about five hours at low-to-moderate level, I put the first CD in Marantz CD-6000KI, Joey De Francesco “Singin’ and Swingin’” (2001). Never met this CD as sound reference anywhere throughout audio press and Internet, but for me this is one of benchmark recordings for audio nirvana. Try and you’ll see – one of the best Hammond B-3 recordings ever made IMO.
First tones emerged as exciting, rich and joyful texture, perfectly accurate, with no sign of tweeter graininess so typical for brand new speakers (I limited amp’s level at “9-9.30 o clock” - perhaps upper db levels might showed some grainy artefacts?) - I’d guess there must have been some factory drill which has already broken-in 803S to certain degree. Bass fundament incomparable over N805 – much deeper, punchier, full bodied, with much better pitch accuracy than my older DM-604/604S3 (all 604s produce quite an unarticulated low frequency response, was often pitchless to my ears – boomy, sometimes unlistenable). I must admit some degree of boominess in 803S bass as well, likely due to poor speaker position, too close to the rear wall (only 40cm, due to limited space). There is a very deep bass pedal note on the opening part of tune 12 (Danny Boy) – 803S captured it and expanded throughout the room, causing glaces resonances all over. I’ve changed listening locations a few times, noticing a few positions in corners where bass was even too prominent. Pulling speakers forward, clearer of the rear wall caused boominess gone (unsuccessful manoeuvre with 604s at a time)! I can’t say that was the deepest bass I’ve ever heard – good woofer goes deeper, but 803S is HI FI device, not disco enhancer. Anyway, very satisfying bass for my taste.
Tune 4 (Did You Hear Him Holler) has one of the purest and richest organ tones I’ve ever heard. 803S - cold from the box - showed ability to portray that organ (listened million times on dozens of equipment) in totally organic, vibrant, fresh manner, if slightly colder (unwarmed-up amplifier?) and more laid-back than N805, which have been delivering freshness in abundance at a time. Don’t get me wrong, there was not any veil on 803S mids, just different flavour and very slightly laid-back (darker) timber of organ tones. It seemed that subtle degree of lesser midband openness compared to N805 might be just a break-in issue? Too early for final judgement, anyway, then and today, after only 100-150 hours. It is maybe ear/brain accommodation, but today I am not quite sure is it exist as smaller degree of openness. Just slightly different flavour - that’s all, I think.
Tweeter response was clearly tamed compared to N805, which strengthened mentioned laid-back, seductive, darkish flavour of 803S textures over N805. Very satisfying for me, since I’ve been finding N805 tweeter too extravert with good deal of my best recordings and unforgiving for poor ones... At a time, comparing it with DM-604S3, I found N805’ tweeter somehow “wideband”, delivering surprisingly more information than DM Series tweeters, so familiar to my ears for years. Easily notable if you concentrate on some good drums solo, on cymbals and so in particular... I felt the same with 803S, which employes the same tweeter as the Signature 800/805 line had (recently discontinued). I wouldn’t say I was able to distinguish it in clearest degree, but had an impression new tweeter not only tamed, but also for a whisker smoother and more musical over original N805.
Only fifteen exciting minutes of astonishing Joey De Francesco recording was quite enough to make me smiling, getting know that just purchased my best (and far priciest, of course) speaker ever. Showed very promising sonic abilities cold from the box, clearly outperformed N805... Plus, sweet imagination what a leap must be when introduce new amplification based on Halo A21...
Presented basic sonic picture was only strengthened by plenty of other CDs throughout next days of extensive listening sessions: Audiophile Reference SACD FIM 029 contents several timeless recordings - my favourite is Georgia On My Mind (tune 5), with warmest jazz-guitar solo I’ve heard. 803S enriched this delusively lush recording with new flavour of delicacy and self-confidence. Marvellous! Repeating the guitar solo several times, I found myself truly sunk into music... I love Dave Gruisin’ “Homage To Duke” (GRP 1993) because of full deep bass notes and excellent brass arrangements, perfectly suitable for testing transient speed (particularly tune 6, Caravan) - was done flawlessly by 803S. Steely Dan “Two Against Nature” emerged as one of the best pieces of music, and recording masterpiece too, latest years in my collection. Opening tune Gaslighting Abbie has stunning punch (bass/drums) and richness (electric guitar timbre), kicking the stomach every time, even through lesser equipment. I found low-end being fat, rich, easily delivered, emerging further potentials with prospective bigger amp behind... Diane Krall’ version of “Is You or Is You Ain’t My Baby” (compilation Greatest Jazz Melodies) contents a very bravely recorded cymbals, which usually sounds truly bright on tons of equipment so far. On my (and my audio fellows) surprise, we all perceived these cymbals, for first time so far, as quite normal part of entire sound picture - not as central event! There is a very representative compilation of jazz flute recordings from 60’s, published by Italian “Musica Jazz” magazine (1995). Most of compositions have incredibly well recorded flutes from 60’s, in the richest analog manner - this is absolutely fantastic how 803S played them. Last tune Duke Ellington’ Intimate Interlude has a astonishing bass clarinet intro - to die for! So deeeep, so clean, so spacious... Further listening of Chick Corea “Origin”, Naim sampler I and II (Hi Fi Choice), various other Diane Krall CDs, Quincy Jones, stunning classics from Bach, Shostakovich, Brahms..., especially Erato CD of Ton Coopman, Dutch clavicembalo player, helped me to acquire full picture of 803S abilities after a few weeks living with them...
As for imaging - fairly deep front-to-back perspective, even not the deepest (due to not-so-convenient room placement), which has becoming dramatically better when pull speakers further from the back wall... Pity that I must accept poor permanent speaker position in the living room - this is not America, I don’t have dedicated entertainment room. I would be able to survive with some boominess in bass region, I think, knowing this is placement artefact only. Left-to-right imaging seems to be the same like N805 before, means very respectable. 803S provides an illusion of overall bigger scene, which should be normal, given the bulk and higher price tag than N805. Interesting, when got approached closer to the speaker (about 80-100cm) and closing eyes, it looks that sound comes from some much larger source than the driver itself is.
803S tends to pull solo instruments a bit forward and up, woodwind and brass in particular. I was slightly underwhelmed by portraying some female voices, spotting a bit nasal vocals, but only first several days. Now it seems to be gone as speakers passed some critical break-in 100-200 hours - exception remain some poor recordings from 50’s (Ella Fitzgerald).
After all, my question of a million bucks. How would the 803S play vs Dynaudio Confidence C1 standmount - far the best speaker I’ve heard before 803S. My fellow is planning to bring his C1s from Croatia soon. There will be a big session in my place...
Question of 10 millions. Is 803S my last word to B&W? I don’t know. Next pick has to justify sonically eventual upgrading and a small fortune to invest... I don’t feel 803D deserves this. Maybe 802D. If can afford 5k extra for speakers, and double larger living room... Never say never.
Cheers,
Zoran, Macedonia
PS: Hoping this too large piece of text will justify the time I’ve invested in terms of helpful set of impressions and info. English is not my mother tongue, so I apologize for language imperfection. Thank you all.
Aussie Geoff here - A great review Zoran, and thank you so much for taking the time to post it. I have taken the liberty of editing to put some spaces between paragraphs to make it easer for people to read through - I hope you don't mind....
Thanx Aussie, for kind words and editing - I don’t mind it, of course. Actually, I’ve reedited a few more verbal nuances plus for easier reading...
Zoran
There are two parts of this review: my audiophile B&W STORY and the REVIEW. Feel free to skip the story if found full text too long – I just considered such an intro as possibly helpful for better understanding…
MY B&W STORY:
I am passionate B&W fan from 1991, when I have met their magic with DM 310, very nice pair standmounts – revealing, totally accurate, if a bit bass shy – quite normal given the size… Driven by (now so romantic in my eyes/ears) Marantz PM-550DC (65/90 Wpc), DM 310 was a real transcendental initiation into the real HI FI… My passion which eats greedily a huge percent of my money today, being my personal spiritual sanctuary in this not too happy part of Europe… And it will remain being so.
I sold my DM 310 in 1996, upgrading to new DM 602, until 1997 when I turned to floorstanders, DM 604. I upgraded to new DM 604S3 in 2001 (all that DM’s have been driven by various Rotel amps), accomplishing quite an extensive experience with entry level DM Series – in a few words: excellent drivers, poorish cabinetry in most aspects, cheap internal wiring… Too many compromises which spoil their great sonic potentials.
Being not satisfied enough by upscale CM amd CDM ranges (auditioned many times at B&W’ authorised retailer KODI Audio Center shops in Skopje throughout last 7-8 years), I have gathered my forces (sold 604S3 and a few smaller items) in 2004 and decided to go directly to the B&W highest range. Nautilus.
Small wonder N805 was only affordable (1800Euro) Nautilus for me. Driven by Rotel combo RC-1090/RB-1080 and Vincent SV-236 hybrid integrated (front: Marantz CD-6000KI Sign. and Vincent CD-S3; cabling: Kimber, VDH and Audioquest), smallish N805 have been showing me (full 12 months) a brave new world of sonic excellence and extravagance, unreachable for lesser DM, CM and CDM Series speakers… True sonic giant, with a bit too brave tweeter with certain recordings, but…
Being an audioholic, I found myself unresisting to upgrade again. A few months ago, in May 2005 I sold both Rotels and N805 and got the biggest investment (based on extended payment) - two pairs of recently released B&W top 800 Series: 803S and 805S.
REVIEW: 803S
I faced the sweetest dilemma when received two pairs brand new boxed speakers: which one to try first? As a kid always takes the bigger chocolate first, I didn’t resist to unpack and hook - 803S.
Man, they are really bulky and – heavy! Unpacking was quite a demanding work for two hands only, so my wife’ assistance was welcome. According the B&W web, 803S weights 41kg net. I would estimate a bit less, given only 42kg declared as shipping weight on the external carton box – such size of carton itself must be about 5-6kg, so estimated net weight of speaker should be not above 36-37kg each (I wrote to B&W about this – they replied not precisely enough, mentioned only their concern to reconsider weight items published on web). Recalling old Nautilus Series weight, the predecessor N803 measured only 30kg, according B&W’ web, again. That 11 kilos extra weight (if accurate) into the same cabinet sounds amazing for 803S in terms of internal extra work/material invested, isn’t it? I must say that rosenut finish failed cut my breath – OK, it’s top quality veneer, but color wise I still prefere gorgeous red cherry finish of my recently sold N805s – magnificent mahagony redish color and finest texture… Beside underwhelming, slightly deja-vu (for me) colour, I want to say this is a true masterpiece of modern industrial design. Seems to be excellently braced/dampened – cabinet almost deadly hard and unechoic on knocking. Not only taller, but also much deeper and wider than N805. With grills lifted, this speaker has truly stunning appearance.
Amplifier:
I am fully aware that 100Wpc (500VA toroidal transformer) Vincent SV-236 hybrid integrated might be not current capable to drive such sized floorstanders properly, but having not preamp temporarily (own only Halo A21 power, still boxed), this is only choice at the moment. Rich, lush, polite, accurate enough, light-weight balanced sound – was fine match with N805.
Front, cabling:
I hooked Marantz front: CD-6000KI Signature (interconnect Kimber PBJ) and DR-17 recorder/player (interconnect Van Den Hul D102Mk3), plus third CD player Onkyo DX-7210 (interconnect Ixos Gamma Audition II). My reference CD player Vincent CD S3 sleeps in the box last months. Old tuner Technics for warming-up. Speaker cables Audioquest Type 6+, full biwiring configured with 4 pieces of cabel, 3m each.
Room:
About 26m2, ceiling 2,35m. Square form, living room, no acoustic treatment.
I have started first session with preliminary warming-up of the Vincent SV-236 amp via tuner, since the amplifier was boxed about three months. After about five hours at low-to-moderate level, I put the first CD in Marantz CD-6000KI, Joey De Francesco “Singin’ and Swingin’” (2001). Never met this CD as sound reference anywhere throughout audio press and Internet, but for me this is one of benchmark recordings for audio nirvana. Try and you’ll see – one of the best Hammond B-3 recordings ever made IMO.
First tones emerged as exciting, rich and joyful texture, perfectly accurate, with no sign of tweeter graininess so typical for brand new speakers (I limited amp’s level at “9-9.30 o clock” - perhaps upper db levels might showed some grainy artefacts?) - I’d guess there must have been some factory drill which has already broken-in 803S to certain degree. Bass fundament incomparable over N805 – much deeper, punchier, full bodied, with much better pitch accuracy than my older DM-604/604S3 (all 604s produce quite an unarticulated low frequency response, was often pitchless to my ears – boomy, sometimes unlistenable). I must admit some degree of boominess in 803S bass as well, likely due to poor speaker position, too close to the rear wall (only 40cm, due to limited space). There is a very deep bass pedal note on the opening part of tune 12 (Danny Boy) – 803S captured it and expanded throughout the room, causing glaces resonances all over. I’ve changed listening locations a few times, noticing a few positions in corners where bass was even too prominent. Pulling speakers forward, clearer of the rear wall caused boominess gone (unsuccessful manoeuvre with 604s at a time)! I can’t say that was the deepest bass I’ve ever heard – good woofer goes deeper, but 803S is HI FI device, not disco enhancer. Anyway, very satisfying bass for my taste.
Tune 4 (Did You Hear Him Holler) has one of the purest and richest organ tones I’ve ever heard. 803S - cold from the box - showed ability to portray that organ (listened million times on dozens of equipment) in totally organic, vibrant, fresh manner, if slightly colder (unwarmed-up amplifier?) and more laid-back than N805, which have been delivering freshness in abundance at a time. Don’t get me wrong, there was not any veil on 803S mids, just different flavour and very slightly laid-back (darker) timber of organ tones. It seemed that subtle degree of lesser midband openness compared to N805 might be just a break-in issue? Too early for final judgement, anyway, then and today, after only 100-150 hours. It is maybe ear/brain accommodation, but today I am not quite sure is it exist as smaller degree of openness. Just slightly different flavour - that’s all, I think.
Tweeter response was clearly tamed compared to N805, which strengthened mentioned laid-back, seductive, darkish flavour of 803S textures over N805. Very satisfying for me, since I’ve been finding N805 tweeter too extravert with good deal of my best recordings and unforgiving for poor ones... At a time, comparing it with DM-604S3, I found N805’ tweeter somehow “wideband”, delivering surprisingly more information than DM Series tweeters, so familiar to my ears for years. Easily notable if you concentrate on some good drums solo, on cymbals and so in particular... I felt the same with 803S, which employes the same tweeter as the Signature 800/805 line had (recently discontinued). I wouldn’t say I was able to distinguish it in clearest degree, but had an impression new tweeter not only tamed, but also for a whisker smoother and more musical over original N805.
Only fifteen exciting minutes of astonishing Joey De Francesco recording was quite enough to make me smiling, getting know that just purchased my best (and far priciest, of course) speaker ever. Showed very promising sonic abilities cold from the box, clearly outperformed N805... Plus, sweet imagination what a leap must be when introduce new amplification based on Halo A21...
Presented basic sonic picture was only strengthened by plenty of other CDs throughout next days of extensive listening sessions: Audiophile Reference SACD FIM 029 contents several timeless recordings - my favourite is Georgia On My Mind (tune 5), with warmest jazz-guitar solo I’ve heard. 803S enriched this delusively lush recording with new flavour of delicacy and self-confidence. Marvellous! Repeating the guitar solo several times, I found myself truly sunk into music... I love Dave Gruisin’ “Homage To Duke” (GRP 1993) because of full deep bass notes and excellent brass arrangements, perfectly suitable for testing transient speed (particularly tune 6, Caravan) - was done flawlessly by 803S. Steely Dan “Two Against Nature” emerged as one of the best pieces of music, and recording masterpiece too, latest years in my collection. Opening tune Gaslighting Abbie has stunning punch (bass/drums) and richness (electric guitar timbre), kicking the stomach every time, even through lesser equipment. I found low-end being fat, rich, easily delivered, emerging further potentials with prospective bigger amp behind... Diane Krall’ version of “Is You or Is You Ain’t My Baby” (compilation Greatest Jazz Melodies) contents a very bravely recorded cymbals, which usually sounds truly bright on tons of equipment so far. On my (and my audio fellows) surprise, we all perceived these cymbals, for first time so far, as quite normal part of entire sound picture - not as central event! There is a very representative compilation of jazz flute recordings from 60’s, published by Italian “Musica Jazz” magazine (1995). Most of compositions have incredibly well recorded flutes from 60’s, in the richest analog manner - this is absolutely fantastic how 803S played them. Last tune Duke Ellington’ Intimate Interlude has a astonishing bass clarinet intro - to die for! So deeeep, so clean, so spacious... Further listening of Chick Corea “Origin”, Naim sampler I and II (Hi Fi Choice), various other Diane Krall CDs, Quincy Jones, stunning classics from Bach, Shostakovich, Brahms..., especially Erato CD of Ton Coopman, Dutch clavicembalo player, helped me to acquire full picture of 803S abilities after a few weeks living with them...
As for imaging - fairly deep front-to-back perspective, even not the deepest (due to not-so-convenient room placement), which has becoming dramatically better when pull speakers further from the back wall... Pity that I must accept poor permanent speaker position in the living room - this is not America, I don’t have dedicated entertainment room. I would be able to survive with some boominess in bass region, I think, knowing this is placement artefact only. Left-to-right imaging seems to be the same like N805 before, means very respectable. 803S provides an illusion of overall bigger scene, which should be normal, given the bulk and higher price tag than N805. Interesting, when got approached closer to the speaker (about 80-100cm) and closing eyes, it looks that sound comes from some much larger source than the driver itself is.
803S tends to pull solo instruments a bit forward and up, woodwind and brass in particular. I was slightly underwhelmed by portraying some female voices, spotting a bit nasal vocals, but only first several days. Now it seems to be gone as speakers passed some critical break-in 100-200 hours - exception remain some poor recordings from 50’s (Ella Fitzgerald).
After all, my question of a million bucks. How would the 803S play vs Dynaudio Confidence C1 standmount - far the best speaker I’ve heard before 803S. My fellow is planning to bring his C1s from Croatia soon. There will be a big session in my place...
Question of 10 millions. Is 803S my last word to B&W? I don’t know. Next pick has to justify sonically eventual upgrading and a small fortune to invest... I don’t feel 803D deserves this. Maybe 802D. If can afford 5k extra for speakers, and double larger living room... Never say never.
Cheers,
Zoran, Macedonia
PS: Hoping this too large piece of text will justify the time I’ve invested in terms of helpful set of impressions and info. English is not my mother tongue, so I apologize for language imperfection. Thank you all.
Aussie Geoff here - A great review Zoran, and thank you so much for taking the time to post it. I have taken the liberty of editing to put some spaces between paragraphs to make it easer for people to read through - I hope you don't mind....
Thanx Aussie, for kind words and editing - I don’t mind it, of course. Actually, I’ve reedited a few more verbal nuances plus for easier reading...
Zoran
I have been waiting for your feedback on the 803S. However, your thorough review left out the comparisons and contrasts between the 803S and the older N803. Got anything to add? 
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