Can the 804S handle classical pieces?

[ref3706]

Hi Everyone,

I was at my local B&W dealer last Sunday, looking to upgrade my 705s to the 804s. I gave it a full range of music ... from Pink Floyd ( The Wall) to Dire Straits (Best of Dire Straits), to classical ( George Winston - December ) and finally Handel ( Water music).

Equipment at dealer
804S
Classe Cp 500
Classe CA 2200
Arcam FMJ CD33

Room size approx. W 5m by L 6.5m by H 2.8m
Speakers were placed approx. 50cm from side walls and ard 1.5 m from the rear walls. Toed in ard 25 degrees.

Sweet spot was ard 3.5m from the speakers

I'm still very new when it comes to classical pieces, as i listen mostly to the more common pieces like Mozart's, Beethovan symphonies etc.

The 804S are great with rock and vocals ... really got sucked in by the errieness of Private Investigations and the Helicopter effect of The Wall ....

However, when I listened to Geroge Winston's Canon, the 804S sound rather dull and flat. I can't feel the piano keys esp towards the end where George was hitting the keys rather hard.

Same for Handel, wasn't musical and exciting enough ...

I do hope it's due to my untrained ears and still a newbie when it comes to hi fidelity and classical.

Any comments from existing B&W owners?

Sincere apologies if I've accidentally offended anyone with my post!

Cheers!

[Mark_C.]

In this case, it comes down to what you, and you alone, hear. We can't assure you that it will sound better in your home. The best audition is to take a pair of speakers home with you. Set them up in your system and listen to music you're very familiar with. Then make your evaluation. I don't listen to full orchestral classical, so I can't comment further. I do listen to classical on a smaller scale (string quartets) and my Nautilus 804s don't ever left me down.