New 804S owner

[wb2fcr]

I just got my B&W 804S speakers yesterday. Funny how I came around to selecting them. Here's my story....

I've had B&W 602.5 / B&W LCR60 / B&W 600 for my system for about a year and a half and wanted to upgrade (don't we all). I researched the internet, read posts here, and listened to various types of speakers at local stores. I decided on the B&W 700 series, which was in my price range. Didn't want to listen to the 800 series, no use teasing myself. I compared the 703 vs the 704 and liked the 703 better. I decided to go 703 / HTM7 and keep my 600 surrounds for now. I was a little concerned with the HTM7 'mismatch', but I had enough cash on hand to buy the HTM7 and wait for Uncle Sam to send my my tax return. I bought the HTM7 and used it with the 602.5 for about a month.

The day before I was to leave for a trip out of town, my tax return shows up. I stopped my local B&W dealer (good group of guys) to have a last listen to the 703 and tell them I'll be back in a week, cash in hand. Well, they informed me that there was a store was having a 20% sale on any one item in the store. 8O

Great! The 804S at 20% off is a little more than the 703. Thanks - now I have to wait a whole week before I can come back to do a 703 vs 804S.

Well, you know the out come of that listening session. Got the 804S home and love them. ;x(

But...now I have a couple of problems:

- I have to consider the HTM7 with the 804S. Not that the HTM7 is a bad speaker, but a HTM3 would be better. :B

- I currently have a Denon 3803 running everything. I've decided to get a 2 channel amp for the 804S and use the Denon as a preamp (for now). I like the Rotel RB-1080. That's what I demoed the 804S vs 703 on. But then dealer is also suggesting to look at Bryston. I going to bring home a Rotel and Bryston soon and have a listen. Can't afford the Bryston, but what the heck, I'll listen and see.

Sorry for rambling on, but thought I would share my B&W story (so far - does it ever end?)


edit - add B&W to 600 series model numbers

[Karma]

HI Dave,
I'm sorry for being picky but I read these posts to learn something. I don't have a clue about what "602.5 / LCR60 / 600" means (model numbers maybe? If so, whose?). I'm sure many do and I applogize for my ignorance. Could you please be a little more descriptive so I can better understand your post.

These little things are important to establish a context for your comments and questions. You are not the only one who uses this minimalist writing style. Your empty profile offers no help either (another common practice).

Thanks, Sparky

[wb2fcr]

Sorry Sparky - I assumed in the B&W forum evryone knew the B&W model numbers. ops:

I was using B&W 602.5 for left and right, B&W LC60R for the center channel and two B&W 600s for surrounds in my HT. All run by a Denon 3803 AV receiver.

Now I have the 804S for left and right and a B&W HTM7 for center, keeping the B&W 600 for the surrounds. A little bit from each B&W series.

I apologize for my profile. I though I had put my set up in there. I'll have to update it.

[Karma]

HI Dave,
Thanks.

Sparky

[wkhanna]

I, for one, can't wait to hear your impressions of the Rotel / Bryston comparison!

[alpina]

I, for one, can't wait to hear your impressions of the Rotel / Bryston comparison!

me too as we are looking at similar options though we are likely to go bryston, money allowing not being a real audiophile like you guys (application 70% HT), we didn't think we would hear a difference but even on 705s the difference is noticeable. bryston rocks but so pricey

julie

[RebelMan]

Bryston absolutely rocks! I am currently upgrading from Rotel to Classe' and of all the equipment that I auditioned Bryston and Classe' were neck and neck all the way down to the wire. I ultimately chose Classe' over Bryston because I prefered the richer midrange and smoother top end when paired with my slightly forward and bright 803S's. However, Bryston's uncanny transparency and wide dynamic range, second only to Krell - IMO, was equally impressive.

I find the Rotel 10 series slightly analytical and compressed, however, its still a good fit with the 700's. Bryston, on the other hand, is in a whole other league.

[shades]

I run my 804S 2channel with a bryston 3BST, and the sound is amazing. I'm in the process of upgrading to the 4BSST in a few weeks. Now this thing rocks...bass is very tight, mids and highs are just what i was looking for. Just to let you know that if you play a bad recording, the bryston will let you know very quickly. The final checkout spec sheet shows you that bryston typically are very moddest when rating their amps. (bryston 3bst is 120wpc but on the final checkout sheet it's 150+wpc both sides).

See my sig for my setup

Peter