B&W 803S vs 803D

[Juan Cortez]

I was at my B&W dealer today and I got a chance to listen to the 803D speakers and all i can say is wow this things are amazing. What I was wondering I was origionally planning on getting the 803S but my dealer didn't have them in so I couldn't compare them. Is there really a huge prformance gain going from the 803S to the 803D? I will probably be getting two ASW 855 subs so im not to worried about the bass. Is it worth the extra money to go with the 803D's? Also how much power would be best to run the 803S in a 30X22X8 room at fairly loud levels would 160 watts be ok? I am looking a tthe NAD Master series M25 amp.

Thanks

[Pookie007]

I bought the 803S after comparing them to the 803D. There was a $2500 price increase to get the D, plus I think was an addition $1500 to upgrade the center. I didn’t hear an improvement that would let me justify the extra money. But my system isn’t in a dedicated listening room. It is in the family room and I must meet my wife’s aesthetic standards which eliminates the use of wall panels or any other sound improving items. I’m thrilled with my 803S and have never second guessed the purchase, but I would recommend waiting for the dealer to get a set of 803D’s so you can make your own evaluation. The 803D are also a larger speaker, so that might be something to consider depending on your space available.

[miner]

Instead of getting a pair of 803D & 2 ASW 855 why not just purchase a pair of 802D or 801D? The bass will be comparable plus you get a better main.

[Juan Cortez]

Thanks for the replies

Pookie007

The speakers I heard were the 830D's my dealer didn't have the 803S . The funny thing is he did have them along with the 804S about a month ago and when I went in last week he had the 803D's ( I reconized them by their huge height ) So Im not to sure if he moved them to another room or sold them, Ill have to ask him next time I go in. When I heard them, they were the best speakers I have ever heard trully amazing that diamond tweeter is very nice.


miner

Thanks for the suggestion to be honest that option didn't even click in when I was trying to make a system :P . I agree that would be a very good option the only thing is that(not that I don't have the room) but I don''t think I will be able to get a set of amps right away that could drive the 802D's and 801D's to their true potential. It would be ashame to get such great speakers and only to hold them back from a low pwered amp. I won't be purchasing till about next year, So I am still not 100% sure on the decision. But also I am making this a 7.1 HT set up with the HTM3S and four 805S's so I am going to really have to see how it all plays out. I would really like to own a set of 802D's


Also would 160 watts be enough for the 803S?

Thanks again

[Fife]

Thanks for the replies
Also would 160 watts be enough for the 803S?

Thanks again

Unless those are 160 watts of pure Class A, no it will be enough to make them sing.

[tboooe]

fife, how many watts would you say is required for the 802d??

[Guy]

fife, how many watts would you say is required for the 802d??

I'm no expert but I think you will find that current is as important as watts. 802s seem to handle 500W however my 250W power amp with 200A p to p current seems to easily drive my 802Ds. I now have added my integrated back into the system as well just to try passive bi amping. I now have a total of 400W per channel. :B

[Fife]

fife, how many watts would you say is required for the 802d??

I'm no expert too but I would say at least 250 watts @ 8ohms for 803 depending on the TYPE of amplifier. Older Krells & Levinsons should be ok.

I think 803/802 and bigger need to be pushed hard to sound good. With that in mind, the more current and power, then better!