Hi I'm new to hifi and I've read good things about both the 803Ds and XT4s. I know the 803Ds are much more expensive, but is there a big difference in performance between the 2 speakers?
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yes.Originally posted by newbie100
803D are fantastic speakers, but you'll need to invest in proper pre/pro, amps and sources to get the best out of them. If you are using average electronics, the XT4 might be a better buy. What is you other gear? -
I have a pair of XT2s as front bookshelf speakers, along with an HTM7 center channel speaker in a small family room HT setup. I have also listened to the XT4s. They are very good sounding speakers, but I find the XT2s to be less efficient than my other speakers including the HTM7 center speaker driven by the same receiver (Yamaha 6 channel X 120 watts per channel) . . . even though the efficiency ratings are similar in these two speakers.
I think the XT Series is a very good speaker if you need to save space, or only want slim profile speakers.
You may also need comparable wattage to drive the XT4s, as you would for the 703s and possibly for the 803Ds as well (the other two floor standing speaker sets I have in another setup).
I much prefer the 703s over the XT4s ($3,000 list vs. $2,500 list). The 803Ds ($8,000 list) are a higher line of speaker that really can't be compared with the XT2s (IMO).
With the 703s or the XT4s, you would really need to fill in the base with a quality sub woofer. A B&W ASW750 sub matches extremely well with the 703s. Or, the DD Series or Contractor Series Velodyne subs with equalization are great subs that also do well with B&W speakers.Comment
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I expect to be hooking these up to a Classe 2200 and a CP500 if that makes a difference.Comment
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Then go for the 803D!!! Beautifull association with 500 & 2200!! :T :POriginally posted by newbie100
BirdyComment
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Are you in the US where they have the upgrade scheme if you purchase within 12 months?
If so you could get the XT now then go listen to 803D in 10 months time, fall in love with it and grab a pair. If it was me and I had the bank balance the 803D would be what is known in some circles as a "no brainer". But that is me- you might be happy with the XT sound and would prefer to spend those other dollars on music.
That being said, Classe level gear deserves 800 series.Mac 8gb SSD Audirvana ->Weiss INT202 firewire interface ->Naim DAC & XPS2 DR->Conrad Johnson CT5 & LP70S-> Vivid B1s. Nordost Valhalla cables & resonance management. (Still waiting for Paul Hynes PS:M)
Siamese :evil: :twisted:Comment
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With Classe, no question, 803Ds!! You won't go wrong!Ted
"I've gone to this high school for seven and a half years - I'm no dummy." - Better Off Dead
opcorn:Comment
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Classe gear and B&W 800 series were made for each other. Forget about the XT.Originally posted by BirdyComment
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I agree,Classe amps are very good,would be wasted on XT4s,i have listened at length to 803d,it's a fabulous system,and i would have no hesitation in buying a pair..Comment
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Two weeks ago I became an 803D owner.
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The tweeter in the 803D is a big improvement over the CDM9NT, which was too bright... -
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I called my dealer... -
Well I guess I finally can call myself an official member here. I unpacked my new XT4s this afternoon. I purchased them for my study library. All the new built in furniture made it impossible to fit my beloved Klipsch Chorus II in the room so it was time for something that could make a substantial... -
Ok, so here's what I've decided to do. I'm trading my 704s in for 703s (I have a deal with a local dealer where I get to apply purchase price of 704s towards the 703s so it will be about $800 out of pocket to do so). For now I plan to keep my HTM7 center (I've read on some audio forums that the HTM&... -
Last week B&W delivered a brand new pair of 803 Diamond speakers to my house. I haven’t listened to them yet. I haven’t even taken them out of their boxes, and I probably won’t do so for many months.
The new Diamonds are replacements for my 803D speakers which took a tumble...
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