N803/HTM1 to 803D/HTM2D?

[speakerboy]

Anybody hear any differences with N803 and HTM1 front speakers and 803D and HTM2d speakers? I may have an opportunity for an upgrade, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money. Is there a significant improvement? Opinions?

[style]

803D &Co.

Hallo speakerboy,

I don't have listen the N803 and HTM1 but I have upgrad my system with the 803D and Htm2D.

I am very happy with the new speakers, the sound is very clean and on the top.

[htsteve]

Anybody hear any differences with N803 and HTM1 front speakers and 803D and HTM2d speakers? I may have an opportunity for an upgrade, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money. Is there a significant improvement? Opinions?

speakerboy,

I had N804's and the HTM1. I upgraded to 802D's and the HTM2D. I also listened to the 803D's extensively as well before deciding on the 802D's. The Diamond series is simply better across the board. All parts of the speaker were updated in the diamond series, not just the tweeters. The areas I would expect the most improvement on would be the highs (the diamond tweeters are sweet) and the bass (the new bass units are very good). The ingegration of the drivers is excellent. If you make this upgrade, you have a great foundation for an awesome system. As to the HTM2D, it definitely is better than the HTM1 (which I loved). Same areas improved with it. The HTM2 will match with the 803D's very, very well. You would have impressive cohesiveness.

What kind of electronics will be driving them? The 803D is definitely bigger (with an extra bass unit I believe) than the N803. I needs some good power.


Hope this helps.

[speakerboy]

speakerboy,

I had N804's and the HTM1. I upgraded to 802D's and the HTM2D. I also listened to the 803D's extensively as well before deciding on the 802D's. The Diamond series is simply better across the board. All parts of the speaker were updated in the diamond series, not just the tweeters. The areas I would expect the most improvement on would be the highs (the diamond tweeters as sweet) and the bass (the new bass units are very good). The ingegration of the drivers is excellent. If you make this upgrade, you have a great foundation for an awesome system. As to the HTM2D, it definitely is better than the HTM1 (which I loved). Same areas improved with it. The HTM2 will match with the 803D's very, very well. You would have impressive cohesiveness.

What kind of electronics will be driving them? The 803D is definitely bigger (with an extra bass unit I believe) than the N803. I needs some good power.


Hope this helps.

I have the Denon AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro and Denon POA-A1HDCI amp...the center and two fronts will be bridged. I thought I'd be keeping the N803/HTM1 for quite some time, but there's an opportunity for a demo pair of 803D speakers that would be hard to pass up on...of course I'd have to match it with the HTM2D center.

Also, I've heard bad stories about the diamond tweeter and its fragility. Should I be concerned about that or not? I guess I'd make sure that tweeter grill never comes off if I'm not around!

[htsteve]

I have the Denon AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro and Denon POA-A1HDCI amp...the center and two fronts will be bridged. I thought I'd be keeping the N803/HTM1 for quite some time, but there's an opportunity for a demo pair of 803D speakers that would be hard to pass up on...of course I'd have to match it with the HTM2D center.

Also, I've heard bad stories about the diamond tweeter and its fragility. Should I be concerned about that or not? I guess I'd make sure that tweeter grill never comes off if I'm not around!

speakerboy,

I've had no issues with the tweeter. I don't take the cover off. Also, you have a good amp to drive them, so bad power should not be an issue. If it breaks on it's own, B&W should/will replace it. The grills are magnetically held on, so that does afford some protection. Finally, I've not heard from my dealer that there are any issues with the tweeter. One just needs to be a bit careful, as they are expensive.


Hope this helps.

[wettou]

I have the Denon AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro and Denon POA-A1HDCI amp...the center and two fronts will be bridged. I thought I'd be keeping the N803/HTM1 for quite some time, but there's an opportunity for a demo pair of 803D speakers that would be hard to pass up on...of course I'd have to match it with the HTM2D center. Also, I've heard bad stories about the diamond tweeter and its fragility. Should I be concerned about that or not? I guess I'd make sure that tweeter grill never comes off if I'm not around!

How is the Denon, I have three 802D and never had a problem with them just don't touch the tweeters!

[speakerboy]

How is the Denon, I have three 802D and never had a problem with them just don't touch the tweeters!

The Denon is EXCELLENT! I decided to pull the trigger and get the 803D/HTM2D. The price of the demo 803D pair from the dealer was too good to pass up. I got the 803D hooked up tonight...the sound from them is soooooo CRISP!!! Now I have to get the N803/HTM1 ready for Ebay to pay for my horrible upgrade habit. Now if a demo 802D pair comes along....

Thanks for everyone's input!

[htsteve]

The Denon is EXCELLENT! I decided to pull the trigger and get the 803D/HTM2D. The price of the demo 803D pair from the dealer was too good to pass up. I got the 803D hooked up tonight...the sound from them is soooooo CRISP!!! Now I have to get the N803/HTM1 ready for Ebay to pay for my horrible upgrade habit. Now if a demo 802D pair comes along....

Thanks for everyone's input!

speakerboy,

Excellent. You will love the 803D's, and the HTM2D.

[ShadowZA]

Congratulations, Speakerboy!

I know that you'll enjoy the 803D/HTM2D combo. :T

[rodH]

I have the Denon AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro and Denon POA-A1HDCI amp...the center and two fronts will be bridged. I thought I'd be keeping the N803/HTM1 for quite some time, but there's an opportunity for a demo pair of 803D speakers that would be hard to pass up on...of course I'd have to match it with the HTM2D center.

Also, I've heard bad stories about the diamond tweeter and its fragility. Should I be concerned about that or not? I guess I'd make sure that tweeter grill never comes off if I'm not around!

Having compared the N803 to the 802D I was actually more surprised/impressed with the difference in the Mids in the 2 speakers, vs the tweeter and bass (subs can always be added). I have to admit, the highs didn't strike me as much different, while the mids took an already very very impressive FST system to the next level. Like I said, I wasn't expecting any difference there, but there was. Smoother and more refined.

[wettou]

Having compared the N803 to the 802D I was actually more surprised/impressed with the difference in the Mids in the 2 speakers, vs the tweeter and bass (subs can always be added). I have to admit, the highs didn't strike me as much different, while the mids took an already very very impressive FST system to the next level. Like I said, I wasn't expecting any difference there, but there was. Smoother and more refined.

Interesting I have both and I noticed a considerable difference again may be this is just my ear!

[Miyuki]

Speakerboy,

Congratulations !

I am also upgrading from N803/HTM1 to 803D/HTM2D based on tons of auditions and, for me, moving from N803s to 803Ds represent a major improvement. I will put my lovley N803s as rears.

What speakers will you keep as rears?

Speakergirl

[SeaNile]

Do the dealers discount at all? So far all I have been quoted is $4500 each for the 803d, $3000 for 803s and 2250 for 804s.

--JK

[garak]

Do the dealers discount at all? So far all I have been quoted is $4500 each for the 803d, $3000 for 803s and 2250 for 804s.

--JK

First, contrats speakerboy. The 803D/HTM2D is a great combination.

As for discounting, yes, some dealers do.

[wettou]

Do the dealers discount at all? So far all I have been quoted is $4500 each for the 803d, $3000 for 803s and 2250 for 804s.--JK

Yes ,but most lot of them don't because they can loose the brand.
B&W is very picky about this, but if you deal with the owner of the shop you can negotiate not with the sales people. Establishing a good relationship is critical, I had one dealer who was willing to negotiate. But unfortunately he became victim of his partner and closed his door after 15 years in the business, his partner was a crook!:M

[beden1]

Yes ,but most lot of them don't because they can loose the brand.
B&W is very picky about this, but if you deal with the owner of the shop you can negotiate not with the sales people. Establishing a good relationship is critical, I had one dealer who was willing to negotiate. But unfortunately he became victim of his partner and closed his door after 15 years in the business, his partner was a crook!:M

B&W may be more willing to enable their dealers to provide a bit more of a discount in some markets more than others. I have noticed this lately, where some of their dealers are having a very hard time right now financially.

[speakerboy]

Speakerboy,

Congratulations !

I am also upgrading from N803/HTM1 to 803D/HTM2D based on tons of auditions and, for me, moving from N803s to 803Ds represent a major improvement. I will put my lovley N803s as rears.

What speakers will you keep as rears?

Speakergirl

I've had my 803D/HTM2D for 6 months now and am always impressed by the diamond tweeter and realism of the sound.

I sold my N803/HTM1/N805 speakers. I am using 4 SCMS speakers for rear and side.

[wettou]

B&W may be more willing to enable their dealers to provide a bit more of a discount in some markets more than others. I have noticed this lately, where some of their dealers are having a very hard time right now financially.

Yes a lot of them are closing shop unfortunately this is hurting everyone...:cry: