800D's HTM1D & MC1201's

[Ash]

Amazing system Mr.Doggy, your setup has come a long way since you had 804s as mains. I think you have reached where every audiophile wants to be :T

I have to say whatching you guys constanly upgrading is getting my upgraditis itch going again

[wettou]

Bryston 7B ST's and Classe CAM 350's. Don't know which ones to keep yet. I am going for several months with each. The Classe are as good as everyone says and the Bryston are much better than everyone seems to think. I don't know which ones to keep.

Classé warranty 5 years Bryston 20 years if you like both I would keep Bryston

[misterdoggy]

Amazing system Mr.Doggy, your setup has come a long way since you had 804s as mains. I think you have reached where every audiophile wants to be :T

I have to say whatching you guys constanly upgrading is getting my upgraditis itch going again

I'm finished now.

Its just become too big physically....

I'm actually more embarrassed then proud when people come by....

This huge beast in the center of the living room

[Allegiance]

I'm finished now.

Its just become too big physically....

I'm actually more embarrassed then proud when people come by....

This huge beast in the center of the living room

:E Strange thing to say. I can see your point though, when looking at that gear it really does scream out "Dedicated room!". Has it been the upgrade to the 1201's that have made you feel like this? Or what was it in particular?

[misterdoggy]

The 1201's are very big large wide high heavy big meters in your face

The 501's were big but modest

[dknightd]

I'm actually more embarrassed then proud when people come by....

If you do it to impress guests then you are doomed. You have to do this for you (and hopefully your significant other). Well, maybe a few selected guests would be impressed (likely I would be for instance

I can understand why speakers need time to break in - I've never quite understood why solid state electronics should need a break in - One thing for sure though, big amps have big capacitors, it takes time to charge the caps - My amps are much smaller than yours, but, I try to leave them on all the time so the caps are kept fully charged.

[dknightd]

The 1201's are very big large wide high heavy big meters in your face

Those meters are big. Way too big IMO. It must be annoying. I assume that the backlight can be turned off. Maybe Mac figured with huge amps you'd be sitting way back so you'd needed bigger meters. I do like power meters, they let you know how much headroom you have to increase volume should the desire strike. Talking about meters, have you ever seen them go above the 500watts you had available with your old amps? How many watts do they show being used in typical use - how much more if you turn things up as loud as you can stand? An analog meter will never be able to tell you the true peaks, but they are still provide very useful information.

[misterdoggy]

Those meters are big. Way too big IMO. It must be annoying. I assume that the backlight can be turned off. Maybe Mac figured with huge amps you'd be sitting way back so you'd needed bigger meters. I do like power meters, they let you know how much headroom you have to increase volume should the desire strike. Talking about meters, have you ever seen them go above the 500watts you had available with your old amps? How many watts do they show being used in typical use - how much more if you turn things up as loud as you can stand? An analog meter will never be able to tell you the true peaks, but they are still provide very useful information.

I've only had them for a day or 2 so I will report back later

and Yes you can turn off the lights and meters

[DM3000 Owner]

I'm finished now.

Its just become too big physically....

I'm actually more embarrassed then proud when people come by....

This huge beast in the center of the living room

Does anyone really appreciate what you have? When people come over and see my equipment they wonder why I don't have one of those great Bose systems with the little cubes. They have no idea what it cost, but they do wonder why there are microphones on top of each speaker.

The only people that do know what it is have similar systems.

[Race Car Driver]

Does anyone really appreciate what you have? When people come over and see my equipment they wonder why I don't have one of those great Bose systems with the little cubes. They have no idea what it cost, but they do wonder why there are microphones on top of each speaker.

The only people that do know what it is have similar systems.

:lol:
A girl I know just told me the other day I should get rid of my stuff and get Bose, and her dad works for bose and he knows everything and I am a dummy.


I just laughed :lol:

[misterdoggy]

I will probably get used to the size of those amps.

I've had big amps like Krell FPB's and Pass Labs, but the 1201's are bigger

It reminds me when I first got the BMW X5 and everyone in my neighborhood was checking me out, I felt a little self conscious, but now its just another car.

[Briz vegas]

Hmm. I think it may have been yourself that said they did not want to lock themselves away from the family when listening to music. People think my 804s and the projection screen dominate my living room, and my gear is tiny relatively. When it comes down to it you can't please others - Gees most of us on this forum can't seem to please ourselves (hence upgraditus).

You have made me think twice about 800Ds and Nemo monoblock when I win lotto - at least until I get that dedicated listening room. :-)

How about a pair of signature diamonds and a valve amp. Now that could be a discrete but pleasing setup.

[misterdoggy]

You have made me think twice about 800Ds and Nemo monoblock when I win lotto - at least until I get that dedicated listening room. :-)

How about a pair of signature diamonds and a valve amp. Now that could be a discrete but pleasing setup.

Sounds like a good plan

[wettou]

Any one heard the Sonus Faber Stradivari Homage?

I am thinking of changing my system for a more musical sound I listen primaraly to classical 80%!

http://www.sonusfaber.com/eng/home.html

[misterdoggy]

Any one heard the Sonus Faber Stradivari Homage?

I am thinking of changing my system for a more musical sound I listen primaraly to classical 80%!

http://www.sonusfaber.com/eng/home.html

Of Course... Sonus Faber are very highly thought of

Many members in the AudioKarma/McIntosh Forums use Sonus Faber speakers. Their build quality is superb... Just a matter of taste....

Certainly the speakers "speak" for the system and for me the most important part of the chain.

Personally I am very happy with B&W 800D's and McIntosh and Meridian

At the top its just a question of taste.

I too listen to 80% Classical Music and when I play Glenn Goulds Bach Interpretations the musicality of this combination is unrivaled... ;x( ;x(

There is a discussion going on right now about Sonus Faber Cremona's
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=180301

[beden1]

Any one heard the Sonus Faber Stradivari Homage?

I am thinking of changing my system for a more musical sound I listen primaraly to classical 80%!

http://www.sonusfaber.com/eng/home.html

I've heard them a number of times at the dealer near my PA home, and played with Krell electronics. I love the string dust covers on these speakers . . . very classy design. They sounded wonderful to me at the time. But, if my memory serves correctly, these are extremely expensive speakers?

You should be able to hear a very good comparison between them and B&W, since you are used to your 802D's.

Let us know what you think.

[Race Car Driver]

Sonus Faber are awesome, if I had to sell my B&Ws and get something else I would be looking at a pair of those.

[misterdoggy]

Sonus Faber are awesome, if I had to sell my B&Ws and get something else I would be looking at a pair of those.

Ditto from me.......

But I aint sellin

[Tommy]

Any one heard the Sonus Faber Stradivari Homage?

I am thinking of changing my system for a more musical sound I listen primaraly to classical 80%!

http://www.sonusfaber.com/eng/home.html

I recently replaced my 805S for a pair of SF Guarneri Memento. I also owned a pair of N804 for 5 years. I was going to get a pair of 802D, but after having compared SF GM with 802D side by side, SF sounded more musical to me... and by quite a bit. I got listening fatigue with the 802D driven by Classe Delta series electronics within 15 min. I do have very sensitive ears though. I can never listen to any ear phone for more than 5 min w/o getting ear pain.

If you are interested in SF, try an audition. I think you'll like them, but then you might not. At this level, there is not really which speaker is better, it's just about personal taste.

[style]

Hy,

Sonus faber sound great... (Cremona S) :T ,

but the Dynaudio C1 as "small" speaker is too a listen...(and Dynadio all serie)

Omar

[RebelMan]

I recently replaced my 805S for a pair of SF Guarneri Memento. I also owned a pair of N804 for 5 years. I was going to get a pair of 802D, but after having compared SF GM with 802D side by side, SF sounded more musical to me... and by quite a bit. I got listening fatigue with the 802D driven by Classe Delta series electronics within 15 min. I do have very sensitive ears though. I can never listen to any ear phone for more than 5 min w/o getting ear pain.

If you are interested in SF, try an audition. I think you'll like them, but then you might not. At this level, there is not really which speaker is better, it's just about personal taste.

Fatigue occurs when distortion is present and knowingly or unknowingly observed or SPLs are too high for comfort. Since the B&W 80XD and Classe' Delta Series have some of the lowest distortion levels possible I suspect the test system was running with excessive volume or something else has been unaccounted for. I am sensitive to certain frequencies too but fatigue is not an issue that exists with a B&W and Classe' system.

Sonus Faber does not make a more musical sounding speaker than B&W but they do roll off midband and upper band frequencies thereby producing the effect of a warmer presence overall. This is a characteristically appealing quality in the Sonus Fabler but it comes at the cost of some imaging and detail which in turn can make the speaker sound flat and uninspiring. This is often mistaken as a musical quality, for lack of a better description by the people making it. Musicality in sound reproduction occurs when the output closely approximates the input (aka accuracy) and this is where the B&W's excel.

I like Sonus Faber too and I have spent quite a bit of time with them to know what they do well and the compromises they need to make along the way to sound easy like they do. With complementary equipment backing them up they can be quite satisfying to listen to but there is no mistaking the difference between them and the B&W's.

[misterdoggy]

I recently replaced my 805S for a pair of SF Guarneri Memento. I also owned a pair of N804 for 5 years. I was going to get a pair of 802D, but after having compared SF GM with 802D side by side, SF sounded more musical to me... and by quite a bit. I got listening fatigue with the 802D driven by Classe Delta series electronics within 15 min. I do have very sensitive ears though. I can never listen to any ear phone for more than 5 min w/o getting ear pain.

If you are interested in SF, try an audition. I think you'll like them, but then you might not. At this level, there is not really which speaker is better, it's just about personal taste.

Listening Fatigue.......... ??

There can be many explanations, but listening fatigue from 802D's and Classe is fairly hard to accomplish considering it is the very combination that many professional's choose.

Perhaps it was the source, cabling or the sonics of the room, but listening fatigue from material like that is very difficult to achieve. :huh:

[Tommy]

Thanks RebelMan for the insight. I did not spend considerable time comparing 802D and Memento, only about 45 min each. So this might not reflect their true potential. I do agree that Sonus Faber has a rather euphonic sound, which suites my taste better. This is not to say that 802D are not as good, just not as good to me.

B&W speakers are awesome if you want to hear what exactly was recorded in the media. That's why so many recording studio use them. I owned 2 B&W for 5 years! Perhaps the reason I chose SF is because I want a little change

Happy listening!

[Tommy]

Listening Fatigue.......... ??

There can be many explanations, but listening fatigue from 802D's and Classe is fairly hard to accomplish considering it is the very combination that many professional's choose.

Perhaps it was the source, cabling or the sonics of the room, but listening fatigue from material like that is very difficult to achieve. :huh:

The source was Classe CDP, not sure which model, possibly CDP-202. Cabling was harmonic tech. Power conditioner was Richard Gray.

The volume was about the same or a little louder than my normal listening volume at home. But I did feel that B&W's imaging was more forward compared to Sonus Faber, maybe this is what caused listening fatigue. The room shouldn't be the problem as it is my dealer's reference theater room with HTM-1D and the new Classe SSP-800.

[beden1]

I recently replaced my 805S for a pair of SF Guarneri Memento. I also owned a pair of N804 for 5 years. I was going to get a pair of 802D, but after having compared SF GM with 802D side by side, SF sounded more musical to me... and by quite a bit. I got listening fatigue with the 802D driven by Classe Delta series electronics within 15 min. I do have very sensitive ears though. I can never listen to any ear phone for more than 5 min w/o getting ear pain.

If you are interested in SF, try an audition. I think you'll like them, but then you might not. At this level, there is not really which speaker is better, it's just about personal taste.

Seems like you went full circle since you posted on 6/18: "I'm actually in the process of acquiring a pair of 802D and trading off my 805S and N804. It's going to be bitter sweet as I really love the 805S. But 802D is just so much more. I think it'll be a revelation". :huh:

[Tommy]

Seems like you went full circle since you posted on 6/18: "I'm actually in the process of acquiring a pair of 802D and trading off my 805S and N804. It's going to be bitter sweet as I really love the 805S. But 802D is just so much more. I think it'll be a revelation". :huh:

Yup! I almost purchased the 802D from dealer A as I was offered good trade in values for my N804 and 805S. But after listening to Sonus Faber and 802D at dealer B, I bought the SF, that's all I did trade in both B&W to finance the SF.

While I was at the dealer, I briefly listened to 802D with McIntosh MCD201 and MC275V. Now these were excellent No listening fatigue. Just music. I can only imagine how Mr. Doggy's system can sound. :T

[RebelMan]

The volume was about the same or a little louder than my normal listening volume at home. But I did feel that B&W's imaging was more forward compared to Sonus Faber, maybe this is what caused listening fatigue. The room shouldn't be the problem as it is my dealer's reference theater room with HTM-1D and the new Classe SSP-800.

The B&W's are more forward than the Sonus Faber's but Classe' is warmer and more laidback than McIntosh. I am perplexed that you would find the brief encounter with the 802D and Delta Series less tasteful than you had the N804 and Rotel/McIntosh you've owned for the last five years. Sorry Tommy, the logic is just not adding up. :roll: But I do understand your desire for wanting something different. I find the Sonus Faber's over priced but you do get a good looking product and the two-ways are more conducive to domestic environments than the larger B&W floorstanders. Enjoy! 8)

[beden1]

Yup! I almost purchased the 802D from dealer A as I was offered good trade in values for my N804 and 805S. But after listening to Sonus Faber and 802D at dealer B, I bought the SF, that's all I did trade in both B&W to finance the SF.

While I was at the dealer, I briefly listened to 802D with McIntosh MCD201 and MC275V. Now these were excellent No listening fatigue. Just music. I can only imagine how Mr. Doggy's system can sound. :T

I wish you good luck with your speakers, and I'm glad you're happy with your selection. The only problem I have, is that I can't figure out how you equated "listening fatigue" particularly in listening to Classe powering B&W 800 Diamond Series speakers?

You were right in saying that at this level, it all comes down to personal preference.

[Pedro]

Well i´ve listened to many B&W, and N801 and 801D appeared to be the more natural sound of B&W. They are not as the 803D (so much laid back lacking detail), they are balanced, detailed, at same time high dynamic, and bottom end to make any bassfreak happy and never sound fatiguing.

The 801D are the "heaven and earth", gives a more natural sound than N801, wich was yet for that Nautilus tweeter line the most sweeter. :T

[beden1]

Well i´ve listened to many B&W, and N801 and 801D appeared to be the more natural sound of B&W. They are not as the 803D (so much laid back lacking detail :T

I'm not sure I can agree with your statement about the 803D's . . . "so much laid back in detail", is not what comes to mind when I listen to my 803D's. The detail is definitely there when matched with proper elctronics and power, but I agree that the 800D's and 801D's have more authoritative bass output.

[Tommy]

RebelMan and beden 1: I don't know exactly what caused my listening fatigue that day. Maybe it's the weather, the CD I brought to audition, or just my ears not feeling particularly well.

Right now I'm just re-enjoying my entire CD collection and planning my next pre/poweramp upgrade because they are over a decade old.

[wettou]

Yup! I almost purchased the 802D from dealer A as I was offered good trade in values for my N804 and 805S. But after listening to Sonus Faber and 802D at dealer B, I bought the SF, that's all I did trade in both B&W to finance the SF.

Which Sonus Faber, I have been looking to trade in my 802D for SF Strad :E

[style]

Hallo,

The price from SF in USA is expensive?

In Europa is the B&W much expensive vs. the SF.

The new Cremona M sound very good. i have listen with a Gryphon elecronics...(2 channel) GREAT!!!!

Omar

[wettou]

The price from SF in USA is expensive?

In Europa is the B&W much expensive vs. the SF.

The new Cremona M sound very good. i have listen with a Gryphon elecronics...(2 channel) GREAT!!!!

Omar

Euro conversion and Italy brand that is why. Omar what is you first language?

[DM3000 Owner]

RebelMan and beden 1: I don't know exactly what caused my listening fatigue that day. Maybe it's the weather, the CD I brought to audition, or just my ears not feeling particularly well.

Right now I'm just re-enjoying my entire CD collection and planning my next pre/poweramp upgrade because they are over a decade old.

:assimilate:

They beat you into submission.

[beden1]

:assimilate:

They beat you into submission.

And, rightfully so! :T

[Russ L]

RebelMan and beden 1: I don't know exactly what caused my listening fatigue that day. Maybe it's the weather, the CD I brought to audition, or just my ears not feeling particularly well.

Or fatigue caused by trying to choose between B&W and SF. Thats a difficult choice :W Personally I find being blown away by the incredible sound of B&W and Classe to be very exhausting in an exhilarating way. 8)

[RebelMan]

They beat you into submission.

Interpretations can be misleading. :W

[Tommy]

Resistance is futile in this forum lol !

[misterdoggy]

Resistance is futile in this forum lol !

Yes the Force is strong here

Remember when Luke first came to a town Obiwan and Obiwan says "Let them go they may pass" and the Troopers let them pass almost by hypnosis....

We are all weak minded following some deep caveman need that we don't understand :beer2:

[bigburner]

I think some of you chaps need to be a bit careful criticising B&W speakers.

Here is what happened to Holofernes when Judith discovered that he had sold his B&Ws and bought a pair of Sonus Fabers.

Ouch!

Nigel.

[wettou]

I think some of you chaps need to be a bit careful criticising B&W speakers. Here is what happened to Holofernes when Judith discovered that he had sold his B&Ws and bought a pair of Sonus Fabers. Ouch! Nigel.

Music is like religion, tolerance is just lip service :amen:

[Russ L]

Music is like religion, tolerance is just lip service :amen:

i know so many B&W owners who have Sonus Faber as their second choice for speakers. :scratchhead:

[dknightd]

Its been a few days, how are your new toys working out for you mr doggy?

[RebelMan]

i know so many B&W owners who have Sonus Faber as their second choice for speakers. :scratchhead:

Surprised? They are nice speakers to behold and I wouldn't hesitate to list them at the top if I were shopping around for alternatives. Having spent a good deal of time with them I have come to learn their strengths and weaknesses. It’s unfortunate that their disadvantages tip the scales.