802D sequential numbers

[ray5]

HI Guys! My 802D's arrived today. They are monster boxes, as if refrigerators were being delivered! One thing I noticed that they are not sequential numbers. Does that really matter? I have not opened the boxes yet. Thanks,
Ray

[gross30]

ray5, I wouldn't think so. Mine are sequential, but I am assuming that someone has purchased a center channel and left and right mains. Not too sure if it makes a difference or not.

[Relentless]

Wouldn't they have to be sequential for the veneer to be matched?... I am not sure about this but I am sure someone here could answer that.

[audioqueso]

Wouldn't they have to be sequential for the veneer to be matched?... I am not sure about this but I am sure someone here could answer that.

Yes
But to your eyes, do they match?

[yourtoys7]

... after spending that amound I wouldn't take anything less. I remember a while ago when someone posted that they had an isue with one of the speakers needed some repair... dealer replaced both for veneer to match.
I'm lookiing to buy used N802, I won't even look at them if #s not sequential.

[William]

Yes
But to your eyes, do they match?

...I have not opened the boxes yet. Thanks,
Ray

I bet the boxes match perfectly but he needs to worry about the actual veneer. :W

[1oldguy]

I Bought my 802D's and 803D's 4 Months ago now..........And both sets were in fact sequential.I was talking to B&W and was told directly they do it for the wood grain to match.When paying this kind of money I would expect a little better.

[ray5]

I got the 802D's and HTM 2D. Despite telling my dealer that I wanted sequential numbers precisely for matching the wood grain, I did not get them. I called him and he said it really did not matter but would call B&W and get back to me. I wanted to bounce this of you guys as the thing that I am not looking forward to is that in case they don't match I really don't want to be the one to pack them back into the boxes. Maybe this is moot if they match but wanted to see what your experience has been. Thanks,
Ray

[1oldguy]

Curious I take it the 802D's are a mismatch?As far as the Center goes ,which I have the same one ,mine was not matched,of course it really wouldn't need to be.I am not sure if other members might know a bit more.
What Color did you get them in?

[ray5]

Curious I take it the 802D's are a mismatch?As far as the Center goes ,which I have the same one ,mine was not matched,of course it really wouldn't need to be.I am not sure if other members might know a bit more.
What Color did you get them in?

I got the cherrywood. I don't know if they are mismatched, I just know they are not sequential numbers. They are still in their boxes. They might just turn out matched. My thing is what if they don't? Lugging them in and out isn't going to be easy. Perhaps I am just being paranoid.
Ray

[1oldguy]

Hi

I bought mine in Black Ash for that HT look.lol.
As far as sound goes I wouldn't be too concerned there.The wood grain we can see is very thin and really only cosmetic.The bulk of the wood as you may already know is made from MDF.Because your speakers are Cherry wood you may be able to see the difference in wood grain easier than me, being mine are Black.Considering what it costs to ship a speaker this big you may have a hard time getting what you deserve.Since you did make it clear to the dealer.
Have you spoken to the dealer?What was his reply?

[ray5]

Hi

I bought mine in Black Ash for that HT look.lol.
As far as sound goes I wouldn't be too concerned there.The wood grain we can see is very thin and really only cosmetic.The bulk of the wood as you may already know is made from MDF.Because your speakers are Cherry wood you may be able to see the difference in wood grain easier than me, being mine are Black.Considering what it costs to ship a speaker this big you may have a hard time getting what you deserve.Since you did make it clear to the dealer.
Have you spoken to the dealer?What was his reply?

The dealer was to talk with B&W and get back to me, which he just did. apparently B&W do not anymore match sequential numbers. The match them by batches to maintain the veneer and sticker them in different colors. Though his B&W contact is going to talk with his sales mgr and get back. He was trying to suggest that there maybe a cost attached to get sequential numbers!!! That's crazy. It seems they have to go into the warehouse and hand pick two which are sequential. For that cost that's a lame excuse. I am certain sonically they will be fine but cosmetics are imporatnt, particularly if they clearly don't match.
Ray

[Kal Rubinson]

Just checked mine. The L/R are sequential. The center is about 6000 off!!!

Kal

[1oldguy]

Do you have the 800 mumber to B&W?Have you called them to see what they say about it directly?
It was only 2 or 3 weeks ago I spoke to B&W directly so unless they have changed their official policy since then you should have been given what you asked for.
I feel your pain,and can understand your frustration.
If you need the ph to B&W Pm Me.

[ray5]

Do you have the 800 mumber to B&W?Have you called them to see what they say about it directly?
It was only 2 or 3 weeks ago I spoke to B&W directly so unless they have changed their official policy since then you should have been given what you asked for.
I feel your pain,and can understand your frustration.
If you need the ph to B&W Pm Me.

I just did. They want me to send them a photograph of the sticker on the boxes. Then they will TAKE IT FROM THERE! No details as to what that means.
I'll keep you posted.
Ray

[1oldguy]

Please do.

[jam200]

It's a pain, but check the speakers directly . . .

I know that my dealer has told me to disregard the s/n on the box and check the component/speaker directly for the s/n. Sometimes, the direct check yields a different number than the box.

[ray5]

I know that my dealer has told me to disregard the s/n on the box and check the component/speaker directly for the s/n. Sometimes, the direct check yields a different number than the box.

Sure, where exactly are the numbers located on the speakers? I'd guess near the terminals in the back. Has this actually happened to you? Thanks.
Ray

[1oldguy]

I would maybe wait to hear from B&W before I would open up the box.First off the 2 blue strips that keep the packaging together for shipping would have to be replaced.Also you would have to tear apart the wrapping that's on the speakers.Plus what are the chances that you do indeed have a different number than whats listen on the box?Just my opinion of course but I would want to hear what B&W have to say for themselves first.

[wettou]

Following serial, what is the concern?

[ray5]

Following serial, what is the concern?

Mismatched veneer. Sonically no concern. I remember reading a thread where someone's HTM1D was pretty mismatched. I want to avoid that.
Ray

[Glenee]

I would never accept that price of speaker, from a dealer without SEQ. Serial Numbers. You could probally buy some on Audiogon with SEQ. serial numbers. My Dealer tried to sell me some expensive amps without SEQ. Serial Numbers once, that he said he had ordered from the factory. I refused the order. Guess what 10 days later Seq. Serial numbers on my Amps. If your going to pay their PRICE, then they ought to sell you what you want.
You Do have that RIGHT.
If you ever decide to Sell them later this will come back in your Pocket or out of it.
This only applies to left and right fronts.

[yourtoys7]

I woundn't even pick them up and would be calling my self to B&W. Maybe this is just me, but I would have an isue...

[1oldguy]

I would never accept that price of speaker, from a dealer without SEQ. Serial Numbers. You could probally buy some on Audiogon with SEQ. serial numbers. My Dealer tried to sell me some expensive amps without SEQ. Serial Numbers once, that he said he had ordered from the factory. I refused the order. Guess what 10 days later Seq. Serial numbers on my Amps. If your going to pay their PRICE, then they ought to sell you what you want.
You Do have that RIGHT.
If you ever decide to Sell them later this will come back in your Pocket or out of it.
This only applies to left and right fronts.

Interesting....So when I order my amps I know what I will be asking for.I wasn't aware I could get amps with SEQ Numbers. :T

[ray5]

Thanks guys,
I am waiting to hear back from B&W. I do understand that the ctr. channel is not going to be/need to be sequential. These speakers were delivered, I wish I'd noticed the numbers before they left. My first experience, but am sure will resolve soon and actually enjoy those beasts!! Will keep you posted.
Ray

[kallagtunet]

One speaker our first pair of 802D had a damage in the veneer. I wanted to return the one damaged but B&W INSISTED on returning both. The reason was that sequential numbers were veneer matched (and unofficial) sound matched within the small tolerances they have for the 802D.

[Race Car Driver]

At that price point I would want seq serial numbers.

How far off are they? As mentioned before, yes they do it to match the veneer.

For what its worth, my L/R are sequential. The center and sub I had were no where near the same (diff speakers obviously) however all 4 being natural cherry, you could tell that the veneer was diff from the center, to sub, to L/R. It wasn't obvious and I couldnt do anything about it as they were all 2nd hand. But buying new in pairs, I would demand that they be matching s/n.

Not only for the matching purposes but when it comes to resale it matters. People like to hear that. Why.... who knows but it matters... Even on amps.

(my pair of Bryston 7Bs were sequential too)

[ray5]

At that price point I would want seq serial numbers.

How far off are they? As mentioned before, yes they do it to match the veneer.

For what its worth, my L/R are sequential. The center and sub I had were no where near the same (diff speakers obviously) however all 4 being natural cherry, you could tell that the veneer was diff from the center, to sub, to L/R. It wasn't obvious and I couldnt do anything about it as they were all 2nd hand. But buying new in pairs, I would demand that they be matching s/n.

Not only for the matching purposes but when it comes to resale it matters. People like to hear that. Why.... who knows but it matters... Even on amps.

(my pair of Bryston 7Bs were sequential too)

They are off by 2700!

[style]

hy ray5,

All the B&W speakers must be sequuential nr. be!.
where do you have buyed?

I have had from serie 7 (703,705) & 8 ( 805, 803s, 803D) ALWAYS sequential and over the box a "gold label" with "tested".....


Not official Dealer or ?????

style

[SoCalCM]

I got my L/R in July 2005 and the numbers were sequential. I got another 802D for the center about a year later. All three look the same to me.

The price point discussion is sort of odd. I don't think there is another speaker that sounds as good at anywhere near the price of the 802Ds. If I were buying new speakers today, no question I would buy 802Ds again whether I got sequential numbers or not.

[ray5]

I got my L/R in July 2005 and the numbers were sequential. I got another 802D for the center about a year later. All three look the same to me.

The price point discussion is sort of odd. I don't think there is another speaker that sounds as good at anywhere near the price of the 802Ds. If I were buying new speakers today, no question I would buy 802Ds again whether I got sequential numbers or not.

I agree. The speakers should be sequential irrespective of the line. But I guess as you go up the line and spend more money these things are something they should take care off without having to be called on by the buyer. Clearly after reading the above posts people feel it is necessary and importatnt. I have made it clear to B&W and my dealer who is official btw that I am not opening the boxes till I get a straight answer. I sent them pictures of the label with the numbers and am waiting for an answer.

[Glenee]

Interesting....So when I order my amps I know what I will be asking for.I wasn't aware I could get amps with SEQ Numbers. :T

Not all Amp manufacturers have SEQ number runs, but in this case this manufacture does.

[Glenee]

I agree. The speakers should be sequential irrespective of the line. But I guess as you go up the line and spend more money these things are something they should take care off without having to be called on by the buyer. Clearly after reading the above posts people feel it is necessary and importatnt. I have made it clear to B&W and my dealer who is official btw that I am not opening the boxes till I get a straight answer. I sent them pictures of the label with the numbers and am waiting for an answer.

I would put my money that someone in the deal damaged one of a pair and just ordered a single. Some idiot could have pulled a pair out of stock and didn't check, and that left them with another odd pair. I have never heard or seen a pair of B&W 802D's strapped and sealed on the pallet from B&W that were not paired.

[ray5]

I would put my money that someone in the deal damaged one of a pair and just ordered a single. Some idiot could have pulled a pair out of stock and didn't check, and that left them with another odd pair. I have never heard or seen a pair of B&W 802D's strapped and sealed on the pallet from B&W that were not paired.

I suspect exactly the same. I am following it up independently with both B&W and the dealer. Sent them pictures of the tag. Hope to hear something tomorrow. Man, I waited a couple of weeks for this and now all the boxes are lying there and can't be opened!!! :M And that is on top of 6 months of research to get to this point!

[mjb]

What a lot of fuss! 8O I'd have hooked those puppies up days ago - sod the serial numbers.
If a speaker is damaged in any way (including the finish), you still have a 5 year warranty.

[KyaDawn]

Just checked my 802Ds and my pair is also in sequential. I'm not sure it's really such a huge issue unless you have taken them out of the box and the veneers don't match. What I would be worried about, though, is as I remember your dealer had given you a "good deal", I hope one of the speakers weren't returned from a previous owner for whatever reason, and re-boxed and sold to you. This probably wouldn't happen with a reputable dealer, but a pair with sequential numbers would lessen the chances of that happening.

[jam200]

Did not happen with my B&W speakers (703s, 685s, and 601s), but it has happened with a Rotel amp, Samsung 1080p television, Marantz tape deck.

[Glenee]

I suspect exactly the same. I am following it up independently with both B&W and the dealer. Sent them pictures of the tag. Hope to hear something tomorrow. Man, I waited a couple of weeks for this and now all the boxes are lying there and can't be opened!!! :M And that is on top of 6 months of research to get to this point!

Ray, You are not alone in your thinking. I can research something for month's, but when I make the decision to buy I want it right now.

[kmcheng]

Just checked my 802Ds and my pair is also in sequential. I'm not sure it's really such a huge issue unless you have taken them out of the box and the veneers don't match. What I would be worried about, though, is as I remember your dealer had given you a "good deal", I hope one of the speakers weren't returned from a previous owner for whatever reason, and re-boxed and sold to you. This probably wouldn't happen with a reputable dealer, but a pair with sequential numbers would lessen the chances of that happening.

When I bought my 803D they were open-box items that some other customers returned to the store. However, those two have sequential serial numbers and the dealer made sure that I knew this. Frankly, I do not care one way or the other. However, if I open the box and the wood grain look completely out of place with each other then I would be very unhappy, so I understand ray5's concerns.

The B&W dealer I worked with is pretty good about these things. I think B&W did some screening to pick their dealers and I hope your dealer is as cooperative as mine. These days both B&W and the dealers should be anxious not to lose a customer. Just hang in there for a little longer and you will be rewarded with all the joys the 802D will bring you.

[KyaDawn]

When I bought my 803D they were open-box items that some other customers returned to the store. However, those two have sequential serial numbers and the dealer made sure that I knew this. Frankly, I do not care one way or the other. However, if I open the box and the wood grain look completely out of place with each other then I would be very unhappy, so I understand ray5's concerns.

The B&W dealer I worked with is pretty good about these things. I think B&W did some screening to pick their dealers and I hope your dealer is as cooperative as mine. These days both B&W and the dealers should be anxious not to lose a customer. Just hang in there for a little longer and you will be rewarded with all the joys the 802D will bring you.

Yes that's true, but what makes your case different is that your speakers were sold to you as "open-box" and you were aware of it. ray5's speakers, if I'm remember correctly, were sold as "new".

I'm not saying that his speakers not having sequential numbers must mean that one of them was returned from a previous owner, only that it opens up that possibility. Though come to think of it, it would seem odd that only one speaker out of a pair is returned, so perhaps this may not even be a possibility. :B

[1oldguy]

For a kings Ransom he deserves better.

[ray5]

Update.
B&W fessed up. They called and said it was their fault that they loaded non sequential speakers from Buffalo. They shipped a new pair today and should be here next week! What a relief! And the thing about B&W not sending sequential ones now, that I was told by the dealer was BS. According to B&W they always do!!! Thanks a ton guys, for helping out with this. Appreciate it a lot.

[1oldguy]

This is good news.They aren't mine but for some reason (Call it Compassion Maybe) But I feel better too.lol
You simply must take picks of your new Babies when you get them.

Congrats

[htsteve]

Update.
B&W fessed up. They called and said it was their fault that they loaded non sequential speakers from Buffalo. They shipped a new pair today and should be here next week! What a relief! And the thing about B&W not sending sequential ones now, that I was told by the dealer was BS. According to B&W they always do!!! Thanks a ton guys, for helping out with this. Appreciate it a lot.

ray5,

Good news. I know that you'll have to wait a bit longer for them, but it will be correct. I've always had good service from B&W, so this is not a surprise.

[Hallett]

Great news Ray i just checked mine for the heck of it mine are sequential
as well. they will be worth the wait i love mine . heck they might just let
you keep the first pair that are not sequential just for your trouble. :B :twisted: