803S and HTM3 vs 802D and HTM2

[wildmda]

Can someone help me get a feel for the difference in sound so I can determine if I wan to spend the $10K-$11K difference?

Thank you

[htsteve]

wildmda,

I have a couple of thoughts. First, to answer your question, you will notice the diamond tweeter is very smooth, sweet and excellent across all three. As for the 802D's, they are awesome. The midrange is superb. Soundstage will be wider and deeper, with great dynamics, smoothness and detail. Bass is very good all by itself. It will simply be better than the 803S in every category, as you would expect.

My second observation is what is the long term plan? If your goal is to get 802D's, then maybe the plan now is to simply get those and wait on the matching HTM2D. My point is if you have a chance to get to the goal you want to get to, then seriously consider it. I've been right where you are. I thought about getting 803S's and even 803D's, but then I always wanted the 802Ds, so that is what I managed to get to.


Hope this helps.

[MikeFL52]

Can someone help me get a feel for the difference in sound so I can determine if I wan to spend the $10K-$11K difference?

Thank you

Yes there is a considerable difference in every aspect and if you were to listen to the two combinations you mention in the same environment it would be very apparent, stunningly so.

Is it worth the extra $$$$$, only you can determine that based upon what you can afford, but simply put if you can afford the difference getting the 803S would be a waste of money since you would eventually want to go with the 802D (or at least a diamond based B&W speaker).

[wildmda]

Thanks guys. I currently have 803s' and an HTM3 but have the right up upgrade within 1 year for basically the difference. So, I am trying to decide if I should keep what I have or pay around $11K to upgrade.

[MikeFL52]

Thanks guys. I currently have 803s' and an HTM3 but have the right up upgrade within 1 year for basically the difference. So, I am trying to decide if I should keep what I have or pay around $11K to upgrade.

The fact that you are asking this question means that you are hankering for the 802D and HTM2D. Is this based upon auditioning the 802Ds?

If you have that good a relationship with your dealer that he will allow you to upgrade in a year for the current difference I would try and get him to bring some to your home so that you can do a back to back listen in your own environment.

If you are worried about the $11K extra investment, and who wouldn't be, then have you thought about the 803Ds? They are a very different speaker to the 803Ss and the ones I went with in the end after extensive listening to with my (and I emphasize this before anyone slaps me around the head because I chose the 803Ds over the 802Ds) catalogue of movies and music.

[kmcheng]

Well, there is the WAF too. In my case the marlin head on the 802D has no hope of winning approval.

[wildmda]

MikeFL52

Mike,

I thought about the 803Ds but my dealer told me it would only be an incremental difference so he was recommending 802ds. With the upgrade, I am thinking I probably need to make the most of move up so I am thinking the 802ds.

The dealing is 4 hours away so it is probably hard to get him to bring demos to my house.

Does that make sense?

wildmda

[MikeFL52]

Mike,

I thought about the 803Ds but my dealer told me it would only be an incremental difference so he was recommending 802ds. With the upgrade, I am thinking I probably need to make the most of move up so I am thinking the 802ds.

The dealing is 4 hours away so it is probably hard to get him to bring demos to my house.

Does that make sense?

wildmda

Having heard both the 803S and 803D, I believe that there is more than an incremental difference (diamond tweeter, 3 bass drivers, different cross-over), but my opinion is obviously somewhat biased. Many on this forum will also tell you that the 802D is a significant improvement over the 803D so in the end it all comes down to personal opinion. From my own personal experience of continuously upgrading equipment, I don't think your itch will be satisfied till you get the 802Ds.

One thing to consider is also the rest of your equipment (amps and pre/pro or AV receiver). If you are making a 3X investment over your current speakers you need to have the power (read current) and clean signal to get the best out of them. Again there is lots of opinion on this also.

[beden1]

IMO, it's not worth any upgrade until you invest in quality electronics to mate with the 803Ds or the 802Ds.

I personally love the 803D and HTM2D combo. I also believe others feel the 802Ds mate better with the HTM1D.

I don't agree with your dealer that the 803Ds are just an incremental upgrade over the 803S.

[Oddiophile]

IMO, it's not worth any upgrade until you invest in quality electronics to mate with the 803Ds or the 802Ds.

I personally love the 803D and HTM2D combo. I also believe others feel the 802Ds mate better with the HTM1D.

I don't agree with your dealer that the 803Ds are just an incremental upgrade over the 803S.

I have recently finally received my HTM1D and have run it in for about 275 hours so it is fairly well broken in. There is no question in my mind that the HTM1D is a MUCH better match for my 802Ds than the HTM2D and is well worth the extra outlay. However, you may not be able to afford the HTM1D as opposed to the HTM2D. Therefore, if you intend to buy the HTM2D then almost certainly the better match would be the 803Ds. I agree with Beden that the 803Ds are a significant upgrade over the 802Ss and that the 803Ds with the HTM2D is a terrific combo.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[wildmda]

Thanks to all

Thank you all for your advice. This is a great forum!