New B&W serie 800 !!!

[timjclark]

B&W has run out of some speakers already. The 803S and 805S in Rosenut are gone and they are running low on a dozen other SKUs. For both the 803S and 804S black is the only color not listed as "very limited".

Eric

Thank you Eric. I had better get on the stick!

[dan87951]

That's the only thing that scares me about the D series is the replacement costs of the tweeters seem absolutely insane. One of the reasons I still love the S series so much is the replacement diagrams were some what reasonable.The way my dealers are talking (about dropping them) sounds like the new 800 series will be the unicorn that everyone talks about but never sees.. LOL!

[timjclark]

Although I posted an update in another thread, I thought I'd put something here too...

I went to my dealer yesterday and the 804S's are completely sold out in the dealer channel. The 803S's had 2 pair of black and 1 pair of light cherry unspoken for. So, if you want the current series of speakers, you had better get a move on and look for dealer stock.

I bought the demo 803S's in light cherry for a nice discount. They will be delivered Tuesday morning. *cough* *cough* I might be coming down with a cold and will be unable to go to work tomorrow afternoon.... :evil:

[dan87951]

Maybe I'm hearing conflicting info but I thought this was a temporary shortage because of the move of the cabinet facility.

[hifiguymi]

Maybe I'm hearing conflicting info but I thought this was a temporary shortage because of the move of the cabinet facility.

There are some models in certain finishes that, as of a week ago, are sold out at at B&W and others that were very limited. I would imagine that 803Ss, 804Ss, and 805Ss are going to go pretty quick since the replacements are so much more money.

Eric

[wgriel]

There are some models in certain finishes that, as of a week ago, are sold out at at B&W and others that were very limited. I would imagine that 803Ss, 804Ss, and 805Ss are going to go pretty quick since the replacements are so much more money.

Eric

In a way, it's the end of the line for these speakers once the 800 series is all diamond. I can't help but wonder if we are going to eventually see a new series between the CM & 800s since there will be a very big gap in the lineup.

[dan87951]

I really doubt the new series will sell that well. They have priced themselfs out of the market! When I talked to some people at the dealer he said even this S and D series of the 800 line wasn't all that good of a seller. $5k for a set of bookshelfs is laughable! I like B&W but I think im offcial buying used here on out or going to a different brand. Focal comes to mind..

[1oldguy]

Dan apparently the Bookshelf 800 series will be 6000.00 IN Canada.Someone correct me if I'm Wrong.

[DM3000 Owner]

Audio is a funny business. I was at THE Show in Las Vegas last year and Magneplanar had a pair of prototype bookshelves that they were testing and they wanted to know a good price point.

It was interesting that they asked about being high enough to compete with other products, meaning that even if they could sell the speakers for say $1500, if they "need" to sell them for $2500 to compete with other speakers like the B&W S805, they will.

It is all percieved value and maybe B&W is going after Wilson and JM Lab a little more agressively. I just had a big learning experience with a huge "downgrade" (in price) and did not give up any performance.

[crytklmass]

I just got off the phone with my B&W dealer. He just returned from a visit to B&W headquarters for training and information sessions. The pricing will not be that different than it is now. The cabinets will still be wood. They are eliminating some of the 800 series brands due to low sales and other series that are a closer match. Right now there letting the rumors run wild, it helps sales. As soon as he gives me a spec sheet and pics I'll post them.

[dan87951]

I just got off the phone with my B&W dealer. He just returned from a visit to B&W headquarters for training and information sessions. The pricing will not be that different than it is now. The cabinets will still be wood. They are eliminating some of the 800 series brands due to low sales and other series that are a closer match. Right now there letting the rumors run wild, it helps sales. As soon as he gives me a spec sheet and pics I'll post them.

Interesting because I had two dealers give me the new pricing structure for the US market. I hope your right. Below is what I received.

800 $24,000 / pair

802 $15,000 / pair
803 $10,000 / pair
804 $7,500 / pair
805 $5,000 / pair
HTM2 $5,000 each
HTM4 $2,750 each

[pazu]

I just got off the phone with my B&W dealer. He just returned from a visit to B&W headquarters for training and information sessions. The pricing will not be that different than it is now. The cabinets will still be wood. They are eliminating some of the 800 series brands due to low sales and other series that are a closer match. Right now there letting the rumors run wild, it helps sales. As soon as he gives me a spec sheet and pics I'll post them.

Very fine, crytklmass!

We wait for your news!

:T

[Ken49r]

Fine!

I hope somebody - ken49r? - in this forum will go to CES and write some news about 800 series. It would be perfect to get a lot of photos too!

:T

I take that week off every year from work. So far I have entry to T.H.E. SHOW at the Flamingo Hotel, still working my source to get entry to C.E.S. We'll see.

[dan87951]

Audio is a funny business. I was at THE Show in Las Vegas last year and Magneplanar had a pair of prototype bookshelves that they were testing and they wanted to know a good price point.

It was interesting that they asked about being high enough to compete with other products, meaning that even if they could sell the speakers for say $1500, if they "need" to sell them for $2500 to compete with other speakers like the B&W S805, they will.

It is all percieved value and maybe B&W is going after Wilson and JM Lab a little more agressively. I just had a big learning experience with a huge "downgrade" (in price) and did not give up any performance.

Oh I completely believe that! How can a set of speakers cost more than a compact car? lol I don't mind paying good money if the quality is there but once I start to feel like im getting ripped of, I'm done.

[timjclark]

Interesting because I had two dealers give me the new pricing structure for the US market. I hope your right. Below is what I received.

800 $24,000 / pair

802 $15,000 / pair
803 $10,000 / pair
804 $7,500 / pair
805 $5,000 / pair
HTM2 $5,000 each
HTM4 $2,750 each

This the same information that my dealer gave me. I will be avoiding listening to these new ones for many years! When the wifey heard what the new pricing will be, she was VERY supportive to my purchase of the 803S's. :P

[sikoniko]

I really doubt the new series will sell that well. They have priced themselfs out of the market! When I talked to some people at the dealer he said even this S and D series of the 800 line wasn't all that good of a seller. $5k for a set of bookshelfs is laughable! I like B&W but I think im offcial buying used here on out or going to a different brand. Focal comes to mind..

I don't know. B&W competes against a lot of brands, such as wilson, that sell products many times their price and don't even staff the number of PhD's b&w does or build their own speakers.

What I am curious of is what difference there is in the new 800D. Only a $1000 price increase doesn't look like much has changed. Could it be the same speaker and an opportune time to raise the price?

[hifiguymi]

I don't think I'd use the word "only" before $1000.00. That's a lot of money. I highly doubt they didn't change anything. I don't think any company could get away with saying they did and just raise the price and leave it at that. Not in today's world. B&W wouldn't do that anyway, there's too much at stake with their reference line.

Eric

[wettou]

I really doubt the new series will sell that well. They have priced themselfs out of the market! When I talked to some people at the dealer he said even this S and D series of the 800 line wasn't all that good of a seller. $5k for a set of bookshelfs is laughable! I like B&W but I think im offcial buying used here on out or going to a different brand. Focal comes to mind..

Focal is even more expensive and with the Euro at $1.5 good luck, having said that B&W is just raising prices because they can:cry:

[dan87951]

Focal is even more expensive and with the Euro at $1.5 good luck, having said that B&W is just raising prices because they can:cry:

That's just it focal isn't strict on there MSRP. No one pays MSRP on focal! I can easily get 30-35% off on a new set!

[Skyblue]

Focal is even more expensive and with the Euro at $1.5 good luck, having said that B&W is just raising prices because they can:cry:

Imo its not that much. In Denmark, the prices have been the same since the speaker came out. Now, over 5 years, inflationary costs on parts and labor increases their production cost. So I think that even with a raise of $1.000 its still cheaper in real terms (corrected for inflation) than the current version was when it arrived.

[pazu]

Hi, boys!

A question for you: what's the actual price of 803S in USA?

[timjclark]

Hi, boys!

A question for you: what's the actual price of 803S in USA?

$6,000 is the list price. And mine just arrived this morning, WAHOO!!!!

[pazu]

$6,000 is the list price. And mine just arrived this morning, WAHOO!!!!

Oh, my congratulations, tim!

:T

I buyed this loudspeakers one year ago and I think they are a perfect size in the 800 series.

Which amplifier will you use to drive it?

[timjclark]

Thanks Pazu!

I have a Proceed AMP-2 for my mains, and then an Proceed AMP-3 for the center and rears. With only an hour spent with them this morning, they are sounding wonderful! I bought dealer demo's which are all broken in and ready to rock!

What amp are you using?
Are your 803S's part of a home theater and if so, what center channel are you using.

Cheers!

[Skyblue]

$6,000 is the list price. And mine just arrived this morning, WAHOO!!!!

Strangely the list price here in DK i around $8.000, but with 25% vat, its about the same. Usually its much more expensive for audio gear over here.. :/

[pazu]

Thanks Pazu!

I have a Proceed AMP-2 for my mains, and then an Proceed AMP-3 for the center and rears. With only an hour spent with them this morning, they are sounding wonderful! I bought dealer demo's which are all broken in and ready to rock!

What amp are you using?
Are your 803S's part of a home theater and if so, what center channel are you using.

Cheers!

Very good, tim!

I don't use 803S in a home theater. I'm a "purist" - I'm joking !

My amp is an Unico 100 - by italian Unison Research -: this is an hibryd amplifier with a power of 220 W RMS/8 ohm, 360/4 Ohm, 670/2 Ohm.

This amp use like driver two tubes Ecc 83. In my amp, I use a pair of Telefunken Ecc803s matched tubes, with amazing results.

If you want, you can see my setup here:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=10838&page=83

post n. 2875.


In my opinion, B&W 803S need 300 hours working before to get the best sound. So... make it to work, tim!

:T

[wettou]

That's just it focal isn't strict on there MSRP. No one pays MSRP on focal! I can easily get 30-35% off on a new set!

Please tell me where you can get 35% off when the margins are 40 points!

[wgriel]

Dan apparently the Bookshelf 800 series will be 6000.00 IN Canada.Someone correct me if I'm Wrong.

IF the rumours of $5K in the US are true, then a price of $6K in Canada would be what I would expect given the price differential in the past.

[hifiguymi]

$5,000.00 is not a rumor for the 805, that price is accurate. All of the retails that I posted are correct on the new models.

Eric

[1oldguy]

Wondering what the 802D would cost in Canadian Funds?Anyone?

[Djas_Puhr]

I heard $16k from a dealer.

[1oldguy]

That's odd since that's what they cost here now even before the price hike according to my dealer.Wondering if someone who know for certain can chime in.

[Djas_Puhr]

My impression was that the dealer was reading straight off of a B&W marketing email, but perhaps I am mistaken.

What I'm getting is that the major price hike will be to models that previously only had the aluminum tweeter. The 802D and 800D are seeing more subtle improvements to crossover and available finishes...?

[1oldguy]

Wondering if it's possible to get upgrade to the new Crossover for existing 802D owners?

[Race Car Driver]

Wondering if it's possible to get upgrade to the new Crossover for existing 802D owners?

I dont see why not. It shouldnt be too hard of a swap if you are handy, however I am curious to the price for new crossovers and if it is "worth" it.

[hifiguymi]

I dont see why not. It shouldnt be too hard of a swap if you are handy, however I am curious to the price for new crossovers and if it is "worth" it.

You should only consider upgrading the crossovers if the drivers are the same. If the drivers are different, I would change the crossovers.

Eric

[Race Car Driver]

You should only consider upgrading the crossovers if the drivers are the same. If the drivers are different, I would change the crossovers.

Eric

Correct. Its all going to be a guess on what they include until the "new" 800s roll out I suppose.

[JargonGR]

I read an article on a Greek AV news site stating that the new 800 series will have stronger magnets on the drivers and new cabin structure.

Where they get this info I do not know (vaporware??) but we will soon find out. But if this is the case then crossover upgrades will not be possible. Yet, we will have to see which models will have new drivers if so.

What puzzles me is the cabin structure changes as well.

[Ligald]

Hi,

I also live in Switzerland and I bought my 802d just 6 months ago. With the price of the USD being so low with respect to the Swiss francs (1 USD = 1 CHF) , I asked my dealer for a price adjustment, as the 802d cost 12'000 USD but 19'000 chf !!!. He gave me 20% off on a new pair!

I think, with the crisis, this is now the right time to make good deals, especially if B&W renews the serie 800 in a near future (to be confirmed).

The 802d are just... beautiful! For sure, the best investment I made in my life!

Ligald

[pazu]

Hi,

I also live in Switzerland and I bought my 802d just 6 months ago. With the price of the USD being so low with respect to the Swiss francs (1 USD = 1 CHF) , I asked my dealer for a price adjustment, as the 802d cost 12'000 USD but 19'000 chf !!!. He gave me 20% off on a new pair!

I think, with the crisis, this is now the right time to make good deals, especially if B&W renews the serie 800 in a near future (to be confirmed).

The 802d are just... beautiful! For sure, the best investment I made in my life!

Ligald

Hi Ligald!

Which amp do you use to drive it?

[style]

Hi Ligald,

I life in Switzerland too.
The 802D are the great speaker from B&W, not too big (like 801) but enough massive too be a right speaker.
I have a 803D and is too no bad but the 802D is sure a good invesment: new serie or "old??" serie.

the change 1 USD. = 1 Chf. is not good but all is more expensive in Europa /Switzerland vs. the Usa. and others country. the electronic units too:
a Classe ssp800 I have for chf 13000 and not for $. 8000 (old price, ok but with speak from a big difference and in Europa we dont have the money-tree or??

I agree that buy now before the new models coming is a good thing: a 802D is a speaker for the life :T

Style

[audiofiel10]

Hi Ligald,

I life in Switzerland too.
The 802D are the great speaker from B&W, not too big (like 801) but enough massive too be a right speaker.
I have a 803D and is too no bad but the 802D is sure a good invesment: new serie or "old??" serie.

the change 1 USD. = 1 Chf. is not good but all is more expensive in Europa /Switzerland vs. the Usa. and others country. the electronic units too:
a Classe ssp800 I have for chf 13000 and not for $. 8000 (old price, ok but with speak from a big difference and in Europa we dont have the money-tree or??

I agree that buy now before the new models coming is a good thing: a 802D is a speaker for the life :T

Style

I am not sure if it's a speaker for life. If you look back at the 802N, it looked terribly outdated after the 802d came out. Even if one could argue the differences are minimal, the structure of the foot looks antique in comparison to the newer one. And then you're not even counting in the diamond tweeter. I am pretty sure B&W will come up with new innovations so that all of you (and me) will be compelled to replace our current super duper 802d, with which we are so happy for the new one. Let's wait and see...

[JargonGR]

I am wondering how different they will be and how good they will match with the existing speakers. For example, I would only change my mains if it came to it and would really like to keep my surrounds and center.

[style]

hi audiofiel10,

Speaker for life is a great and big affirmation.
certainly B & W models that will arrive with glittering eyes!
B&W comes with new models that will make our eyes sparkle -> one word: marketing!
it's the same product where is the news? where is all the interest that we have written in this thread?? :W

but it is technology. at some point you buy, you have to take a decision!
or keep looking magazines .... :roll:

There are other speakers very beautiful but there costing 3 times the price of the 802D ... with B&W I'm sure I bought a good product!
There are several people who now have bought the 804s and not a question of money but by choice, Everyone for a valid reason for them..

for me the 802D is a great speakers..I don't need a 800...sure in the next years
others models will be better, more attractives vs. the 802d
but to date (personally) dont find other speakers of the same level that they give me the same satisfaction just watching them.
surely also the new 8 Series will make me say : hey but maybe ...
We shall see .... :T


Style

[1oldguy]

I wonder if they won't be quite so heavy.Cutting the weight down is one way to save on shipping.