Went with a group to Stereo Exchange in NYC to hear their wares. And the new 800 series were there.
Let me just say that to all the people complaining about the way the speaker looks with the silver trim, rest assured that it looks very handsome in person. I think the flash on camera's pick up the silver accent making it more noticeable in pictures. In person, it's a non issue.
Up first was the 802 Diamonds. They were hooked up to the creme de la creme. Top of the line McIntosh gear. Each speaker was hooked up to the behemoth MC2301 tube amp. The source was an MCD500 SACD player (liquid smooth!)
I know the previous 802Ds like the back of my hand and I have heard them with the same mac gear before, but there are definitely differences. To begin with, the new 802 diamonds are more forward. Not a detraction, but noticeable if you know the previous speakers well. In comparison, the previous model has a more polite sound - tamer even. I was very impressed. Impressed enough to drop the dough on it? Ask me in a few years. Not now.
Now the 805 diamonds impressed the hell out of me. To be frank, and I know I might ruffle up some feathers, but the new 805 diamonds with a top of the line subwoofer from the likes of JL Audio is a much smarter buy than the 802 diamonds. That would be a tremendous combination at a fraction of the 802 price.
The 805 diamonds were connected to a lowly Rotel integrated & marantz cd player. The Wall by Pink Floyd (MFSL copy I think) was put in, and WOW! This speaker images like nobodies business. Tight, crisp and detailed. Excellent midrange. There was a couple in the room with me, and the guy whipped out his credit card after about 10 minutes...I left the room to let them take care of business. I think that says it all. I could buy these speakers & be content for a while.
I honestly think most sales for B&W will be between the 802 and the 805 diamonds. The 802 simply because of the leap in dynamics and bottom end from everything below it, and the 805 by virtue of being the only bookshelf in the line up, making it versatile and the most affordable.
Some pics...
Let me just say that to all the people complaining about the way the speaker looks with the silver trim, rest assured that it looks very handsome in person. I think the flash on camera's pick up the silver accent making it more noticeable in pictures. In person, it's a non issue.
Up first was the 802 Diamonds. They were hooked up to the creme de la creme. Top of the line McIntosh gear. Each speaker was hooked up to the behemoth MC2301 tube amp. The source was an MCD500 SACD player (liquid smooth!)
I know the previous 802Ds like the back of my hand and I have heard them with the same mac gear before, but there are definitely differences. To begin with, the new 802 diamonds are more forward. Not a detraction, but noticeable if you know the previous speakers well. In comparison, the previous model has a more polite sound - tamer even. I was very impressed. Impressed enough to drop the dough on it? Ask me in a few years. Not now.
Now the 805 diamonds impressed the hell out of me. To be frank, and I know I might ruffle up some feathers, but the new 805 diamonds with a top of the line subwoofer from the likes of JL Audio is a much smarter buy than the 802 diamonds. That would be a tremendous combination at a fraction of the 802 price.
The 805 diamonds were connected to a lowly Rotel integrated & marantz cd player. The Wall by Pink Floyd (MFSL copy I think) was put in, and WOW! This speaker images like nobodies business. Tight, crisp and detailed. Excellent midrange. There was a couple in the room with me, and the guy whipped out his credit card after about 10 minutes...I left the room to let them take care of business. I think that says it all. I could buy these speakers & be content for a while.
I honestly think most sales for B&W will be between the 802 and the 805 diamonds. The 802 simply because of the leap in dynamics and bottom end from everything below it, and the 805 by virtue of being the only bookshelf in the line up, making it versatile and the most affordable.
Some pics...
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