802Di In "The Absolute Sound"

[Pio]

EDIT - I bought a copy of the mag on line - if you're interested in a pdf of the article, PM me your e mail

http://www.avguide.com/magarchive/theabsolutesound/2010

Was wondering if anyone had read the review, I always pick up the magazine at B&N - but they release the PDF two to three weeks before it makes it to the store.

Anyway - if you've got the digital copy, mind sharing some highlight?

[Canuck525]

I don't know about the 802Di but I have had the 800Di for about 2 weeks now.Previously I had the 802D. To be honest I wasn't that crazy about the 802D( I even complained to B&W about them) and was about to jump ship and go to Wilson.Then my dealer offered me a deal I couldn't refuse and I'm glad I took it.The 800Di is simply a spectacular speaker, a speaker to be reckoned with. They just do So much right.They may look the same as the previous generation but they are simply a revolution in sound compared to the D models.....I think I will keep these for a long long time.....

[Mark_NZ]

Here are few soundbites from the review - do read full review for context:

"The 802D’s tweeter is spectacular by any measure."
"The midrange was smooth, well integrated with the treble, and had much greater transparency than any previous B&W models."
"The bass leaned toward the warm, full, and rich side rather than sounding overly controlled or pinched."
"B&W’s new 802D sounds significantly better than any previous B&W loudspeaker I’ve heard, particularly in transparency, resolution, and the beautiful combination of treble ease with detail."

My one concern with the review is - given the reasonable assumption that no speaker is perfect - that it didn't highlight potential areas where the speaker is significantly bettered by competitive designs.

[jpbas1]

Hi everyone,

I just read the review last night via PDF. Great summary as previously mentioned above. Robert Harley did compare it to the Vandersteen 7's and noted the 802D2 did lack some attributes of that last speaker reviewed in his current listening position but mentioned that the Vandersteen's were also three times the price.

At 15K- the idea was that the bulid quality, transparency, and what you're receiving at itss price point are a true bargain in hi-fi.

Of note, I anxiously await the arrival of my 802Ds today.

-John

[Antonkk]

I don't know about the 802Di but I have had the 800Di for about 2 weeks now.Previously I had the 802D. To be honest I wasn't that crazy about the 802D( I even complained to B&W about them) and was about to jump ship and go to Wilson.Then my dealer offered me a deal I couldn't refuse and I'm glad I took it.The 800Di is simply a spectacular speaker, a speaker to be reckoned with. They just do So much right.They may look the same as the previous generation but they are simply a revolution in sound compared to the D models.....I think I will keep these for a long long time.....

How do you compare 800Di with 802D in terms of needed power and space? Can you put them exactly in the same room and place as 802D? Or do they require the much bigger space and distance between them?

[Canuck525]

They are in the same room,same place and with the same electronics. I haven't even tried to tweek them yet.These speakers are in an entirely different league compared to the 802D. I could never go back...

[Pio]

They are in the same room,same place and with the same electronics. I haven't even tried to tweek them yet.These speakers are in an entirely different league compared to the 802D. I could never go back...

Aren't the 800Di's like $10 or $12K more than the 802D? They're like 40% more expensive - It's That's like saying a ZR-1 is faster than Grand Sport Corvette - it's supposed to be...

[ian1975]

Hi canuck525,

If you don't mind, what was the offer that you can't refuse, I consider upgrading my 802d to the 800di too?

thanks

Ian

[Kal Rubinson]

They are in the same room,same place and with the same electronics. I haven't even tried to tweek them yet.These speakers are in an entirely different league compared to the 802D. I could never go back...

It will be interesting to hear more. I have the 802Ds which will be moved aside for the 800Dis that are coming Friday.

[Skyblue]

It will be interesting to hear more. I have the 802Ds which will be moved aside for the 800Dis that are coming Friday.

Are you done with the 802di's?

[Kal Rubinson]

Are you done with the 802di's?

Nope. Not had them yet.

[Skyblue]

Nope. Not had them yet.

Well, thought you got them for review. Didn't you write somewhere that they would be arriving within a couple of weeks? Anyway, I'm sure the 800's will be just fine

[beden1]

Nope. Not had them yet.

That's a shame, as I would have liked to learn about your impressions of the new 802Di versus your 802Ds. Apples to apples comparison.

[wettou]

Nope. Not had them yet.

Any time soon? Please make a side by side comparison and let us know if it worth the upgrade!!

[Kal Rubinson]

Well, I had originally intended to do the 802Di first but it has not worked out that way. It is likely (but not assured) that we can do a side-by-side of the two 802 versions.

[Canuck525]

Aren't the 800Di's like $10 or $12K more than the 802D? They're like 40% more expensive - It's That's like saying a ZR-1 is faster than Grand Sport Corvette - it's supposed to be...

As a current owner of the 800Di and a former owner of the 802D I was simply offering an opinion only on the sound,period.
Put it this way, if you offered me the 802D plus 24 grand for my 800Di and said I had to keep the 802D for 5 years( and couldn't buy any other speaker) I would turn down the offer.

[bigburner]

Put it this way, if you offered me the 802D plus 24 grand for my 800Di and said I had to keep the 802D for 5 years( and couldn't buy any other speaker) I would turn down the offer.

What about the 802D plus 24 grand for your 800Di and you have to keep the 802D for 5 years AND you are given the opportunity to drink from the fountain of youth? Would you turn down that offer?

Nigel.

[Skyblue]

Well, I had originally intended to do the 802Di first but it has not worked out that way. It is likely (but not assured) that we can do a side-by-side of the two 802 versions.

I'm sure we can find an upside to this unfortunate event

So, how long time does it take from you a set of speakers to the review is in my maibox? 6 months?

[Kal Rubinson]

I'm sure we can find an upside to this unfortunate event

So, how long time does it take from you a set of speakers to the review is in my maibox? 6 months?

Not so long. The latency from submission of the review to street appearance is about 2 months but the time it takes me to audition and review varies greatly. In this case, that time will be relatively brief because of editorial demands and because I am already very familiar with the speaker's predecessors and heritage.

[Canuck525]

If you have the disk try Mussorgsky's Pictures at an exhibition Jean Guillou
Organ transcriptions, 1989
Dorian / DOR-90117
I found there was a significant difference in the rendition of this disc between the 802D and the 800Di both in spacial,top to bottom coherency and sheer scale.It was really quite dramatic on the 800Di( track 14,Baba Yaga. The Hut on Fowl's Legs).

[Pio]

As a current owner of the 800Di and a former owner of the 802D I was simply offering an opinion only on the sound,period..

And I greatly appreciate it - however, your comparing a speaker that costs $13k to one that is over $25K or more. If it doesn't sound significantly better, then something is significantly wrong.

Put it this way, if you offered me the 802D plus 24 grand for my 800Di and said I had to keep the 802D for 5 years( and couldn't buy any other speaker) I would turn down the offer.

Question : was something wrong with your 802's? Did you listen to them before you bought them? There must've been something you liked to make the purchase.

IMO for the money, the 802D is one hell of a speaker for the money - Again, in my opinion but I paid less than $11k for mine brand new.

[Canuck525]

And I greatly appreciate it - however, your comparing a speaker that costs $13k to one that is over $25K or more. If it doesn't sound significantly better, then something is significantly wrong.




Question : was something wrong with your 802's? Did you listen to them before you bought them? There must've been something you liked to make the purchase.

IMO for the money, the 802D is one hell of a speaker for the money - Again, in my opinion but I paid less than $11k for mine brand new.

I bought them blind and really was never satisfied with them.I purchased them new and nothing was wrong with them physically.They were pretty good but certainly didn't sound like a 14 K speaker to me.I found they sounded somewhat veiled, were a little disjointed in the upper bass/lower midrange region and flat out boomy in the bass region. The never wowed me. There one saving grace was all discs sounded not bad but nothing sounded spectacular.
The 800Di is another story....

[Pio]

I found they sounded somewhat veiled, were a little disjointed in the upper bass/lower midrange region and flat out boomy in the bass region. The never wowed me. There one saving grace was all discs sounded not bad but nothing sounded spectacular.

Different strokes for different folks - I find the 802D to be the speaker to beat for under $15K - making a great recording sound phenomenal and a mediocre one listenable. I find their cohesiveness and soundstage exceptional without being cold and analytical. The bass is tuneful, deep and extended.

Again, very dependent on the recording - if done well - they shine - if its just OK, then they sound just ok. In my business I have to listen to a lot of recordings and mixes and use the 802's as a reference because of their revealing nature.

Haven't heard the 800Di yet, but it's on my "must listen list", I'm sure its a phenomenal speaker. Right now the only speakers I would trade up from my 802's to would be Wilson Watt 8 or the new Sasha's in the $25K range and the B&W Nautilus in the $40K range.

It's all a matter of taste but I would bet, with what you describe, something was wrong with the cross overs in the pair you had.

[gerardhn]

who has or where is a pdf of the test?

[Mark_NZ]

Well, I had originally intended to do the 802Di first but it has not worked out that way. It is likely (but not assured) that we can do a side-by-side of the two 802 versions.

Hi Kal,

I am looking forward to your review of the 800Di, and hopefully the 802Di at a later date. My humble request is that the (major and minor) differences between the current and previous generation are described in detail. Also how the 800Di compares to competitive loudspeaker designs - both strengths and weaknesses, and in especially in terms of the midrange where B&W have stayed their non-rigid cone design in constrast to the competition.
And just to be transparent in terms of my agenda - I have always felt that a non-rigid midrange driver is not the ideal engineering solution, but I also have been amazed at the inherent quality of the 803D midrange as my front-end gear quality improves.

Thanks
Mark

[Kal Rubinson]

Hi Kal,

I am looking forward to your review of the 800Di, and hopefully the 802Di at a later date. My humble request is that the (major and minor) differences between the current and previous generation are described in detail. Also how the 800Di compares to competitive loudspeaker designs - both strengths and weaknesses, and in especially in terms of the midrange where B&W have stayed their non-rigid cone design in constrast to the competition.
And just to be transparent in terms of my agenda - I have always felt that a non-rigid midrange driver is not the ideal engineering solution, but I also have been amazed at the inherent quality of the 803D midrange as my front-end gear quality improves.

Thanks
Mark

I will do my best. I am neither a fan nor a critic of their midrange philosophy since one can see both sides of the story.

[wettou]

I will do my best.

Thank you master ;x(

[Canuck525]

Different strokes for different folks - I find the 802D to be the speaker to beat for under $15K - making a great recording sound phenomenal and a mediocre one listenable. I find their cohesiveness and soundstage exceptional without being cold and analytical. The bass is tuneful, deep and extended.

Again, very dependent on the recording - if done well - they shine - if its just OK, then they sound just ok. In my business I have to listen to a lot of recordings and mixes and use the 802's as a reference because of their revealing nature.

Haven't heard the 800Di yet, but it's on my "must listen list", I'm sure its a phenomenal speaker. Right now the only speakers I would trade up from my 802's to would be Wilson Watt 8 or the new Sasha's in the $25K range and the B&W Nautilus in the $40K range.

It's all a matter of taste but I would bet, with what you describe, something was wrong with the cross overs in the pair you had.

I've heard a couple other pairs and they all basically sounded the same. Also I recently saw the plot for the frequency response and it pretty much sounds like it looks to me.There is an emphasis on bass and a suck out in the midrange. Then again a lot of people like that type of sound but personally I like something a little more accurate( but a lot of people don't)As you said; different strokes for different folks....

[Mark_NZ]

I will do my best. I am neither a fan nor a critic of their midrange philosophy since one can see both sides of the story.

Thank you Kal - I appreciate your consideration. :T
Also agree with you that there are two sides to their midrange philosophy - there are also good engineering reasons for the design given their self-imposed constraint of limiting the speaker to a 3 way as opposed to a 4 way driver design.

[Freddie40]

Here's the conclusion from the absolute sound article

ConCLusion
B&W’s new 802D sounds significantly better than any previous B&W loudspeaker I’ve heard, particularly in transparency, resolution, and the beautiful combination of treble ease with detail. This isn’t a slight improvement over previous designs, but a major step up.
Even in today’s highly competitive loudspeaker market, the 802D stands out for its sound quality and exceptional value. It delivers many of the qualities we associate with esoteric designs from small, tweaky manufacturers, but in a relatively mainstream product. In addition, the build and finish quality are exemplary, and far nicer than you find in similarly priced products from companies who lack the economy-of- scale manufacturing enjoyed by B&W. Make no mistake; this is a lot of speaker for the money.
If you’re in the market for a loudspeaker anywhere near this price range, you must audition the B&W 802D. I think that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how much performance your loudspeaker dollar will buy.

[Pio]

ConCLusion
B&W’s new 802D sounds significantly better than any previous B&W loudspeaker I’ve heard, particularly in transparency, resolution, and the beautiful combination of treble ease with detail. This isn’t a slight improvement over previous designs, but a major step up.
Even in today’s highly competitive loudspeaker market, the 802D stands out for its sound quality and exceptional value. It delivers many of the qualities we associate with esoteric designs from small, tweaky manufacturers, but in a relatively mainstream product. In addition, the build and finish quality are exemplary, and far nicer than you find in similarly priced products from companies who lack the economy-of- scale manufacturing enjoyed by B&W. Make no mistake; this is a lot of speaker for the money.
If you’re in the market for a loudspeaker anywhere near this price range, you must audition the B&W 802D. I think that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how much performance your loudspeaker dollar will buy.

One important thing Harley briefly mentions in the article is that he has a new room (actually I think he bought a new home) where he listens / reviews products. Wonder how much of a difference that makes when comparing. If he can hear the difference in cables (is that a blessing or a curse?) - I'm sure a different room would be enormous.

Anyone interested in a pdf of the article, send me a PM.

[Skyblue]

I've auditioned the new 802s vs. the new 800's for a couple of fridays in a row, and the 800's definately are better speakers...

I heard the 802's today, and that was a mixed experience. First with an integrated classe, then biamped and eventually with a couple of cable switches it actuallt ended up sounding good. Morale: Getting good gear behind your speaker is essential.

[Pio]

Gents, PDFs sent

wettou - whats your email? Not listed on your profile.

[HedgeHog]

Thx again, Pio.

B&W Group has now published this article on their website: http://www.bwgroupusa.com/soundbytes...oundReview.pdf

-H