B&W 800 series jump from 600 series.

Collapse
This topic is closed.
X
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • PewterTA
    Super Senior Member
    • Nov 2004
    • 2900

    #1

    B&W 800 series jump from 600 series.

    Well,

    I just thought I'd post up here that I'm thinking about the 802s... I got offered the 802Ds for a decent price (about 8K, these are demos with about 200 to 300 hours on them max) and after hearing them. They are very nice! I like how the soundstage is absolutely HUGE. In fact the listening room I was in it felt like the wall wanted to explode before sound was placed outside of the dimensions of the room! This was pretty impressive. The amount of bass that came from these things was pretty impressive. Almost too much for my taste, but I think that was just some getting used to (and partially due to the room). I don't think I was used to the mid bass that these have.

    Now on the other hand, before I listened to these 802Ds, I had listened to the 802 Diamonds. These impressed the heck out of me due to the clarity of the upper and mids. The seemingly "seemless" integration of all the drivers and the complete disappearance of the speakers blew me away. The clarity of the mid range was similar to the 802Ds... and I have to say I really liked how the marlan heads do their thing and create such clarity. Of course, I haven't listened to a TON of higher end speakers...but most of the speakers I've ever heard...well none have come close to how the mids and highs were formed.

    So my dilemma is the fact that I can get a good deal on the older 802Ds and I'm sure that I'd end up being perfectly happy with them...but also I'm thinking that I could also go and get the 802 Diamonds, HTM2 Diamonds, 805 Diamonds and just upgrade the whole theater. Increasing my 2ch as well. Of course this is a lot of money and that in there lies the "real" issue. It's not the issue of breaking the bank and having to eat ramen noodles every night....but it's not also like I buy 8K pairs of jeans either! :rofl:

    This is going to be a BIG and possibly final decision (well with the exception of building Ardents once Jon Marsh finishes the design)...but basically these are going to be my "I bought them in 2012, that was 20 years ago!" type of a thing.

    So my question is are there others that I should be looking at when going to this price range that people think should be auditioned before there's a purchase. I'm going with B&W not only on the sound quality...which I do understand I could probably get better at a cheaper pricce...but along with that goes the aesthetics and my sound taste. With using Rotel & B&W, I'm comfortable with the sound I get.

    Course I'm also looking for the, "You're making a wise choice, go for it" as well. hee hee :lol:

    My thoughts currently are to get the 805 Diamonds and enjoy them at the moment, then I'm going to get a loan for the 802 & htm2 if I go that way as I don't want to drain the funds down by buying them with cash... Only time I did that was the for the down payment on the house and I still had a nice nest egg...but I hated putting all that money down. So i think the loan is the way to go....

    Ahhh I'm just all confused as to what I want to do. I'm sure WKHanna will chime in and say that I've known my B&W 604s3s even with the mods I've done have been my weak point in my system and well I'm having a post girlfriend breakup "mid-life like" crisis. HA HA. Well not really as I use my system probably 3 hours+ everyday whether it's HT, TV, or Music.... it's used a ton and when I consider that... this kind of money works out to about $40 a month over the life of them.

    Plus I like the value that they hold, though I think that this level *most* hold their value quite well should I ever choose to get rid of them...

    Just curious on everyone's thoughts and what they think I should do.
    Digital Audio makes me Happy.
    -Dan
  • Skyblue
    Senior Member
    • Jun 2009
    • 504

    #2
    805's are just not 802's. I am sorry.

    I would get the 802s and leave out the htm2. That is the best solution for 2 channel and HT works as well, even without the center.
    B&W 800 Diamond, B&W805S, B&W DB1, Classe SSP 800, DIY Icepower ASX2 600W monos, Ayre QB9, JPlay.

    Comment

    • stuofsci02
      Super Senior Member
      • Nov 2009
      • 1241

      #3
      What is the size of your room.. This is important.. 802's are a lot bigger then 604s3..

      Also, do you really want to borrow money for speakers?
      Main System:
      B&W 801D
      Emotiva USP-1 Pre-Amp
      Chord SPM-650 Stereo Amp
      Oppo BDP-105
      Squeezebox Touch


      Second System:
      B&W CM7
      Emotiva UMC-1
      Emotiva UPA-2
      Oppo BDP-83SE
      Grant Fidelity DAC-09

      Comment

      • Skyblue
        Senior Member
        • Jun 2009
        • 504

        #4
        Originally posted by stuofsci02
        Also, do you really want to borrow money for speakers?
        I certainly wouldn't recommend it. Borrow for cars, and houses, but never for consumer goods.
        B&W 800 Diamond, B&W805S, B&W DB1, Classe SSP 800, DIY Icepower ASX2 600W monos, Ayre QB9, JPlay.

        Comment

        • Antus
          Senior Member
          • Apr 2008
          • 141

          #5
          fure sure 802D is better than 805 Diamond. unless you are listening to 5 channel music, surround speakers are only for sound effects. In my opinion, sound effects are for effects, sound quality is usually not the first priority. If you are short in cash, surrounds are a place u can cut corners.

          Comment

          • scanido
            Senior Member
            • Apr 2006
            • 548

            #6
            If your heart is set out on the 802 Diamonds, which sounds like it is, then I say go for them!! If you intend to keep them for 20ys, which most do once they commit this much coin, then I think you are better off getting the current Diamonds.

            Life's too short....if it makes you happy and gets you motivated to work harder then go for it! Nothing wrong with financing these components (to a certain degree), so take advantage of those low rates.

            Ive had my 802 Diamonds now for a year, and they simply bring out enjoyment everytime i listen and look at them. At the time the price was substantial for me but my dealer took in my 803S for a great price and now i look at it I have no regrets at all. Best upgrade i've done. Still saving for that HTM2 Diamond and 804 Diamond but the main speakers are here.

            Comment

            • madmac
              Ultra Senior Member
              • Aug 2010
              • 3122

              #7
              Originally posted by Antus
              fure sure 802D is better than 805 Diamond. unless you are listening to 5 channel music, surround speakers are only for sound effects. In my opinion, sound effects are for effects, sound quality is usually not the first priority. If you are short in cash, surrounds are a place u can cut corners.

              I wholeheartedly disagree with that statement!!. Maybe I could buy it in the case of movies but with 5 channel music NO WAY charlie !!! :W

              With 5 channel music, the surrounds are NOT for effects at all. Real music comes out of them don't you know! :W
              Dan Madden :T

              Comment

              • wettou
                Ultra Senior Member
                • May 2006
                • 3398

                #8
                A loan for speakers, ouch when the dealer margins are 40 points that seems like a not so good investment!

                Save and then buy them cash or better yet used and get a good deal I have three 802D for sale interested :W
                Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower

                Comment

                • SPACEMANRICK
                  Senior Member
                  • May 2005
                  • 200

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Skyblue
                  I certainly wouldn't recommend it. Borrow for cars, and houses, but never for consumer goods.
                  I am not so sure about that, I didn't borrow for my speakers and cars but probably 50% of people get a loan or lease their cars. If PewterTA gets 3 hours of enjoyment every day from his system that is a lot of enjoyment and use. As long as he is not going overboard on his spending elsewhere, I would rather spend or borrow money for speakers than on a car. Most cars will depreciate 35% to 40% in 3 years while a set of 802 speakers will probably depreciate around 25% in 3 years. I drive my car on average 15 minutes a day but I listen to my speakers at least 1 hour a day.......

                  Comment

                  • kcsun
                    Member
                    • Jan 2012
                    • 69

                    #10
                    None of these dealers are shifting the stock they want to at the moment, I would start ringing round every dealer you can to get the best best best price you can and then go back to your local dealer last and see what he can come up with. I bet you will then be surprised at how dear those 2nd user 802d's are.

                    Not sure about going the loan route though - cash is king - always will be

                    kc
                    Arcam avr600, Sky HD 2Tb, Oppo 103D, Sony VPL-VW500ES, Phillips large Pronto pro remote
                    B&W 803Di speakers, B&W HTM2Di centre speaker, B&W 7NT in wall rear speakers, B&W ASW1000 Sub

                    Comment

                    • PewterTA
                      Super Senior Member
                      • Nov 2004
                      • 2900

                      #11
                      That's what I figure... there's really not much of a difference between a car for enjoyment (which I have and is paid off) and these speakers. Except for the fact that the speakers will be the better return on money invested due to the amount of use they'd get over the car that only gets 5K miles a year put on it due to weather and driveability.

                      The money is there, I basically have 95% of the money to buy them out right. But if I do that, that drains the funds I use for emergencies...which is not good. so if something major happens, roof on the house needs replaced, furnance goes or what not... then I would have to take a loan out for those big ticket items...which I don't want to do. That's why I was thinking of the loan. I have $500 a month I can play with while still saving soe which is where the idea of the loan came into play. I could either save up for them completely or get the loan, yes I know I pay more going the loan way...but then I have the year or two of enjoy them instead of saving for. Plus along with that, in a year and a half the $460 car loan is paid off and I get to save that. So it's not really putting a dent in finances one bit...

                      It's just that I hadn't saved for these things and I'm not sure IF I want to save for them or just go outright and get them.

                      I agree that I could go without the center channel and the 802s would pick up the duty fine and I'm tempted...but I'm also into the home theater aspect and the center is one of the most important (not important enough for another 802 mind you (nor the room), so that's why I thought of the HTM2D.

                      My room is 16' x 32' so I it's not the greatest room for placement of these, but it'll work. I already have the room for them over the 604s as things are pretty spaced out currently. These might also get their own listening room at some point... which if I did that then yes I don't need the HTM2 Diamond.

                      I don't tend to buy speakers much (this would be my third set in 18 years going from Yamaha to B&W 604 to now these)... so once I find a sound I like I go with it.

                      Now the question would be which model too do I go with, I've seen the piano gloss black and like those, I've seen the 802D Rosenuts and have not seen the cherry. Ideally piano gloss black works the best for me as everything is black or silver...but I'm almost thinking a little color is needed... I don't know.
                      Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                      -Dan

                      Comment

                      • Pedro
                        Senior Member
                        • Jan 2006
                        • 303

                        #12
                        Originally posted by PewterTA
                        My room is 16' x 32' so I it's not the greatest room for placement of these, but it'll work. I already have the room for them over the 604s as things are pretty spaced out currently. These might also get their own listening room at some point... which if I did that then yes I don't need the HTM2 Diamond.
                        Well your roomsize is big enough for a set of speakers you´re thinking to buy.So don´t worry about that. From my understanding are you thinking to move your 600s set speakers to another room? If yes and if you think you´re satisfied with your currently HT setupI would expend with toppest speakers (800Diamond league) just for stereo listening in an exclusive room. Dont forget if you get a full 5.1 set of 800 series speakers you shall expend much more in the amps and processors to make them sing in the same level :T

                        Comment

                        • Antus
                          Senior Member
                          • Apr 2008
                          • 141

                          #13
                          if you can get cheap financing, (say below 3% interests) keep the cash on hand would be a better option.

                          from ur decription, u seems streagth a little going for 802 Diamond speaker. another thing to consider is to spend some moeny upgrade amps and pre/pro/receiver to get them sing. 802Diamond will not sing with regular $1000 reciever.

                          htm1Diamond cost $4-5000, for overall sound quality, spend those on good amps before center channel. I think upgrade path should be something like this: front speakers, subwoofer, surround speakers, center speaker.

                          Comment

                          • Skyblue
                            Senior Member
                            • Jun 2009
                            • 504

                            #14
                            Well, if you can't pay them outright without diving into your emergency fund, I'd say you haven't really saved up for them.

                            Also, the better the amp, the better they sound. So add some for amps as well.

                            I agree with anton. Fronts, front amps, center, sub, surrounds, amps somewhere in between.

                            Also the new series is better than the old series imo, but for HT mostly, perhaps its simply a better deal to get the old series. Its not bad at all.

                            If you get the new series however, I would consider the piano black. The 802 is just stunning in that color:

                            B&W 800 Diamond, B&W805S, B&W DB1, Classe SSP 800, DIY Icepower ASX2 600W monos, Ayre QB9, JPlay.

                            Comment

                            • scanido
                              Senior Member
                              • Apr 2006
                              • 548

                              #15
                              Originally posted by Antus
                              ...

                              from ur decription, u seems streagth a little going for 802 Diamond speaker. another thing to consider is to spend some moeny upgrade amps and pre/pro/receiver to get them sing. 802Diamond will not sing with regular $1000 reciever.

                              ...
                              :agree:

                              The speakers will initially suffice w/ a receiver, but keep in mind the end result of this investment. The speakers need decent preamp and especially power amp...

                              I can tell you coming from an MC205 (200w) amp to a MC601 (600w) was as much of an upgrade as the speaker change itself!! :E

                              The 802 Diamonds literally came alive at any volume level. Sound flowed from the speakers effortlessly. It felt more like there were bigger surround speakers behind me! Bass, mids, also became more detailed, controlled, and were more pronounced.

                              Now i am not suggesting you get these amps, but i am letting you know that the bigger speakers will need quality large amplification upwards of at least 300w. If your willing to commit financially to this, then go for it!! :T

                              Comment

                              • wkhanna
                                Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                • Jan 2006
                                • 5674

                                #16
                                Not to butt in on Dan's thread, but power and source is not an issue with his curent system. He has a modified RB-1095 for surroound duties and a Modified RB-1090 (380 watt) for the mains. I have spent many hours in front of his system. He is ready for some 'good' speakers, now. :W
                                _


                                Bill

                                Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                FinleyAudio

                                Comment

                                • beden1
                                  Super Senior Member
                                  • Oct 2006
                                  • 1676

                                  #17
                                  Originally posted by wkhanna
                                  Not to butt in on Dan's thread, but power and source is not an issue with his curent system. He has a modified RB-1095 for surroound duties and a Modified RB-1090 (380 watt) for the mains. I have spent many hours in front of his system. He is ready for some 'good' speakers, now. :W
                                  I would be concerned about buying these expensive speakers when he is not financially ready to do so. IMO, toys should be paid for in cash with truly extra funds, above and beyond any potential house repairs, education savings, retirement funding and all other living costs, etc.

                                  Our US Government may think it's OK to continually borrow (print money) for discretionary spending, but that is not the prudent course of action for responsible individuals. Just look at our current economic mess and the majority of people comprising our cash stapped society, if you need a prime example of how buying above your means works out in the long haul.

                                  Comment

                                  • Skyblue
                                    Senior Member
                                    • Jun 2009
                                    • 504

                                    #18
                                    Originally posted by SPACEMANRICK
                                    I am not so sure about that, I didn't borrow for my speakers and cars but probably 50% of people get a loan or lease their cars. If PewterTA gets 3 hours of enjoyment every day from his system that is a lot of enjoyment and use. As long as he is not going overboard on his spending elsewhere, I would rather spend or borrow money for speakers than on a car. Most cars will depreciate 35% to 40% in 3 years while a set of 802 speakers will probably depreciate around 25% in 3 years. I drive my car on average 15 minutes a day but I listen to my speakers at least 1 hour a day.......
                                    That is a question of value. 802's are good value, no doubt about it. But they too will depreciate when the next round of upgrades comes around. Buy them to use them for 20 years. That is my plan, and I payed cash.

                                    What a car is, is like a house, a necessary good to transport you to work. I could not live without my car. I would hate to live without my speakers, but I could.

                                    Incidentially, I live in Denmark and you cannot get any car whatsoever for the price of a pair of 802's due to taxes. I assume in the us you can get a quite good car for the same amount?
                                    B&W 800 Diamond, B&W805S, B&W DB1, Classe SSP 800, DIY Icepower ASX2 600W monos, Ayre QB9, JPlay.

                                    Comment

                                    • Cruxis
                                      Member
                                      • Feb 2007
                                      • 30

                                      #19
                                      Yea I agree its a question of value, but just as much a personal value as a monetary one. If you derive an immense satisfaction from a particular purchase that can last for many years, than why deprive yourself because you don't have the immediate cash on hand. No, they may not be an essential expense, but maybe not toys either. I'm not advocating going deep into debt, its just a real personal decision.

                                      Comment

                                      • stuofsci02
                                        Super Senior Member
                                        • Nov 2009
                                        • 1241

                                        #20
                                        It is a personal decision, but extending yourself by borrowing for consumer electronics does not sit well with me. This is a big reason why the economy is screwed. People relying on future income for todays consumption.
                                        Main System:
                                        B&W 801D
                                        Emotiva USP-1 Pre-Amp
                                        Chord SPM-650 Stereo Amp
                                        Oppo BDP-105
                                        Squeezebox Touch


                                        Second System:
                                        B&W CM7
                                        Emotiva UMC-1
                                        Emotiva UPA-2
                                        Oppo BDP-83SE
                                        Grant Fidelity DAC-09

                                        Comment

                                        • Alaric
                                          Ultra Senior Member
                                          • Jan 2006
                                          • 4151

                                          #21
                                          I'm going to keep my nose out of Dan's finances (he's a grownup) and stick with the question-Will he be pleased with the investment in the long run? From what little I know about Dan from my time here at the Guide , I think you (Dan) will be very happy when you hear that big Rotel sing through those puppies , and happy for a long time.
                                          Lee

                                          Marantz PM7200-RIP
                                          Marantz PM-KI Pearl
                                          Schiit Modi 3
                                          Marantz CD5005
                                          Paradigm Studio 60 v.3

                                          Comment

                                          • scanido
                                            Senior Member
                                            • Apr 2006
                                            • 548

                                            #22
                                            Yes, ultimately it's up to PewterTA to decide how his finances can support a purchase like this. Everyone has their own financial circumstance and if he wants to pay in cash or finance and use the cash towards "better" financial opportunities so be it.

                                            Some people like big houses, elaborate vacations, or exotic cars, why not awesome speakers!! If it gives one the satisfaction desired then it is money well spent.

                                            Back to the 802's.... I suggest he gives them a good listen. Might as well check out other brands in the same ballpark so you can make an informed decision.

                                            Comment

                                            • madmac
                                              Ultra Senior Member
                                              • Aug 2010
                                              • 3122

                                              #23
                                              Many members here in the forum seem to use B&W speakers and I'm curious......How much do these 802's sell for on average?. How much money are we really talking about here????.
                                              Dan Madden :T

                                              Comment

                                              • stuofsci02
                                                Super Senior Member
                                                • Nov 2009
                                                • 1241

                                                #24
                                                Originally posted by madmac
                                                Many members here in the forum seem to use B&W speakers and I'm curious......How much do these 802's sell for on average?. How much money are we really talking about here????.
                                                The new 802Di retails for ~$16,000 here in Canada. I would imagine in USA they might be %5-10 less.
                                                Main System:
                                                B&W 801D
                                                Emotiva USP-1 Pre-Amp
                                                Chord SPM-650 Stereo Amp
                                                Oppo BDP-105
                                                Squeezebox Touch


                                                Second System:
                                                B&W CM7
                                                Emotiva UMC-1
                                                Emotiva UPA-2
                                                Oppo BDP-83SE
                                                Grant Fidelity DAC-09

                                                Comment

                                                • Charlieu
                                                  Member
                                                  • Oct 2008
                                                  • 55

                                                  #25
                                                  Originally posted by PewterTA
                                                  Well,

                                                  Just curious on everyone's thoughts and what they think I should do.
                                                  I think you ought to do what you want to do. It's your life.

                                                  But since you asked.... If you have a budget set for this quest, get out and audition every speaker in your price range. It's well known that the thrill is in the chase and the excitement drops off rapidly after the purchase. Drag this out for months and enjoy the experience.

                                                  Comment

                                                  • madmac
                                                    Ultra Senior Member
                                                    • Aug 2010
                                                    • 3122

                                                    #26
                                                    Originally posted by stuofsci02
                                                    The new 802Di retails for ~$16,000 here in Canada. I would imagine in USA they might be %5-10 less.

                                                    Holy cow!!! :E .....I'll crawl away now........Thanks!! :lol:
                                                    Dan Madden :T

                                                    Comment

                                                    • PewterTA
                                                      Super Senior Member
                                                      • Nov 2004
                                                      • 2900

                                                      #27
                                                      I think I can afford them...

                                                      I just don't have the money right at this moment to buy them outright. I can easily afford them financing (which a loan/line of credit has a lower interest rate and a longer set term to pay it off...which equals the financing at a higher interest rate).

                                                      As for the finances... I have a credit score of 822, the only outstanding debt I have is my house and what's left on the 2nd car (daily driver). Other than these I carry no debt. So I think I'm better off than about 90% of the people out there that carry huge credit card debts.

                                                      Buying these is no different the when I bought the couches, TV, bedroom set, etc for the house or various other things that I have bought including the Trans Am... You buy it and pay it off as quickly as possible, then they give you a really high credit score! Finances are pretty simplistic, I'm not sure why so many people have problems with it.

                                                      So anyways...

                                                      I took WKHanna up to a local B&W dealership and showed him exactly how NOT to demo a speaker. LOL.

                                                      First, I had contacted them and asked if they had the new 802 Diamonds in for demoing...they said yes. So I thought GREAT, don't have to drive 2 hours for a demo, only 30 minutes, this will be good. We get there and there's people there so we just wonder around the store looking at everything (it's a huge McIntosh dealer) and basically wait our turn. As I look around I find the 802s and instantly realize they are the 802Ds... don't see the new Diamonds. So finally we get our chance and that's all he had on the floor was the 802Ds so we decide to demo them. The guy had them hooked up to a McIntosh CDP & Amp. We start listening and wow... just completely unimpressed.

                                                      My 604s and Bill's Nat P.s blew them away as far as sound stage, 3D, and life/musicality. So we figure it must be the room as it was completely wrong how to listen to speakers (way to wide and not deep enough). So we move the speakers closer in to give the better listening width and while better...still nothing to write home about. One thing we did notice is a huge boost/over emphasis in the mid bass. It's like it bloomed there to the point of sounding very muddy and not accurate and not texture. That we blamed mainly on the room as we could go to the walls and it would lessen.

                                                      We still were running into the problem that everything was coming out of either the left or right speaker...no imaging what so ever. Voices were layered right on top of each other and it was just ... well.... SAD. I don't think I would've paid $2K for these speakers (well I would've knowing what they ACTUALLY are capable of).

                                                      The Mids and highs were nice and clear...but there was no real micro dynamics to be heard that (having demoed them in Cleveland last week with Classe gear) I know I had heard.

                                                      So Bill and I being the true Audiophile snobs we are we start investigating why this could be... We found out pretty quickly that we are guessing.... McIntosh SUCKS! HA HA. No... Just kidding all you McIntosh fans! The real problem.... no PRE AMP. We were listening to the CDP with a volume control... and it SUCKS. At the end of our listening the guy tells us that he just sold the pre a couple days ago and didn't get another one put in. MEANWHILE...there's about 6 to 10 pre amps sitting around his shop that he could have used. He had a Classe CP-800 and CA-2100 that he easily could've put in place. Basically... what a great way to kill any hopes of having me buy anything from you.

                                                      I had contacted him early Monday saying I'd be in Saturday... you would think a little bell would go off in your head saying, this guy wants to hear these... I better make them SING! But nope... to busying selling everything McIntosh & PSB.... *rolleyes*

                                                      I feel bad for Bill because that was his first taste of higher end B&W and wow... that had to put a bad taste in his mouth... I think if he had never heard my 604s and what I've done with them... he'd never listen to B&W again! lol

                                                      So now I have wait and find a weekend to where we can go up and listen to both the 802Ds and 802 Diamonds and see what he thinks about them. I want to impress him...which the bar was set so low I probably could do with Bose.................

                                                      But from hearing these I heard characteristics in these that I heard before so it more solidified my thinking of, if I'm paying as much as it is to get the 802Ds that I could get at their price... Why pay that only to wish you had the new 802 Diamonds?!?!

                                                      OHHHH that was the other thing!!! This guy at this dealer... I go... do you know when you'll get the 802 Diamonds in? He says... that is them... I go NOOoooooo that's the 802Ds not the Diamonds... again he says they are diamonds.. A third time I said... no the New Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamonds... He replies, oh the new ones... yeah I have a set in stock. . . . . . . . .

                                                      I wanted to just tell him... those were the ones I REALLY WANTED TO HEAR... which you said in the e-mails that YOU HAD to demo... UGH! Instead I took the high road and said when you get them pulled out and set up, let me know I'll be back and gave him my info and Bill and I left.

                                                      So to wrap it up... this is how you do NOT sell speakers, it basically re-affirmed that paying the prices I am... go with the new ones as I think they sound much better (if a tad less musical) and now lets just go for another demo of them.

                                                      I wish there were other speaker manufacturers around that weren't a good days worth of driving just to get there....as you can't really demo and compare easily. My thinking is to try to find a Wilson dealer and check out the Sophia 3s and see about their "low end" series to see how I like them and if they'd work well in my system.
                                                      Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                      -Dan

                                                      Comment

                                                      • PewterTA
                                                        Super Senior Member
                                                        • Nov 2004
                                                        • 2900

                                                        #28
                                                        I think more importantly the real question will be what color.

                                                        I'm leaning towards piano black I think because it'll fit in with my HT equipment currently and will look good seperately. The Rosenuts are nice, but don't really match with anything else. The Cherrywood would more closely match the trim of most of the rooms in the house...

                                                        Hmmmm what to choose, what to choose.
                                                        Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                        -Dan

                                                        Comment

                                                        • wkhanna
                                                          Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                                          • Jan 2006
                                                          • 5674

                                                          #29
                                                          Originally posted by PewterTA

                                                          My 604s and Bill's Nat P.s blew them away as far as sound stage, 3D, and life/musicality.............

                                                          .......One thing we did notice is a huge boost/over emphasis in the mid bass. It's like it bloomed there to the point of sounding very muddy and not accurate and not texture........

                                                          ......We still were running into the problem that everything was coming out of either the left or right speaker...no imaging what so ever. Voices were layered right on top of each other...........

                                                          .......The Mids and highs were nice and clear...but there was no real micro dynamics to be heard............
                                                          Dan & I went to the audition armed with a test disc of bit-perfect rips we were both V familiar with. It became blatantly apparent less than two minutes into the first track. Something was terribly amiss with the music. No depth. No center information. The music was easily pinpointed to the speaker as the source. No separation or positioning of voice or instrument.

                                                          We took it upon ourselves to try repositioning the cabinets. As I examined the available slack in the speaker cable the banana pin connectors nearly fell out of the terminals all by themselves. I must admit to panicking for split second as I imagined shorting out the shop’s McIntosh amp. Knelt behind the 802D holding the banana plugs tightly to the terminals & feeling a bit like the Dutch Boy with his finger in the dyke, I asked for some help, Turns out the shop’s banana plugs were so beaten & worn they had no grip on the terminals what so ever. Tisk, tisk.

                                                          Multiple attempts at positioning availed no improvement in performance. Flat nondescript stage, booming muddy mid-bass persisted.

                                                          It was at this point as Dan & I continued to diagnose the issue that we began to question the electronics. Taking a closer look at the shop equipment being used was all it took to trigger the forehead slapping, Homer Simpson D’OH epiphany. Turns out what we had reasonably assumed to be an integrated amp was in fact the two channel MC452 being supplied signal directly from the MCD301 SACD/CD. No pre-amp? Tisk tisk. Again.

                                                          Dan has already elaborated on just some of the other issues encountered during our visit. I’ll just say that as we discussed our experience on the way home, the more we were disappointed by the overall service, knowledge, care, professionalism and interest shown us by this retailer.

                                                          Regarding the equipment, I have no first-hand experience with passive pre-preamps or direct to power-amp from CDp. I know many whose opinion I respect who say it can be quite revealing. Based on this single experience with this specific equipment I can feel fairly confident in saying that while it truly was a 'revealing' encounter, across the board improvement is not always the result.


                                                          Originally posted by PewterTA
                                                          I feel bad for Bill because that was his first taste of higher end B&W and wow... that had to put a bad taste in his mouth... I think if he had never heard my 604s and what I've done with them... he'd never listen to B&W again!
                                                          Not quite that bad, Dan. :W
                                                          I have heard more than a few ‘good’ speakers before, and it was obvious the 802d’s were up there. The mid’s and hi’s were clear, full and V natural. Sadly, their presentation by the shop did not do justice to their obvious potential. No worries, we will just have to take a little road trip. :T
                                                          Last edited by wkhanna; 12 March 2012, 21:41 Monday. Reason: changed 'direct' to 'first-hand'
                                                          _


                                                          Bill

                                                          Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                                          ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                                          FinleyAudio

                                                          Comment

                                                          • Skyblue
                                                            Senior Member
                                                            • Jun 2009
                                                            • 504

                                                            #30
                                                            Interesting writeup. Keep them comming..

                                                            I think any B&W representatives in here do the facepalm right now. As for hifi sellers, they obviously make too much money if they don't even bother to set it up right...
                                                            B&W 800 Diamond, B&W805S, B&W DB1, Classe SSP 800, DIY Icepower ASX2 600W monos, Ayre QB9, JPlay.

                                                            Comment

                                                            • PewterTA
                                                              Super Senior Member
                                                              • Nov 2004
                                                              • 2900

                                                              #31
                                                              That just means that Bill and I have to do a road trip to Cleveland!!!!!!! So he can hear them properly!!! Ha ha.

                                                              Or to Columbus if he wants to go hear the Wilson Sophia 3s with me..... Though that's a little bit longer trip (almost 3 hrs).
                                                              Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                              -Dan

                                                              Comment

                                                              • sgtjim57
                                                                Member
                                                                • Dec 2008
                                                                • 85

                                                                #32
                                                                Saw the 802's today for the first time at a Magnolia store in Atlanta. Holy ^(*& they are huge!!!
                                                                Sony Bravia OLED A1E 55"
                                                                SVS SB 2000 X 2
                                                                Denon X4000 (Looking to upgrade due to 4K, ATMOS, DTSX)
                                                                Oppo BDP 93
                                                                Apple TV 4K
                                                                B & W N804 Mains
                                                                B & W 603 Rear surrounds
                                                                B & W LCR 600 Center
                                                                B & W CDS6 (Not in use)
                                                                Sony TA N77ES (Not in use)

                                                                Comment

                                                                • Miketr75
                                                                  Member
                                                                  • Jun 2011
                                                                  • 51

                                                                  #33
                                                                  Originally posted by sgtjim57
                                                                  Saw the 802's today for the first time at a Magnolia store in Atlanta. Holy ^(*& they are huge!!!
                                                                  +1. The 800 is bigger

                                                                  Mike's 3D HT

                                                                  Comment

                                                                  • sgtjim57
                                                                    Member
                                                                    • Dec 2008
                                                                    • 85

                                                                    #34
                                                                    I would love to own some 800 series but I will stick with the 600's since they are bought and paid for.
                                                                    Last edited by sgtjim57; 19 March 2012, 10:45 Monday.
                                                                    Sony Bravia OLED A1E 55"
                                                                    SVS SB 2000 X 2
                                                                    Denon X4000 (Looking to upgrade due to 4K, ATMOS, DTSX)
                                                                    Oppo BDP 93
                                                                    Apple TV 4K
                                                                    B & W N804 Mains
                                                                    B & W 603 Rear surrounds
                                                                    B & W LCR 600 Center
                                                                    B & W CDS6 (Not in use)
                                                                    Sony TA N77ES (Not in use)

                                                                    Comment

                                                                    • PewterTA
                                                                      Super Senior Member
                                                                      • Nov 2004
                                                                      • 2900

                                                                      #35
                                                                      What's funny is they don't seem big to me at all. In fact the piano gloss black didn't "seem" much bigger than the 604s...

                                                                      Of course I know this isn't the case as they are 4 or 5 inches wider and about 8 to 10 inches longer... But the sound quality means bigger is better! HA HA.
                                                                      Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                                      -Dan

                                                                      Comment

                                                                      • PewterTA
                                                                        Super Senior Member
                                                                        • Nov 2004
                                                                        • 2900

                                                                        #36
                                                                        Hee hee........... :E

                                                                        The iPad2 remote was a nice touch as well. Though the Kaleidescape system was a nice toy to play with as well... even if it did cost the price of the 802Diamonds (almost).

                                                                        One of the best times I've had going for a little road trip! Ended up at AudioVideoInteriors in Middleburg, OH (just south west of Cleveland - by the airport). One of the NICEST show rooms and people I've ever had the pleasure of going into.

                                                                        You know it's going to be good when you first walk in the door and are offered Beer, Wine, Water, "What can I get you?!"

                                                                        Last edited by PewterTA; 29 May 2012, 21:36 Tuesday.
                                                                        Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                                        -Dan

                                                                        Comment

                                                                        • PewterTA
                                                                          Super Senior Member
                                                                          • Nov 2004
                                                                          • 2900

                                                                          #37
                                                                          I think WKHanna was too afraid to touch!!! LOL

                                                                          Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                                          -Dan

                                                                          Comment

                                                                          • Rod#S
                                                                            Senior Member
                                                                            • Oct 2010
                                                                            • 474

                                                                            #38
                                                                            Nice pics, so did you get these bad boys yet or what :P
                                                                            B&W 800 Diamonds (L/R), HTM2 Diamond (C), 802 Diamonds (SL/SR), Paradigm Signature Sub 25 (LFE), Reference Servo 15a x 2 (Stereo subs), Lexicon MC-12Bv5EQ SSP, Bryston 28B-SST2x 2, 7B-SST2x2, 4B-SST C Series, BDP-2, Oppo UDP-205, Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-150FD, Furman SPR-20i, IT-Reference, Eastlink Maestro PVR, Xbox One & 360, PS3, Siltech Golden Ridge II, Ruby Hill IIx2, 330ix2, Kimber Kable PK10 Gold, Tonic, PBJ, Cadence, HD19e, HD19, OPT-1, HDSW 4x1, Ixos 6003, Harmony 1000

                                                                            Comment

                                                                            • PewterTA
                                                                              Super Senior Member
                                                                              • Nov 2004
                                                                              • 2900

                                                                              #39
                                                                              Nope... not yet... waiting to be delivered. Soon! Plus a HTM2 Diamond.
                                                                              Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                                              -Dan

                                                                              Comment

                                                                              • bigburner
                                                                                Super Senior Member
                                                                                • May 2005
                                                                                • 2649

                                                                                #40
                                                                                Originally posted by PewterTA
                                                                                I think WKHanna was too afraid to touch!!!
                                                                                Bill is probably the same as me. Whenever someone touches or casually leans on my speakers I politely ask them to remove themselves. I can tell that Bill and I are alike because we own an identical pair of sandals.

                                                                                Nigel.

                                                                                Comment

                                                                                • wkhanna
                                                                                  Grumpy Old Super Moderator Emeritus
                                                                                  • Jan 2006
                                                                                  • 5674

                                                                                  #41
                                                                                  Oh, V nice, Dan!

                                                                                  Let us find the least flattering pic of Bill and put it up on the Forum. :W

                                                                                  So Nigel, I had no idea you shopped at ‘Curmudgeons Only’ too! :T

                                                                                  I have to say the shop was easily the most professional and friendly retailer I have ever been to.

                                                                                  I could not be happier for Dan.
                                                                                  As I have said to others and him, I know of no one who will appreciate and enjoy these speakers more than he.
                                                                                  _


                                                                                  Bill

                                                                                  Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
                                                                                  ....just an "ON" switch, Please!

                                                                                  FinleyAudio

                                                                                  Comment

                                                                                  • Rod#S
                                                                                    Senior Member
                                                                                    • Oct 2010
                                                                                    • 474

                                                                                    #42
                                                                                    Originally posted by PewterTA
                                                                                    Nope... not yet... waiting to be delivered. Soon! Plus a HTM2 Diamond.
                                                                                    Awesome, congrats! I can vouche for that 3 speaker combo, they sound amazing together. :T
                                                                                    B&W 800 Diamonds (L/R), HTM2 Diamond (C), 802 Diamonds (SL/SR), Paradigm Signature Sub 25 (LFE), Reference Servo 15a x 2 (Stereo subs), Lexicon MC-12Bv5EQ SSP, Bryston 28B-SST2x 2, 7B-SST2x2, 4B-SST C Series, BDP-2, Oppo UDP-205, Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-150FD, Furman SPR-20i, IT-Reference, Eastlink Maestro PVR, Xbox One & 360, PS3, Siltech Golden Ridge II, Ruby Hill IIx2, 330ix2, Kimber Kable PK10 Gold, Tonic, PBJ, Cadence, HD19e, HD19, OPT-1, HDSW 4x1, Ixos 6003, Harmony 1000

                                                                                    Comment

                                                                                    • SPACEMANRICK
                                                                                      Senior Member
                                                                                      • May 2005
                                                                                      • 200

                                                                                      #43
                                                                                      You are going to love them.......I had a great 1.5 hour listening session this afternoon with mine :T

                                                                                      Comment

                                                                                      • PewterTA
                                                                                        Super Senior Member
                                                                                        • Nov 2004
                                                                                        • 2900

                                                                                        #44
                                                                                        I know Bill...but that's the only picture James sent me... I'm not sure if you took more than one picture or not (I was too busy playing with the iPAD lol).

                                                                                        I can't wait. I'm nervous and excited and everything all rolled into one. I'll just be glad when they are here (hopefully undamaged) and set up. Then the long and tedious waiting for "break-in" will have to occur during which I'll probably be disappointed (I was with my 600 series until they magically transformed)... So I know I will have to not expect too much from first use. That and I know that I'll probably spend weeks tweeking their position to get everything just right. Heck, I'm 3 years with my current 604s (in their current place) and I still tweek them every couple weeks moving them slightly...though now I think I have them just as perfect as I can get....just in time for them to be given to my friend. lol

                                                                                        That reminds me.... I think I need some good Maple blocks to put the 802s on. hee hee.

                                                                                        Over all... can't wait to sit back and be amazed by them!!!
                                                                                        Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                                                        -Dan

                                                                                        Comment

                                                                                        • PewterTA
                                                                                          Super Senior Member
                                                                                          • Nov 2004
                                                                                          • 2900

                                                                                          #45
                                                                                          Looks like next week they come in. According to the store, B&W stopped drop shipping the 800 series...so I am waiting to hear if they will just deliver them to me (150 miles from the place)... will be awesome if they will eat the cost (as I think they should)! ha ha. So hopefully in about a week or so I should have them! If they do deliver for me and don't charge me... then I gotta tip the guys well!
                                                                                          Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                                                                                          -Dan

                                                                                          Comment

                                                                                          Related Topics

                                                                                          Collapse

                                                                                          • Edgeyboy
                                                                                            802 Diamonds / HTM2D / Onkyo 5509 Processor and DB1 Sub
                                                                                            by Edgeyboy
                                                                                            Just starting installation of my DB1 into a system comprising of:

                                                                                            802 Diamonds FL and FR
                                                                                            HTM2 Diamond Centre
                                                                                            CCM818 Rears and Surround Backs

                                                                                            Onkyo 5509 Processor

                                                                                            Fed into CP800/CA3200 to power fronts, CAP2100 to power centre. Both on HT BYPASS...
                                                                                            01 January 2013, 02:14 Tuesday
                                                                                          • Freddie40
                                                                                            New 802 Diamonds are in the House
                                                                                            by Freddie40
                                                                                            I got my 802 Diamonds at 3:30pm today It took 3 hours to unpack, spike, set up then clean up. From what few hours I did listen to them I really do love them. I made a good choice. Since I really never listened to the 802Ds the only thing I can compare them to is my old Matrix 802s. The new speakers...
                                                                                            04 March 2010, 00:43 Thursday
                                                                                          • wildmda
                                                                                            New 800 series
                                                                                            by wildmda
                                                                                            I am considering a year end deal on an 802D and HTM2. Sounds like a new 800 series is coming out. I am curious as to thoughts on how the value of the 802Ds/HTM2 will hold if/when a new series is released next year and the are 802Ds/HTM2 discontinued.
                                                                                            27 November 2009, 19:13 Friday
                                                                                          • btf1980
                                                                                            My audition of the new B&W 802 & 805 Diamonds - Interesting! (pics)
                                                                                            by btf1980
                                                                                            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...
                                                                                            28 March 2010, 18:23 Sunday
                                                                                          • wildmda
                                                                                            preamp and amp for 802d and HTM2
                                                                                            by wildmda
                                                                                            I am interested in thoughts on the best preamp and amps for 802d's and htm2.

                                                                                            I am considering mx120 for preamp and mc402 for an amp for 802ds...keeping my rotel 1095 for the htm2 and the rears. Sounds like mx120 is discontinued.

                                                                                            Thoughts on these models of mcintoshes...
                                                                                            25 November 2009, 20:57 Wednesday
                                                                                          • Loading...
                                                                                          • No more items.
                                                                                          Working...
                                                                                            Searching...Please wait.
                                                                                            An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

                                                                                            Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                                                                            An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

                                                                                            Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                                                                                            An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
                                                                                            There are no results that meet this criteria.
                                                                                            Search Result for "|||"