B&W 800 appreciation thread

[Skyblue]

These last couple of weeks I have been trying out different cables with my speakers. This opened up a reveleation, namely that my speakers can sound quite a lot better than they currently do.

I never gave much thought to cables. And while I respect the owner of this forum enough to name any of the good cables, I can say that my $35 cable I was using, simply doesn't cut it. Once it was replaced, I heard many a nuances that was not there before.

Also, as part of my quest, I was out listening to cables on other systems. One system I heard was Dynaudio C2 on some expensive McIntosh gear (MC-275 and MCD-500, no pre) and very expensive cables of brand X. I must say I thought it sounded thin and edgy. Certainly C2's are no match for the 800's (which are also 50% more expensive).

And when I came home, I sat down and listened to my system again. And I thought: Well, it has some flaws I would like to address. But it sure sounds a helluvalot better than that system at the dealers.

And suddenly I appreciated my own system a lot more.

Current system:
Speakers: B&W 800 di.
Pre: Classe SSP800
Source: Ayre QB9
Network filter: Ayre LX5e
Amp: DIY icepower 600watt monos.
Cables: $35 cable, $30 standard balanced interconnects.

Now, in all fairness, I think I have never really heard any system sound really good at the dealer. Even my own sounds better here. And when I had 802's the difference was substantial. Also the dealer system had no pre amp. I think that would improve things quite a bit.

Anyway: Have you had the same experience? Comming home and thinking, thank you higher power that I have my system, not the dealers?

[KRC]

Yes I have and agree with your assessment. Not sure if your thread you were just aiming at 800 owners, but same holds true at all price points. I have 703's and have visited dealers and listened to systems costing 3 or 4 times mine but did not give me that "Wow" factor at that price point. Now I can rule out music as I always bring my own for familiarity and I try not to go when tired etc etc. So it could be down to the room itself or so many systems are running and it is a power problem, not sure. But there have been times when I get home and my system seems to shine. Maybe because it is paid for and I get to sit in my own comfy chair in my sweet spot!

Kevin

[Skyblue]

Yes I have and agree with your assessment. Not sure if your thread you were just aiming at 800 owners, but same holds true at all price points. I have 703's and have visited dealers and listened to systems costing 3 or 4 times mine but did not give me that "Wow" factor at that price point. Now I can rule out music as I always bring my own for familiarity and I try not to go when tired etc etc. So it could be down to the room itself or so many systems are running and it is a power problem, not sure. But there have been times when I get home and my system seems to shine. Maybe because it is paid for and I get to sit in my own comfy chair in my sweet spot!

Kevin

Actually I meant it as a homage to the 800s. I think they sounded better with new cables, and I think they are superior to the the dynaudio. I did mention this to the dealer, and he said "well, at home you probably don't have the rest of the room filled with other speakers. Which is true. It may not be a fair comparison.

[stuofsci02]

My dealer has a dedicated room that is treated.. When you want to listen to a set of speakers he brings them it (no others are in there).. All the different electronics are in there however.... You know when you listen, that it likely won't get much better at home...

[HedgeHog]

Sky,

Do you mind PMing me what cables you tried and then ended up with? I've been chasing a recessed center image problem. And my new power cords made the sound black/rich/full/blah,blah,blah but seem to have sucked the mid-highs right out.

Anyhoo, glad you got your setup sounding to your liking!

-H

[Skyblue]

Sky,

Do you mind PMing me what cables you tried and then ended up with? I've been chasing a recessed center image problem. And my new power cords made the sound black/rich/full/blah,blah,blah but seem to have sucked the mid-highs right out.

Anyhoo, glad you got your setup sounding to your liking!

-H

Well I am not completely satisfied, and did in fact not purchase any of the cables. However I was happy that the aspects of the music I found lacking, were there all right. I just needed a better cable. However, each of the cables had their good and bad and none was completely satisfactory. So, now I will buy new amps and then I will try out cables to match. I think synergy is very important here.