cost of speakers...

[sikoniko]

So I have an opportunity to upgrade my 802N's to 800D's for a great price... The only dilemma is I've never spent greater than 10k on anything other than a car or a house...

For those of you who decided to go into the higher end B&Ws, did you have a difficult time justifying the expenditure or better yet, parting with the money? :E

[PewterTA]

I think it more comes down to what do you value?! What will you get more use out of... like anything, one should always weigh the cons vs. pros for any purchase that is "alot" for someone. Now each person is different. Some people wouldn't blink an eye at dropping $20K on something.

Heck, people buy $15K JEANS.... JEANS!!!! lol

As for justifying it... I think anytime anyone spends "outside of their comfort zone" they should go through some justifying and anxiety with parting with their hard earned money...

I feel, basically, as long as you're not sacrificing your own personal living style...you've got two choices, save it for retirement...or enjoy it now. Now, saying that, I DO NOT think people should spend what they are saving for retirement...however... sometimes you have to live!

For me, I want to get the 802Diamonds and HTM2Diamond, and for me it's a lot of money...not that I can't afford it, but it's a big expenditure when I could use that money for other things.... remodeling the kitchen (doesn't really need it), a new deck out back/sunroom...new driveway/walkway... etc. Now none of those things need done, it's more a luxury of just doing it to do it. Now if I needed a furnace, a new car, foundation work, roof or something really important... then for me, that comes first. No question.

But also, I spend probably about 3 hours or so a day *more on the weekends* in front of my system either watching TV, listening to music, or watching movies. So for me it's something I'll get PLENTY of enjoyment out of for MANY MANY years. It's really no different than a car (which I got two and don't need any more)...and will hold up better and cost me FAR less than a car (overall)!

But to each his/her own...

My rule of thumb with something like this is, if you plan on buying them... sit on it for a week or two (if you can) or even longer if possible...if you still want them then and can justify purchasing them and any downfalls that might possibly come... then you're ready and go for it and enjoy!!!!

....now... can you hook me up with a great price on 802Ds!!!!

[Rod#S]

PewterTA just gave some great advice. I went through the same thing when I purchased my 802 Diamonds and HTM2 Diamond last year as they were a lot of money for me. I didn't sit on it for a week or two I sat on it for like six months. I have made big purchases in the past in all instances I gave it plenty of thought before following through.

One other thing to keep in mind, you say 800D's and not 800 Diamonds. Have you heard both? If so, if you preferred the 800 Diamonds think about that as well because that could end up eating at you for a long time. However if you did hear both and preferred the 800D's then there wouldn't be any regret on that front.

[sikoniko]

One other thing to keep in mind, you say 800D's and not 800 Diamonds. Have you heard both? If so, if you preferred the 800 Diamonds think about that as well because that could end up eating at you for a long time. However if you did hear both and preferred the 800D's then there wouldn't be any regret on that front.

Well, after trade-in I would be getting 800D's and an HTM2D2 for the price of a new pair of 802D2's because the dealer is wanting to get rid of his floor models... So I guess the real question would be 800D's or 802D2's? price-wise, 800D2's are in another hemisphere...

I think it is good advice to sit on it a couple weeks. I'll do that.

Thanks!

[Rod#S]

Wow, the dealer really wants to get rid of them, he's practically throwing them out to the trash Damn, that's an absolutely insane price.

Oh man, if it were between 802 Diamonds and the 800D's, personally I would go for 800D's and then keep an eye out for a HTM1D on Audiogon to get a nicely matched front soundstage.

[beden1]

I would ask Rebelman what he would do in the same situation since he has had his 800Ds for sometime now.

Does he feel the need, or does he have the desire to upgrade to the new 800Di?

The 800Ds are wonderful speakers, and it would be a tough decision to pass them up for a great deal, including the B&W warranty by buying the demos through the dealer.

[PewterTA]

That is something to think about... if you get these off the dealer, you'll have the warranty and I guarantee some type of trade-in/up program if you want to get the 802/800Diamonds in a couple years.

I heard both the 802D and 802Diamonds side by side and for me... that was a bad mistake, because I realized how much more I like the top end of the 802 Diamonds and for me spending this kind of money... it seems silly to spend half to be "happy" with the 802Ds knowing that I really wanted to be "HAPPY" with the 802Diamonds.

So even though it's more of a stretch to get what I want... in the long run, it's taking the stress and work out of replacing the speakers within a certain time frame when from the get go I could get the speaker I enjoyed far more!

Course I'm sure the next line of 800s I'll like even more than these.... lol...but that's the way it goes... then maybe I can trade up at that point. Or even find out I don't care for the next line at all and go in another direction all together.

[Cruxis]

Just curious Pewter,
as I'm very interested in the 802 Di. Is the top end in the Diamonds smoother than the 802D's, or how would you describe the difference?

[beden1]

Just curious Pewter,
as I'm very interested in the 802 Di. Is the top end in the Diamonds smoother than the 802D's, or how would you describe the difference?

I would say more revealing (802Di) and not smoother than the 802D.

I love the new highs for HT with the tremendous clarity but not so much for music. There are very few quality recordings that I can sit and listen to through the Di series without my ears having pain, literally.

[PewterTA]

Yes, i would say the 802Ds are smoother (less detailed) or softer in the top end.

For me the detail and clarity in the 802Dis was just amazing. Listening on Classe SP-800 pre & CA-2200 amp, I listened to the 802Dis for about 2 hours straight and loved every second of it. There's just a realistic-ness of the instruments that I did not hear from the 802Ds. It's like getting a new pair of glasses (for anyone that has them), where it's just focusing in on everything a bit better... you could see fine before, but the new pair gives you the crystal clear view of things. Which sometimes isn't always better and definitely takes time to get used to...

Now I have the 604s3s that I've modified myself and I have to say the 802Ds sounds VERY much like the 604s. Not as in the quality was the same, it wasn't, the bass on the 802Ds is insane, but the characteristics in the top end were similar. The 802Di, to me, seemed like a whole new speaker line and more what I would think I should be getting at the price. It's a more detailed and focused musical sound. It doesn't have the huge sound stage presentation of the 802Ds, but to me it's a more realistic presentation of live music. You know exactly where instruments are placed, the speakers completely disappear and it seems like no sound actually comes from the speaker itself. There's a really great synergy between all the drivers.

I hope this makes sense as I got interrupted about 20 times while typing. lol

To me, I'd have a tough time justifying the 14K for the 802Ds at the time... now at the 8K price tag you can find demos for... yeah that's more reasonable.

The bass on the 802Dis

[dan87951]

Worst case scenario if you don't like them you can at least get your money back on them by selling them second hand.

IMO the HTM2D2 will match just fine!

[sikoniko]

That is something to think about... if you get these off the dealer, you'll have the warranty and I guarantee some type of trade-in/up program if you want to get the 802/800Diamonds in a couple years.

I heard both the 802D and 802Diamonds side by side and for me... that was a bad mistake, because I realized how much more I like the top end of the 802 Diamonds and for me spending this kind of money... it seems silly to spend half to be "happy" with the 802Ds knowing that I really wanted to be "HAPPY" with the 802Diamonds.

So even though it's more of a stretch to get what I want... in the long run, it's taking the stress and work out of replacing the speakers within a certain time frame when from the get go I could get the speaker I enjoyed far more!

Course I'm sure the next line of 800s I'll like even more than these.... lol...but that's the way it goes... then maybe I can trade up at that point. Or even find out I don't care for the next line at all and go in another direction all together.

This is what I am thinking... Just getting the new 800Di and not upgrading my center channel (NHTM1) until I can afford it. The center will be disproportionate, but I'll have the no-compromise speakers and not think in the back of my head if I should have just spent the extra money on the new speakers.

I'll have to wait until the middle of next month to order them. Have some things going on right now. Anything could change between now and then. We'll see. I'll keep ya posted.

[sikoniko]

I would ask Rebelman what he would do in the same situation since he has had his 800Ds for sometime now.

Does he feel the need, or does he have the desire to upgrade to the new 800Di?

The 800Ds are wonderful speakers, and it would be a tough decision to pass them up for a great deal, including the B&W warranty by buying the demos through the dealer.

I have. He doesn't have the desire to upgrade, but if he didn't have 800Ds and was buying new...

[sikoniko]

things are progressing and I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of 800Diamonds! Hopefully I will have them ordered early next week and they will be in my home a couple weeks later. (the dealer doesn't have them in stock so they have to be delivered). I also have to ship off my 802N's. They have been great speakers and I have had them for 7 years...

The thing that sucks is that I will have to live with my NHTM1 for the time being... Hope to have the upgraded by the end of the year.

[Rod#S]

Congrats, I'm sure you'll love them and be happy with your decision with no regrets. Post some pictures when they arrive.

What finish did you get?

[sikoniko]

Congrats, I'm sure you'll love them and be happy with your decision with no regrets. Post some pictures when they arrive.

What finish did you get?

Thanks!

rosenut. heh.. so now I will have 4x black SCMs, 1 black ASW 850, 1 red cherry ASW 850, one red cherry NHTM1 and 2x Rosenut 800D's... so much for matched set...

I don't mind having the black surrounds and rosenut front. At one time I had all red cherry but I ended up replacing my SCM1's with SCM's because I liked the mounts better on those as they pointed down a little and I got the black sub for a steal. The center will be replaced this year to match l/r so the only real oddball will be the one sub. I don't feel any rush to replace it as my in room bass response is nearly perfect without having to EQ.

[Rod#S]

My 802 Diamonds and HTM2 Diamond are all rosenut, it's a great looking finish.

So just for clarification, did you get the older 800D's that your dealer was offering for a steal or new 800 Diamonds?

What are you planning on getting for the center?

[sikoniko]

My 802 Diamonds and HTM2 Diamond are all rosenut, it's a great looking finish.

So just for clarification, did you get the older 800D's that your dealer was offering for a steal or new 800 Diamonds?

I'm getting the new 800 Diamonds (for a steal ).

What are you planning on getting for the center?

I know there is much debate around this (whether it is suited as a match for the 800D2) but I will get the HTM2 Diamond.

[scanido]

Congrats Sikoniko,

I've seen your system progress through the years. Here's to hoping your new 800 Diamonds brings your system to a whole new level.

I've gone through 603S3 -> 804S -> 803S -> and now finally 802 Diamonds and they are that good that I have not felt any need to change them. I know many other components will change in my system, but the 802 Diamonds will be staying for good.

[PewterTA]

That's what I like to hear!!! I can't wait to finally get mine. I'm still having the hardest time figuring out which 802Diamonds to get... I love all 3!!!!

[mjb]

I'm getting the new 800 Diamonds (for a steal ).

I know there is much debate around this (whether it is suited as a match for the 800D2) but I will get the HTM2 Diamond.

Congratulations! The HTM2 Diamond will be a great match for them too.

[sikoniko]

the speakers arrived a week ago yesterday. I've been working on fixing some issues that I had let go (have had 2 children in the last 3 years and not a lot of time spent with the system) with the electronics and remote control to get everything functional again while the speakers are breaking in. I'll take some pic's next weekend when I get the rack cleaned up (waiting on some custom mid-atlantic face-plates!).