Which center for my 803S

[BBibber]

Hi,

My old matrix center died and I'm wondering which center will blend with my 803S.

I had an opportunity to buy a new HTM 3S (still closed box) but the WAF was not ok :-((.

I tried to find a HTM 4S but couldn't find any available so I'm wondering if a HTM 4 Diamond would blend in very well or if I should go for a CM C2 since it also has a Aluminium Nautilus Tweeter.

Thanks for any advice.

[TomScrut]

I have been thinking the same thing too recently. I would be interested to know where you found that htm3s! As far as I am aware it's very important to voice match your centre to the fronts. The Diamond I think will sound too different but it's probably worth a listen if you can. The HTM4 doesn't have an FST and the CMC2 does, but the HTM is 800 series and the CMC isn't. It's a difficult one that I think you will need to go and listen to if you can. At least the HTM4 Diamond and CMC2 can be bought new so a home demo could be an option?

[BBibber]

I would be interested to know where you found that htm3s!

It's available in the Netherlands for pick-up (you google "b&w htm 3s marktplaats")

[TomScrut]

Thanks!

[emig5m]

I would never let a woman run me over like this. If fact, every girl I've ever went out with loved my sound system even if they weren't into it as a hobby and I know plenty of my friends where their wives tolerated large Cerwin Vega boxes. I mean sheesh, you already have the 803S. I'd do it right and get the HTM3S and tell your wife to get over it. Still closed box you say? What I wouldn't do to be able to find a pair of closed box 805S....

[BBibber]

Tomorrow I can have a HTM 4 Diamond for the weekend.
Let's find out if Diamonds are truly Girls Best Friend...

[emig5m]

Well time to sell the 803S and get 805D's..... :yesnod:

[BBibber]

I just got the HTM 4 Diamond connected and it blends perfectly with the 803S.
The highs are a little sweeter but absolutely not disturbing.

Somehow the 'sharpness, (compared to the Diamond tweeter) of the 'S' tweeters improve the stereo image.

Tomorrow I'll some more testing but my feeling tells me this will be OK.

[TomScrut]

Well time to sell the 803S and get 805D's..... :yesnod:

That's wouldn't cost a lot to do second hand either. There is a 3 week old pair for sale over here

[BBibber]

After a full day testing with both music (multi channel from sacd source) and movies (blu-ray DTS Master) I have to say that the HTM 4 Diamond blends in pretty well. I tried the sweet spot position switching between 2 channel and multi-channel and I could not tell a difference in tonal difference except a better sound spread over the front when in 3 channel mode.

I've never heard a blend of Diamond speakers with the 'S' line before but now I really wonder how big the differences are.

So for those that would have doubts, there is no reason to.

Even the WAF improved upon hearing.... At unpacking I got the message that I shouldn't even try but everything changed after 1 day

Tomorrow I'll place my order for under the Christmas tree

[TomScrut]

That's good, I might have to keep an eye out for a HTM2D or Diamond as my long term plans are 802 Diamonds anyway and HTM3Ss are like rocking horse s***! I want one in cherry so the one you diverted me towards isnt any good. It is also too expensive in my opinion!

Tom

[kcsun]

Hi Tom
This one is in the UK and has been advertised for at least 6 - 9 months

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/B-W-BOWERS...item27d17a33ab

I reckon they will take an offer if you are serious with them

kc

[TomScrut]

I think it's too expensive and I actually approached them about the 802s and HTM and they wouldnt knock a lot off! I would say it's worth more like 2 grand than 3! Thanks anyway though