NEW B&W series 2015 ?

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  • kobestonecold
    Senior Member
    • Sep 2007
    • 149

    #136
    Believe it or not as soon as people start buying D3 and post picture here on the forum, you all want to sell the the current system and buy the new D3.
    What do i do with my 804d? damnnnnnnnn:M

    Comment

    • gerardhn
      Senior Member
      • Jun 2005
      • 352

      #137
      from price the 803d3 looks as the normal successor for 802d2 (also 2 woofer concept now)

      maybe 802d3 must seen compared to 800d2??

      and 800d3 as new extra super thing??

      then price increase is reasonable....

      Comment

      • TomScrut
        Senior Member
        • Nov 2013
        • 532

        #138
        Originally posted by grdn1987
        This is a BS argument. All of the prices of those goods with the exception of the Bentley rise roughly in pace with inflation, as in their prices are determined approximately by their cost of materials. A Bentley is a luxury good. For luxury goods, ever higher prices are a selling feature for consumers equally important to any data point on a spec sheet.

        Obviously, hi fi companies are pricing their products as luxury goods, and where there's a small market of rich boomer nerds who grew up obsessing over hi fi systems, they can get away with it. It's a short game however. A 100KG speaker will never hold the near universal cachet of a Patek Philippe or a Bentley. Eventually these boomers will die and prices will come back down to reality. In the meantime, a bunch of other actually innovative companies like Devialet will have eaten the old boys lunch with active dsp, etc for a fraction of the price. Hifi is a tiny market, so low and mid end disruption is a slow process relative to what people are used to seeing in high tech.
        Devialet stuff ain't exactly cheap!

        As for the price rises I do wonder why people complain every time they bring out a new 800 series. It always gets a big hike, just get over it and buy them or not. Did anyone expect the new 802 to be $500 more than the last one?

        The three speakers which haven't had a complete redesign (804, 805 & HTM1, which was HTM2) have had a small increase this time which was a surprise. I suspect they will be using the old tooling for the cabinets for those speakers too just by looking at them, and I did hear that the tooling for that was a 6 figure sum which is surely hard to recover in something that is not mass produced. I also reckon they were aiming to bring the 803 in to replace the old 802 as such and move the range further up market. Which yes is probably business driven and whether you can agree or disagree with what they have done from that perspective is your choice.

        Just be glad they aren't as expensive as the Focal Utopia range!

        If they perform well and I can afford them I may buy some one day. That depends also on the performance and can decide which of the rubbish colours looks best. RIP Cherry!

        Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
        Music: Intel NUC -> Antelope Zodiac Platinum -> Classe CA-2300 -> B&W 802 Diamonds & 2x SVS SB13U

        Comment

        • Patrick Butler
          Senior Member
          • Jan 2014
          • 164

          #139
          Hi Marine3412,

          If the products weren't completely new, and if we didn't have to purchase all new tooling (tooling alone was north of £2M), and if the R&D didn't take 7 years and 20 engineers, and if the new parts weren't more expensive than the old parts, and if simple things like painting didn't take longer (the black paint takes 4 weeks to cure, during which time you can do nothing), then I would be inclined to agree with you. The cost for the first Turbine head that we cast (just to see if the simulations were accurate) was $30,000.

          You simply cannot build a loudspeaker that is radically better than what it replaces for a modest price increase. Have a listen over the coming months and I think you'll agree that the hard work has certainly paid off.

          Regards,

          Patrick
          B&W Group North America




          Originally posted by Marine3412
          I have purchased B&w speakers for over 10 years now. I can say it stops here! I own a business and I can't imagine these kinda of price increases . They must think we are idiots! You can come up with whatever reasons you can come up with. The fact is materials do not go up that much and machinery does not cost that much to change set ups. You must be tearing down the whole plant and rebuilding it. Companies ,good companies make changes in all areas and do not double prices! Imagine if car companies did that? There are far more complex areas of technology that do not incur these outrageous hikes in numbers . I was so excited to buy a pair of these. I even sold my 2008 jeep to buy a pair. Not now.To me it is a question of feeling taken advantage of. The numbers do not add up , at least for this poor guy! Best of luck! Think I'll buy some revels! Oh and these are speakers,not a Bentley ! Speakers!

          Comment

          • leo2498
            Senior Member
            • Feb 2012
            • 370

            #140
            Originally posted by Patrick Butler
            Hi Marine3412,

            If the products weren't completely new, and if we didn't have to purchase all new tooling (tooling alone was north of £2M), and if the R&D didn't take 7 years and 20 engineers, and if the new parts weren't more expensive than the old parts, and if simple things like painting didn't take longer (the black paint takes 4 weeks to cure, during which time you can do nothing), then I would be inclined to agree with you. The cost for the first Turbine head that we cast (just to see if the simulations were accurate) was $30,000.

            You simply cannot build a loudspeaker that is radically better than what it replaces for a modest price increase. Have a listen over the coming months and I think you'll agree that the hard work has certainly paid off.

            Regards,

            Patrick
            B&W Group North America
            When I hear words like “radically better than what it replaces” I wondering if I need to feel that the old diamond D2 are cheap and bad, this type of think make me feel that this hobby went to the toilet. when I bought my AV8801 many sellers of Marantz said impressions of the 8802 like “is way better“ and what it replaces is not in its league even the 7702 is way better according to them, so I thought “ok is a mass brand and this could happen”. I never thought that this will happen with some products of Bower6 Wilkins, I trusted in this brand blind only because they had a prestige of its products are consistent and reliable so when mi classe amp smashes its diamond tweeter two times at very low volume I thought well the problem is the amp fortunately for me my dealer (with help of local authorities) had change both things (amp and speakers) but I hope that all this is just to justify the big increase of its prices.

            Now this new materials are launched to the toilet the marlan head, Kevlar and rohacell stuff that until one month ago was the real improve in sound jajaja. In five years I will hear again "continuum is not the real improve now is …."
            Leo,
            Saludos
            My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

            Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

            Comment

            • leo2498
              Senior Member
              • Feb 2012
              • 370

              #141
              Originally posted by TomScrut
              Devialet stuff ain't exactly cheap!

              As for the price rises I do wonder why people complain every time they bring out a new 800 series. It always gets a big hike, just get over it and buy them or not. Did anyone expect the new 802 to be $500 more than the last one?

              The three speakers which haven't had a complete redesign (804, 805 & HTM1, which was HTM2) have had a small increase this time which was a surprise. I suspect they will be using the old tooling for the cabinets for those speakers too just by looking at them, and I did hear that the tooling for that was a 6 figure sum which is surely hard to recover in something that is not mass produced. I also reckon they were aiming to bring the 803 in to replace the old 802 as such and move the range further up market. Which yes is probably business driven and whether you can agree or disagree with what they have done from that perspective is your choice.

              Just be glad they aren't as expensive as the Focal Utopia range!

              If they perform well and I can afford them I may buy some one day. That depends also on the performance and can decide which of the rubbish colours looks best. RIP Cherry!

              Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
              Come on Tom when you said small increase did you do the math? The similar lower 800 series are increased 20%, for the 803 is 70% more and the 802 is 46% more expensive so if this is rational for you that is Ok but I will need win the lottery if I want to change my 804 for the new ones or I will need another job to get it. The 803 is now way way way from my dreams(without say that they are very ugly to me)
              Leo,
              Saludos
              My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

              Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

              Comment

              • TomScrut
                Senior Member
                • Nov 2013
                • 532

                #142
                Originally posted by leo2498
                Come on Tom when you said small increase did you do the math? The similar lower 800 series are increased 20%, for the 803 is 70% more and the 802 is 46% more expensive so if this is rational for you that is Ok but I will need win the lottery if I want to change my 804 for the new ones or I will need another job to get it. The 803 is now way way way from my dreams(without say that they are very ugly to me)
                20% isn't that bad! And the reason the 803s have gone up so much is the fact they put the head on it!

                I aren't saying they are right in what they have done I am saying why does everyone seem so surprised? They always Jack the price up! They did it in 2005 and 2010 when they brought out new models and those were not a completely new design, and made use of old cabinet tooling in most circumstances.

                And I don't think you did the math either. At least on UK prices taking the 804 from 5750 to 6750 is less than 20 percent. The HTM1 is 4250 IIRC from 4000 for the HTM2 Diamond, that's not a lot at all. The 805s may have gone 20 percent but I can't remember them prices off the top of my head.

                On the other hand, the 802 has gone up loads which is a bit odd, I can see why the 803 went up when they made it with the head, something they have needed to do is a smaller headed speaker. Only reason I have 802s is because they were so much better than the 803 or 804 but I would be better with smaller speakers.

                Just be glad your speakers didn't plummet in value the other day like they would have done if the prices had stayed the same.

                Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
                Music: Intel NUC -> Antelope Zodiac Platinum -> Classe CA-2300 -> B&W 802 Diamonds & 2x SVS SB13U

                Comment

                • leo2498
                  Senior Member
                  • Feb 2012
                  • 370

                  #143
                  Originally posted by TomScrut
                  20% isn't that bad! And the reason the 803s have gone up so much is the fact they put the head on it!


                  And I don't think you did the math either. At least on UK prices taking the 804 from 5750 to 6750 is less than 20 percent. The HTM1 is 4250 IIRC from 4000 for the HTM2 Diamond, that's not a lot at all. The 805s may have gone 20 percent but I can't remember them prices off the top of my head.

                  Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
                  I did, the 804D2 was 7500 usd and now are 9000 so is 20% exactly and the same 5000 usd and now 6000 for the 805D. by the other hand if the 803 has head now for 50% more well that not work for me(I know the tool is expensive but for that price I will prefer the Big 802D2)
                  Leo,
                  Saludos
                  My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

                  Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

                  Comment

                  • TomScrut
                    Senior Member
                    • Nov 2013
                    • 532

                    #144
                    Price increases are different on terms of ratios then over here!

                    Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
                    Music: Intel NUC -> Antelope Zodiac Platinum -> Classe CA-2300 -> B&W 802 Diamonds & 2x SVS SB13U

                    Comment

                    • JesperA
                      Junior Member
                      • Jul 2009
                      • 24

                      #145
                      I am so dissapointed about the looks, hopefully it looks better IRL but in the pictures they look horrible, the Diamonds was very clean and somewhat "classy" if i can call them that. Now, the design is very "busy", looking cheap and is overall very out of place, like multiple different speakers merged into one body. The 805 is the only one that looks okay.

                      I would consider buying the D2:s instead but then i would have to live with the knownledge that they have lower performance than the new versions. Maybe time to choose another manufacturer now.

                      I really dont like the silver heads on the white versions so is B&W open to put a black head on a white body if someone would ask for it?

                      Comment

                      • Kal Rubinson
                        Super Senior Member
                        • Mar 2006
                        • 2109

                        #146
                        Originally posted by leo2498
                        Now this new materials are launched to the toilet the marlan head, Kevlar and rohacell stuff that until one month ago was the real improve in sound jajaja. In five years I will hear again "continuum is not the real improve now is …."
                        You seem to think that a product that is the best it can be for an application and at a place in time defines perfection and that is simply not so. Improvements in any technology can always be achieved and, although they are built on their predecessors, they do not reduce their capabilities or inherent value. Unless you are thinking in terms of game (or toilet) theory, owners of preceding models have not suffered any losses. They still work and sound as good as ever.
                        Kal Rubinson
                        _______________________________
                        "Music in the Round"
                        Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
                        http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round

                        Comment

                        • leo2498
                          Senior Member
                          • Feb 2012
                          • 370

                          #147
                          Originally posted by Kal Rubinson
                          You seem to think that a product that is the best it can be for an application and at a place in time defines perfection and that is simply not so. Improvements in any technology can always be achieved and, although they are built on their predecessors, they do not reduce their capabilities or inherent value. Unless you are thinking in terms of game (or toilet) theory, owners of preceding models have not suffered any losses. They still work and sound as good as ever.
                          Yes but if before this new release you could get a good second hand 802D2 at 10k I wondering now that there are a "significant better option" how much you will get a second hand, the good thing to spend in this speaker was it could hold its value. By the other hand speakers sound is very suggestive to interpretation thing and its accuracy it will depend from the ear of the listener so this huge step forward improvement could be only sugestion and marketing but one thing I'm agree we need to try it by yourself and let your ear decide
                          Leo,
                          Saludos
                          My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

                          Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

                          Comment

                          • Patrick Butler
                            Senior Member
                            • Jan 2014
                            • 164

                            #148
                            Hi leo2498,

                            Would you feel that your 5 yr old Porsche 911 was cheap and bad because a newer and better 911 was introduced? Probably not.

                            The outgoing series are still wonderful products. But you can't be in the business of designing and manufacturing performance products unless you are pushing the envelope. This naturally means that new products will be introduced, and at the end of the day the only way they can justify their existence is through better performance.

                            Regards,

                            Patrick Butler
                            B&W Group North America


                            Originally posted by leo2498
                            When I hear words like “radically better than what it replaces” I wondering if I need to feel that the old diamond D2 are cheap and bad, this type of think make me feel that this hobby went to the toilet. when I bought my AV8801 many sellers of Marantz said impressions of the 8802 like “is way better“ and what it replaces is not in its league even the 7702 is way better according to them, so I thought “ok is a mass brand and this could happen”. I never thought that this will happen with some products of Bower6 Wilkins, I trusted in this brand blind only because they had a prestige of its products are consistent and reliable so when mi classe amp smashes its diamond tweeter two times at very low volume I thought well the problem is the amp fortunately for me my dealer (with help of local authorities) had change both things (amp and speakers) but I hope that all this is just to justify the big increase of its prices.

                            Now this new materials are launched to the toilet the marlan head, Kevlar and rohacell stuff that until one month ago was the real improve in sound jajaja. In five years I will hear again "continuum is not the real improve now is …."

                            Comment

                            • dean_shultz
                              Junior Member
                              • Sep 2015
                              • 3

                              #149
                              Originally posted by Patrick Butler

                              ...and if the R&D didn't take 7 years and 20 engineers...
                              Come on Patrick. Does B&W really cashflow their R&D and 20 engineers with the 800 series?? I read recently that B&W generates 35-40% of its revenue through the mobile industry (airplay, bluetooth, headphones, etc). And then what percentage of revenues come from the 600 series? Then the CM? Let's not say that the 800 series pays for R&D. Trickle down does, sure. But that's my point.

                              Folks, let's face it. The 800 series is a luxury item. It's not targeted to any (of us) complaining about even a 10k price hike. Bottom line is that B&W knows how many units it will move at x and y and z price. They charge what they're charging because they can. People WILL buy. They're not that dumb. In the meantime, I'd imagine B&W is only making a small percentage of revenue from the 800 series. The bigger win is brand identity and trickle down tech that the R&D will provide.

                              Comment

                              • Mark_NZ
                                Member
                                • Apr 2007
                                • 51

                                #150
                                Here is video that provides great insight into the construction of the new series : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EpH2QsE77w

                                The internal construction does show a lot of thought has gone into improving rigidity with an intelligent mix of plywood and aluminium reinforcing.

                                One thing I don't believe is highlighted is that the rear aluminium spine on the 803/2 paves the way for partial/fully active model. Question is when this will be introduced, perhaps as a 800 Anniversary model or with the next series upgrade?

                                Comment

                                • Patrick Butler
                                  Senior Member
                                  • Jan 2014
                                  • 164

                                  #151
                                  Hi dean_shultz,

                                  While the data on the makeup our our sales is confidential, the 35-40% figure you quoted is quite inflated. 800 sales are a very important part of our overall revenue. To put it another way, you can represent the entire yearly revenue of other high end speaker manufacturers with single models such as the outgoing 805D2.

                                  Regarding engineering, when each series is refreshed it is typically a head to toe affair (as was the case last year with 600 and CM, and this year with 800.) Sure you can apply the things you've already learned in R&D to future products, but you have to approach each series separately because what you can afford to do in series A you may not be able to do in series B. That takes time and smart people.

                                  Fortunately, we are a very efficient company when it comes to production and that shows in the final price of our products.

                                  Regards,

                                  Patrick

                                  Comment

                                  • Kal Rubinson
                                    Super Senior Member
                                    • Mar 2006
                                    • 2109

                                    #152
                                    Originally posted by leo2498
                                    Yes but if before this new release you could get a good second hand 802D2 at 10k I wondering now that there are a "significant better option" how much you will get a second hand, the good thing to spend in this speaker was it could hold its value. By the other hand speakers sound is very suggestive to interpretation thing and its accuracy it will depend from the ear of the listener so this huge step forward improvement could be only sugestion and marketing but one thing I'm agree we need to try it by yourself and let your ear decide
                                    Given that the new series is significantly more expensive than the current one, I doubt if it will depress resale/used valuation for the current ones to any degree, regardless of any performance differences. Imagine if they were similarly priced? :W
                                    Last edited by Kal Rubinson; 11 September 2015, 20:15 Friday.
                                    Kal Rubinson
                                    _______________________________
                                    "Music in the Round"
                                    Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
                                    http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round

                                    Comment

                                    • dan87951
                                      Senior Member
                                      • Nov 2005
                                      • 379

                                      #153
                                      Originally posted by Patrick Butler
                                      Hi leo2498,

                                      Would you feel that your 5 yr old Porsche 911 was cheap and bad because a newer and better 911 was introduced? Probably not.

                                      The outgoing series are still wonderful products. But you can't be in the business of designing and manufacturing performance products unless you are pushing the envelope. This naturally means that new products will be introduced, and at the end of the day the only way they can justify their existence is through better performance.

                                      Regards,

                                      Patrick Butler
                                      B&W Group North America
                                      I like how you bring up Porsche as an analogy. As a Porsche enthusiast myself, I remember reading that a Porsche engineer was once asked why the door on a 911 hasn't changed in 30+ years and his response was, "its a good door!". I always liked that response. I always took that as sometimes certain design elements should be left alone.

                                      To say I was surprised to see you do such a radical design change with the 800 series is definitely an understatement! I hope it works out for you. Hopefully you guys didn't make the same mistake Porsche did with the 996 but then again I'm not your target customer anymore (been priced out). The new series may not have the sexy looks of the last generation, but there is no doubt in my mind they will sound awesome.
                                      dan87951
                                      audio guru

                                      Comment

                                      • dean_shultz
                                        Junior Member
                                        • Sep 2015
                                        • 3

                                        #154
                                        Originally posted by Patrick Butler

                                        While the data on the makeup our our sales is confidential, the 35-40% figure you quoted is quite inflated.
                                        Thanks Patrick. I'll include the reference here (it's a very recent article...perhaps they need to get it updated): http://www.theguardian.com/business/...r-speaker-firm

                                        If there's one thing I appreciate about B&W, it's that 99% of the other guys are buying drivers and screwing them in. As an owner of the 805D2, there was a level of pride, and a great deal of confidence, that this speaker was a better whole (built from a blank canvas with a wider palette of resources)...not just the sum of a bunch of parts screwed together. Most of the mom and pop companies are limited by their parts. B&W is one of the few companies who gets to invent completely new parts.

                                        Comment

                                        • RebelMan
                                          Ultra Senior Member
                                          • Mar 2005
                                          • 3139

                                          #155
                                          Originally posted by Kal Rubinson
                                          Given that the new series is significantly more expensive than the current one, I doubt if it will depress resale/used valuation for the current ones to any degree, regardless of any performance differences.:W
                                          You would be wrong. The price goes up at resale! Ever since the 805D2 and 804D2 models came out the previous gens not only held their value but some, if not many, fetched near their retail prices!!! When I sold my 800D (after nearly 7 years of ownership), I made a $500 profit!
                                          "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today."

                                          Comment

                                          • Kal Rubinson
                                            Super Senior Member
                                            • Mar 2006
                                            • 2109

                                            #156
                                            Originally posted by RebelMan
                                            You would be wrong. The price goes up at resale! Ever since the 805D2 and 804D2 models came out the previous gens not only held their value but some, if not many, fetched near their retail prices!!! When I sold my 800D (after nearly 7 years of ownership), I made a $500 profit!
                                            We are not in disagreement.
                                            Kal Rubinson
                                            _______________________________
                                            "Music in the Round"
                                            Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
                                            http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round

                                            Comment

                                            • leo2498
                                              Senior Member
                                              • Feb 2012
                                              • 370

                                              #157
                                              Originally posted by RebelMan
                                              You would be wrong. The price goes up at resale! Ever since the 805D2 and 804D2 models came out the previous gens not only held their value but some, if not many, fetched near their retail prices!!! When I sold my 800D (after nearly 7 years of ownership), I made a $500 profit!
                                              Well look at this link:

                                              https://app.audiogon.com/listings/fu...southampton-ny

                                              5K less than retail price it's not a big deal for the seller. Personally I'm not a second hand buyer but when the product price increase the market or buyers tend to decrease with it.
                                              Leo,
                                              Saludos
                                              My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

                                              Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

                                              Comment

                                              • leo2498
                                                Senior Member
                                                • Feb 2012
                                                • 370

                                                #158
                                                just one thing is bother me when new release products are launching and is the marketing of "it's way better" I know it need to be better because this is the point of new products but a ferrari is a ferrari, the new ones is better but not vastly better. :roll:
                                                Leo,
                                                Saludos
                                                My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

                                                Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

                                                Comment

                                                • ShadowZA
                                                  Super Senior Member
                                                  • Jan 2006
                                                  • 1099

                                                  #159
                                                  If I were the CEO of B&W, I'd be thinking along these lines: What should the target market be for the new 800 series? And why? Are the improvements made to the new 800 series significant enough to break in to a new wealthier target market (assuming that a wealthier target market is in its sights) and gain a permanent foothold?

                                                  It needs to be noted that in terms of the volatility of financial markets it is the wealthy who are more inclined to retain their spending pattens. Concerning the financial characteristics of the wealthy in an economical downturn, they might experience a drop in net asset value but generally speaking, the significance of their wealth acts as a buffer and their spending patterns are usually only minimally affected.

                                                  The middle class are usually the most affected in times of economical downturn and are forced to pull back on their spending patterns in order to survive.

                                                  It might make sense then for B&W to re-arrange it's marketing and push toward a wealthier clientelle in order to gain a solid foothold in terms of future profitability.

                                                  Yes, it is about sound. But it is more about profitability and goodwill. It could be possible for B&W to do better in terms of profitability and at the same time bolster its goodwill with respect to its new 800 series.

                                                  Current 800 series owners should not stress. It is my view that our speakers will retain their value better than we expect they might.

                                                  Comment

                                                  • Patrick Butler
                                                    Senior Member
                                                    • Jan 2014
                                                    • 164

                                                    #160
                                                    Hi ShadowZA,

                                                    I can tell you that the thought process is much simpler- how can we build a better performing product with outstanding value? After performance goals are met, the hard part (as if the design weren't already difficult!) is controlling manufacturing costs so that a thing that should sell for X doesn't end up selling for 3X. We integrated Lean manufacturing systems years ago, so our size and efficiency help keep costs down which enables us to sell products with better value.

                                                    Our customers already include those making a good living and the very wealthy.

                                                    Regards,

                                                    Patrick Butler
                                                    B&W Group North America




                                                    Originally posted by ShadowZA
                                                    If I were the CEO of B&W, I'd be thinking along these lines: What should the target market be for the new 800 series? And why? Are the improvements made to the new 800 series significant enough to break in to a new wealthier target market (assuming that a wealthier target market is in its sights) and gain a permanent foothold?

                                                    It needs to be noted that in terms of the volatility of financial markets it is the wealthy who are more inclined to retain their spending pattens. Concerning the financial characteristics of the wealthy in an economical downturn, they might experience a drop in net asset value but generally speaking, the significance of their wealth acts as a buffer and their spending patterns are usually only minimally affected.

                                                    The middle class are usually the most affected in times of economical downturn and are forced to pull back on their spending patterns in order to survive.

                                                    It might make sense then for B&W to re-arrange it's marketing and push toward a wealthier clientelle in order to gain a solid foothold in terms of future profitability.

                                                    Yes, it is about sound. But it is more about profitability and goodwill. It could be possible for B&W to do better in terms of profitability and at the same time bolster its goodwill with respect to its new 800 series.

                                                    Current 800 series owners should not stress. It is my view that our speakers will retain their value better than we expect they might.

                                                    Comment

                                                    • ShadowZA
                                                      Super Senior Member
                                                      • Jan 2006
                                                      • 1099

                                                      #161
                                                      Thank you for the feedback, Patrick. Great to know!

                                                      Regards
                                                      ShadowZA

                                                      Originally posted by Patrick Butler
                                                      Hi ShadowZA,

                                                      I can tell you that the thought process is much simpler- how can we build a better performing product with outstanding value? After performance goals are met, the hard part (as if the design weren't already difficult!) is controlling manufacturing costs so that a thing that should sell for X doesn't end up selling for 3X. We integrated Lean manufacturing systems years ago, so our size and efficiency help keep costs down which enables us to sell products with better value.

                                                      Our customers already include those making a good living and the very wealthy.

                                                      Regards,

                                                      Patrick Butler
                                                      B&W Group North America

                                                      Comment

                                                      • SPACEMANRICK
                                                        Senior Member
                                                        • May 2005
                                                        • 200

                                                        #162
                                                        Originally posted by RebelMan
                                                        You would be wrong. The price goes up at resale! Ever since the 805D2 and 804D2 models came out the previous gens not only held their value but some, if not many, fetched near their retail prices!!! When I sold my 800D (after nearly 7 years of ownership), I made a $500 profit!
                                                        I see the used 804S speakers I sold 4 years ago are still being sold today for the same amount today that I sold them for 4 years ago. Interesting to note that Wilson Sasha series 1 speakers seem to depreciate must faster than the B&W 800 series, does anyone know why those seem to depreciate much faster? Is it because those Wison speaker buyers have deeper pockets and always want the newest version out there?

                                                        Comment

                                                        • Race Car Driver
                                                          Super Senior Member
                                                          • Mar 2005
                                                          • 1540

                                                          #163
                                                          A round-up of all our latest blog posts. From A-Z, updates on our brand, music and tech happenings, how-to guides and handy hints, and the latest product stories.
                                                          B&W

                                                          Comment

                                                          • Rod#S
                                                            Senior Member
                                                            • Oct 2010
                                                            • 474

                                                            #164
                                                            Like so many I am hugely disappointed in the new look, not so much with the 805, 804 and 2 centers but the with the 803 and 802 with the turbine heads. The dramatic narrowing from the cabinet to the head looks really odd. It would look much more natural if the head was wider. It's also odd to see the new head unit dramatically terminate at the back to remain flush with the back of the cabinet rather than be a longer unit where it would taper off much more naturally and extend out beyond the cabinet like the was seen in the 802D2. I was also disappointed that once again there is no properly matching center for the turbine head unit models. It's great to see they are now offering a model with the same drivers as the 802 with the same power handling capability which was lacking in the D2 series but the 802 and I suspect the 803 will absolutely kill the HTM1D3 in mid range performance as was the case with the 800D2 and 802D2 vs the HMT2D2.

                                                            The other thing is the grills on the 803 and 802. Have mercy those are ugly, they should have kept them so they cover the entire cabinet front as they continued to do with the 804 and 805 or perhaps had two separate grills, one for each of the bass drivers like Focal does on it's Utopia series.

                                                            The new plinth design is pretty neat though in how the spikes are already installed and can simply be dropped down. I think I still prefer the look though of the 802D2 plinth over the new slim profile look.

                                                            I'm sure they perform better than the D2 series but price increases aside I'm glad I jumped into the Diamond series with the D2 series as I couldn't get past the aesthetics of the 803, 802 and I'm sure the 800.
                                                            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

                                                            • Indytown
                                                              Senior Member
                                                              • Apr 2005
                                                              • 171

                                                              #165
                                                              Originally posted by Rod#S
                                                              Like so many I am hugely disappointed in the new look, not so much with the 805, 804 and 2 centers but the with the 803 and 802 with the turbine heads. The dramatic narrowing from the cabinet to the head looks really odd. It would look much more natural if the head was wider. It's also odd to see the new head unit dramatically terminate at the back to remain flush with the back of the cabinet rather than be a longer unit where it would taper off much more naturally and extend out beyond the cabinet like the was seen in the 802D2. I was also disappointed that once again there is no properly matching center for the turbine head unit models. It's great to see they are now offering a model with the same drivers as the 802 with the same power handling capability which was lacking in the D2 series but the 802 and I suspect the 803 will absolutely kill the HTM1D3 in mid range performance as was the case with the 800D2 and 802D2 vs the HMT2D2.

                                                              The other thing is the grills on the 803 and 802. Have mercy those are ugly, they should have kept them so they cover the entire cabinet front as they continued to do with the 804 and 805 or perhaps had two separate grills, one for each of the bass drivers like Focal does on it's Utopia series.

                                                              The new plinth design is pretty neat though in how the spikes are already installed and can simply be dropped down. I think I still prefer the look though of the 802D2 plinth over the new slim profile look.

                                                              I'm sure they perform better than the D2 series but price increases aside I'm glad I jumped into the Diamond series with the D2 series as I couldn't get past the aesthetics of the 803, 802 and I'm sure the 800.
                                                              Rod, where did you see grills for the 803 and 802 D3.

                                                              Comment

                                                              • Audio_ElF
                                                                Senior Member
                                                                • Oct 2007
                                                                • 271

                                                                #166
                                                                To try to put a break on the "they are too expensive" comments... I was interested to read that Bowers and Wilkins were using the new Rotel RC1590 and a pair of RB1590 amplifiers to demonstrate them at the launch event rather than Classe electronics.

                                                                Comment

                                                                • Rod#S
                                                                  Senior Member
                                                                  • Oct 2010
                                                                  • 474

                                                                  #167
                                                                  Originally posted by Indytown
                                                                  Rod, where did you see grills for the 803 and 802 D3.
                                                                  Here ya go

                                                                  Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                  Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                  Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                  Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers


                                                                  Oddly no pics of the centers with the grills on.
                                                                  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

                                                                  • leo2498
                                                                    Senior Member
                                                                    • Feb 2012
                                                                    • 370

                                                                    #168
                                                                    Originally posted by Rod#S
                                                                    Here ya go

                                                                    Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                    Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                    Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                    Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers


                                                                    Oddly no pics of the centers with the grills on.
                                                                    the 803 looks very odd, I'm wondering for its bass output at 19 Hz :roll:
                                                                    Leo,
                                                                    Saludos
                                                                    My HT: B&W 804D fronts, HTM4D center, 805D rears, Classe CA-2300 Main amp, Preamp Stereo CLASSE CP800, Preamp Multi Marantz AV8801, Parasound A31 center and Surround Amp, Source Oppo BDP-95 screen Samsung 55" UE55d8000 SVS SB12-NSD

                                                                    Stereo: B&W 804S fronts, Pre: Denon AVR-2809 Amp: Rotel 1582, Source Marantz CD5004.

                                                                    Comment

                                                                    • Indytown
                                                                      Senior Member
                                                                      • Apr 2005
                                                                      • 171

                                                                      #169
                                                                      Originally posted by Rod#S
                                                                      Here ya go

                                                                      Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                      Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                      Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers

                                                                      Visit Bowers & Wilkins to experience and shop for our award-winning wireless speakers, wired & wireless headphones, earphones, hi-fi speakers and home theatre speakers


                                                                      Oddly no pics of the centers with the grills on.
                                                                      Thanks, I don't like the grills.

                                                                      Comment

                                                                      • sakgoz79
                                                                        Member
                                                                        • Jan 2015
                                                                        • 30

                                                                        #170
                                                                        Originally posted by Indytown
                                                                        Thanks, I don't like the grills.
                                                                        I agree that , especially 802 and 803' grills seems like 1980' or 90' speaker grills

                                                                        Comment

                                                                        • SPACEMANRICK
                                                                          Senior Member
                                                                          • May 2005
                                                                          • 200

                                                                          #171
                                                                          I assume the new 802 D3 speakers will sound better but I like the look of my 802 Diamond speakers more especially with the grill covers on. For many of us, if not most of us, sound is very important but looks are just as important!

                                                                          Comment

                                                                          • windshear
                                                                            Senior Member
                                                                            • Dec 2004
                                                                            • 243

                                                                            #172
                                                                            It seems like the novelty has worn off already after the unpleasant price shock.

                                                                            Comment

                                                                            • Patrick Butler
                                                                              Senior Member
                                                                              • Jan 2014
                                                                              • 164

                                                                              #173
                                                                              Hi windshear,

                                                                              While I am not sure about South Africa, the orders for the new series have been streaming in from both consumers and our dealers.

                                                                              Regards,

                                                                              Patrick
                                                                              B&W Group North America

                                                                              Originally posted by windshear
                                                                              It seems like the novelty has worn off already after the unpleasant price shock.

                                                                              Comment

                                                                              • dan87951
                                                                                Senior Member
                                                                                • Nov 2005
                                                                                • 379

                                                                                #174
                                                                                Originally posted by Patrick Butler
                                                                                Hi windshear,

                                                                                While I am not sure about South Africa, the orders for the new series have been streaming in from both consumers and our dealers.

                                                                                Regards,

                                                                                Patrick
                                                                                B&W Group North America
                                                                                You sure you're not talking about the old series? My dealer said after the new series was released all the old stock was sold within 24 hours. lol
                                                                                dan87951
                                                                                audio guru

                                                                                Comment

                                                                                • Patrick Butler
                                                                                  Senior Member
                                                                                  • Jan 2014
                                                                                  • 164

                                                                                  #175
                                                                                  Hi dan87951,

                                                                                  Everybody knows this is their last opportunity to buy new products that match what they already own. Regarding inventory, we still have some remaining 800D2 stock for interested parties.

                                                                                  Regards,

                                                                                  Patrick
                                                                                  B&W Group North America

                                                                                  Comment

                                                                                  • alebonau
                                                                                    Senior Member
                                                                                    • Oct 2005
                                                                                    • 992

                                                                                    #176
                                                                                    Originally posted by Patrick Butler
                                                                                    Hi dan87951,

                                                                                    Everybody knows this is their last opportunity to buy new products that match what they already own. Regarding inventory, we still have some remaining 800D2 stock for interested parties.

                                                                                    Regards,

                                                                                    Patrick
                                                                                    B&W Group North America
                                                                                    hi Patrick am sure many here value your input on the B&W products, can I ask a question please,

                                                                                    I saw the following quote / report for the NYC reveal on these on the 805D3,

                                                                                    "The 805 D3 is a two-way 8-ohm bookshelf design that sells for $6000 per pair. It has a 1" diamond dome tweeter and a 6.5" Continuum cone midrange/woofer. Frequency response is listed at as 19Hz to 28kHz +/-3dB with 90 dB sensitivity. Frequency response is listed as 42 Hz to 28 kHz +/-3dB with 88 dB sensitivity. The maximum recommended amplifier power is 120 watts."

                                                                                    am confused on the two quoted frequency responses at difference efficiencies... would you be able to shed any light on this. is the 19hz a typo ?
                                                                                    "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                                                                    Comment

                                                                                    • Patrick Butler
                                                                                      Senior Member
                                                                                      • Jan 2014
                                                                                      • 164

                                                                                      #177
                                                                                      Hi alebonau,

                                                                                      That is a typo in somebody's report, confusing the Frequency Response specifications. The 19Hz-28kHz number is for our 803D3, while the 42Hz-28kHz spec is for the 805D3.
                                                                                      If you can pass along a link to the report, I can look into getting the error corrected. Thank you for pointing this out.

                                                                                      Regards,

                                                                                      Patrick
                                                                                      B&W Group North America

                                                                                      Comment

                                                                                      • alebonau
                                                                                        Senior Member
                                                                                        • Oct 2005
                                                                                        • 992

                                                                                        #178
                                                                                        Originally posted by Patrick Butler
                                                                                        Hi alebonau,

                                                                                        That is a typo in somebody's report, confusing the Frequency Response specifications. The 19Hz-28kHz number is for our 803D3, while the 42Hz-28kHz spec is for the 805D3.
                                                                                        If you can pass along a link to the report, I can look into getting the error corrected. Thank you for pointing this out.

                                                                                        Regards,

                                                                                        Patrick
                                                                                        B&W Group North America
                                                                                        Thankyou Patrick, thanks for confirming

                                                                                        Read it in this report here,

                                                                                        "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                                                                        Comment

                                                                                        • Mark_NZ
                                                                                          Member
                                                                                          • Apr 2007
                                                                                          • 51

                                                                                          #179
                                                                                          B&W have provided helpful product information (photos, videos, presentations, brochures) at http://www.bwgroup.com/bowers_wilkin...series-diamond
                                                                                          In particular the Presentation includes helpful information on the technology changes.

                                                                                          Here are a couple of shots of the 800 (embedded in the Presentation):
                                                                                          Click image for larger version

Name:	800.jpg
Views:	1
Size:	41.0 KB
ID:	860077

                                                                                          There are also high quality photos of the various models - here are the 803 and 802:
                                                                                          Click image for larger version

Name:	803_802.jpg
Views:	1
Size:	34.1 KB
ID:	860076
                                                                                          Last edited by Mark_NZ; 27 September 2015, 13:53 Sunday.

                                                                                          Comment

                                                                                          • Kal Rubinson
                                                                                            Super Senior Member
                                                                                            • Mar 2006
                                                                                            • 2109

                                                                                            #180
                                                                                            High quality photos? These look quite synthetic to me.
                                                                                            Kal Rubinson
                                                                                            _______________________________
                                                                                            "Music in the Round"
                                                                                            Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
                                                                                            http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round

                                                                                            Comment

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