22-May-2015, 08:11
Did spend quite some time by now to compare v8 and 7.1.1 (did skip 7.1.3 as beta).
B&W 800D with SAM on 37%-50% and via Ethernet and USB connection - no DPM:
Pros
- Wider Sound Stage (although seems to create a little bit of echo effect like in a larger concert hall)
- Clearer and more articulated bass
- USB quality significantly improved - in v8 it is comparable to Ethernet whereas in 7.1.1 was no option for me
- SAM effect is not so strong and hence possible to experiment more with how much % of it you want to use
Cons
- Much more high and mid frequency emphasis (even more via Ethernet compared to USB)
- Voices and instruments did sound more natural with 7.1.1 - I tend to agree with earlier comments about being harsher and more analytical
- Amp significantly warmer - + 5 degrees - with DPM Off in my setup (and with DPM is not an option as lacking bass control and punch)
Overall my tendency is to stay on 7.1.1 for the moment although I further will continue to test and share findings
B&W 800D with SAM on 37%-50% and via Ethernet and USB connection - no DPM:
Pros
- Wider Sound Stage (although seems to create a little bit of echo effect like in a larger concert hall)
- Clearer and more articulated bass
- USB quality significantly improved - in v8 it is comparable to Ethernet whereas in 7.1.1 was no option for me
- SAM effect is not so strong and hence possible to experiment more with how much % of it you want to use
Cons
- Much more high and mid frequency emphasis (even more via Ethernet compared to USB)
- Voices and instruments did sound more natural with 7.1.1 - I tend to agree with earlier comments about being harsher and more analytical
- Amp significantly warmer - + 5 degrees - with DPM Off in my setup (and with DPM is not an option as lacking bass control and punch)
Overall my tendency is to stay on 7.1.1 for the moment although I further will continue to test and share findings
