06-Mar-2016, 23:59
I liked the 804d3, which is an impressive revision (much better than the 804d2). I heard it as much clearer and more precise yet smoother than the 804d2 (although I heard them on the same day but not in the same room). It has much of the midrange resolution yet richness which I love in the 802, although not enough to displace my old 802N. The 802d3 sounds much bigger, more present, and has even more of the sound I love. Still, the 804d3 is a much nicer size and price so remains very interesting. I may yet try one in my room.
I heard the 804d3 in the same room on the same day with 802d3, 803d3, Focal Sopra #2, and Revel Salon 2. The room isn't my favorite (too small and boomy) so I didn't make them hook up my Devialet (they used Macintosh) but I've heard many speakers both in this room and others so can correct a bit for the room in my mind. The entire d3 series had much better bass control than the d2 series in the same room. I didn't need any more bass than the 804d3 provided (and that's without SAM). I thought the 804d3 was clearer than the Sopra #2 but the Sopra had a more-enveloping soundstage (although not as much as the 802d3). I preferred the 804d3 to the 803d3, which was brighter yet not superior in other regards (much to my surprise). I think that B&W have a winner in the 804d3 within their current range. I wish they hadn't increased prices and sizes so much with this revision but the sound is clearly much better so I guess it is worth it. I may yet try the 804d3 again in other rooms (maybe even mine). I hope to hear them in the same room as some Wilson when that dealer gets their stock.
I'd love to hear other opinions of the new B&W d3 line vs. other speakers, and especially the 804d3.
I heard the 804d3 in the same room on the same day with 802d3, 803d3, Focal Sopra #2, and Revel Salon 2. The room isn't my favorite (too small and boomy) so I didn't make them hook up my Devialet (they used Macintosh) but I've heard many speakers both in this room and others so can correct a bit for the room in my mind. The entire d3 series had much better bass control than the d2 series in the same room. I didn't need any more bass than the 804d3 provided (and that's without SAM). I thought the 804d3 was clearer than the Sopra #2 but the Sopra had a more-enveloping soundstage (although not as much as the 802d3). I preferred the 804d3 to the 803d3, which was brighter yet not superior in other regards (much to my surprise). I think that B&W have a winner in the 804d3 within their current range. I wish they hadn't increased prices and sizes so much with this revision but the sound is clearly much better so I guess it is worth it. I may yet try the 804d3 again in other rooms (maybe even mine). I hope to hear them in the same room as some Wilson when that dealer gets their stock.
I'd love to hear other opinions of the new B&W d3 line vs. other speakers, and especially the 804d3.
