Some people have mentioned these speakers in other threads (including myself) but I wanted to start a separate one just for them.
I've auditioned these speakers twice with a Devialet 200 and really like them a lot. The dealer's room was slightly larger than my listening room and the speakers sounded amazing. The highs & mids were smooth & clear and the bass went very deep & was very well controlled.
Anyone own these or has auditioned them? Let me know what you think.
I auditioned them. They weren't my cup of tea. They did some things better than my Focals, specifically a more balanced bottom end and overall fuller sound. That said, piano didn't sound right to me and they were kind of veiled, IMO. A side move for me.
I have had these speakers for about 3 months now. . .my setup is D200 being served by a PC running Roon via AIR. Listen to jazz and classical exclusively. Dedicated room, approx 19x17. Upgraded from CM10s and for me they are close to a perfect speaker. Lots of bass, nice separation, great midrange. For me they are speakers that grab me and pull me in. . Make me want to listen to music. The CM10s were fine - more than fine, but this was a move that I did not regret.
If you have any specific questions, let me know.
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.
Hi.
I am using a 803 D3 since eight weeks now. It sounds better to me (coupled with a D400) as my WA Sasha 1 before. Overall very detailed and (with SAM) very good, deep, controlled and colourful bass.
As the room is not really big (4,5 x 7 meter) I am glad that the bass port is facing towards the floor. Less room modes as with the rear ported Sasha 1 before.
Again I have learnd the hard way that the speakers need time to run-in. Not as bad as the D2-series before but still something about 100 hours.
Moreover I realized once again how bad the supplied metal jumpers are soundwise. Since I have switched to bi-wiring (2x Analysis Plus Big Silver Oval) the SQ increased a lot.
Besides, it is indeed a very nice detail that the rollers and the spikes are both installed in the foot of the speakers at the same time. So moving the speakers was very easy and once the right spot was found mounting the spikes was an easy task like kindergarten ;-)
In Dubio Pro Audio
Jan
PS: I am really looking forward to test 802 D3 and 800 D3 later this year!
Has anyone actually seen the 800 D3 yet?
Hi Pim.
As I am a good friend of my local B&W dealer I know a little more details about the timetable. In fact the 802 D3 is already late for the initial delivery and at least here in Germany no dealers got their 802 D3 yet.
The 800 D3 was originally anounced for summer 2016 but now will be delay at least until fall...
In Dubio Pro Audio
Jan
Thanks Jan,
Yes, I did a quick Google search and there's nothing out there yet. I'm curious to see what they will look like. I've never been a fan of the 800 series look so I'm hoping it will look drastically different. Not keeping my hopes up though...
Thanks SwissBear. Looks the same...petty...