29-Jan-2016, 19:59
(10-Jan-2016, 11:00)Gentleman Wrote: Hi folks.
Just last night we did some tests with our gear that fits into this discussion. As I want to replace my WA Sasha 1 I am looking for all kind of SAMed speakers. As I sold my D800 just recently (waiting for its replacement to be delivered from Devialet) we have been using a D400 instead. The rest is the usual (PS Audio P10, Artesania rack, selfmade three chassis JPLAY audio PC, MUTEC, JCAT and Analysis plus cables).
In former times we have used all kind of amps such as Jeff Rowland, Krell, AVM, Audionet, LINN, Naim, Classe, etc. but in fact we have NEVER reached such a high level of SQ and satisfaction over the last 30 years before. To us the integration of nearly all components into one device seems to be the brilliant idea that solves many problems. Before we have experienced lots of problems with the matching of components plus the required interconnects. Now we have only one unit plus one power cable and one digital cable. Thats it. Much less variants to test....
So yesterday we received the new B&W 803 D3 which we tested against the Sasha 1. Before we started our tests we thought the Sasha 1 should still be the more satisfying speaker but in fact we three liked the 803 D3 more than the WA! Even though only played for approx 50 hours at the dealer the 803 D3 was more accurate and more lifelike compared to the four year old Sasha 1. it was especially interesting to compare the smaller 803 D3 with its 2x 160mm bass chassis to the 2x 8" of the Sasha 1. the Sasha 1 used to overpower the room with its mighty bass output even with SAM adjusted to only 5%. Finally we moved the 803 D3 even further away from the rear wall than the WA before and kept SAM at only 5%.
The result is very good with a nice weight and lots of additional information. Only the impression of the stage has been reduced compared to the WA. But we plan to adjust the placement of the speakers again next weekend after an additional week of break-in.
To my surprise the B&W 803 D3 needed the power of the D400 very much. We even turned the volume slightly higher up than we did before with the WA Sasha 1 to have a similar impression of the music.
Finally around midnight we have changed from firmware 8.1.3 to 9.0.1. Our first impression was a more natural, even more fluid reproduction of the music. Nobody suggested going back to 8.1.3.
In Dubio Pro Audio
Jan
Very nice read, do you or anybody else have any more info on the 803 D3 with Devialet?
I've listened to the 803 D3 with Classe/Pass Labs/Moon audio but unfortunately not yet with Devialet 200. I really like this speaker and is on my shortlist to buy. i currently own 804 Diamond but this has proven to be a 'difficult marriage' with my Devialet.
