802 d3

Today, I auditioned a pair of the all-new B&W 802d3 speakers. First of all, these speakers are gorgeous in person. The finish, build quality and aesthetics are unparalleled. The pair I listened to were black lacquer and that's what I would want if I ordered a pair. The first electronics we listened to were Classe C-2300 and the CP-800 preamp. The source was a Meridian 800 cd player. The first impression was of a limited soundstage and mediocre imaging. A bit bland and flat overall with laid back dynamics. Then the Bryston electronics went in and it made a huge change for the better. Better soundstage, separation and extension in the bass and treble. Bryston made the speakers more dynamic and snappy.The top end of these is smooth and the midrange has a warm tonality that is slightly forward, so soundstage depth seems a bit limited. The bass is very damped, almost to the point of being overdamped, without any real bloom. If these speakers extend down to 14hz, I couldn't hear it, so don't expect subwoofer style room shaking bass. The choice of electronics is extremely important with these speakers. They are chameleons and their character and performance change dramatically with a change of electronics. I would steer clear of tubes and look at high powered, clean solid state gear. Also, stay away from electronics that are too smooth and laid back. Pass, Bryston, Accuphase, Soulution and the like might be good choices. These speakers can play very loud and clear, similar to B&W models in the past. I personally prefer a lively, not as damped presentation with some sparkle in the treble and a full, punchy bass response. That is why I ended up with Focal. Please respond with any questions and I will do my best to answer them honestly.
 
I think is a matter of personal taste.
For me, I prefer this style than the old model.

:)


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Good write up! So will we be seeing a pair in your future?


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Thanks for the writeup. As much as I will try to resist, I am pretty sure I will own a pair at some point in the next year or two.
 
Zero said:
They look stunning. I'm sure they sound... like B&W's. .. :D
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You would be accurate on that one. We didn't have a pair of 802d2's on hand for an A-B comparison but the basic character of B&W speakers has not been discarded for the new model. I would consider this an evolution rather than a revolution. Personally, I liked the older models, such as the 801's with the big woofer and the metal dome tweeter. I've never been able to get excited about the diamond tweeter, it sounds kind of dead to me.
 
I can't wait to hear these. The looks are growing on me - fast. And I still remember my 801F's very fondly.


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Mike said:
I can't wait to hear these. The looks are growing on me - fast. And I still remember my 801F's very fondly.


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I really like the looks too. It's just that the sound didn't blow me away. I would wait for the Sopra 3. : )
 
I got to see and hear them last week. The bookshelf and the 803 floor standing speaker. Both were great with a very open mid range. The top end had a vibrancy and energy to it that was very impressive. My only criticism was that I found female vocals slightly sibilant. It was hooked up to Classe electronics.
 
hiro100 said:
I got to see and hear them last week. The bookshelf and the 803 floor standing speaker. Both were great with a very open mid range. The top end had a vibrancy and energy to it that was very impressive. My only criticism was that I found female vocals slightly sibilant. It was hooked up to Classe electronics.
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I am very sensitive to sibilance. Any hint and I'd be out. Thank you for your thoughts.
 
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