802/801/800 owners, if the HTM1D was still in production would you buy it?

[Rod#S]

I was just browsing Audiogon and seen an add from someone looking to buy a HTM1D so people are still trying to add the discontinued HTM1D speaker to their 802D, 801D & 800D setups and most likely even to current gen 802 Diamond and 800 Diamond systems.

I am curious, if the HTM1D (now it would be the HTM1 Diamond I guess) was still in production how many of you would buy one? I for one would buy one in a heartbeat and I'm running the current 802 Diamonds. It would be intersting to know what your main speakers are. If you would still go with the HTM2 Diamond over a HTM1 Diamond I would be interested to know why you would do that also i.e. financial reasons, the HTM1 is too big for your room, etc.

Thanks

[KahunaCanuck]

I would!

Since the HTM1 diamond isn't available, I wont consider upgrading my system to the current generation...big mistake on B&W's part in IMHO. My system wont work for 3 800's across my front end due to the screen...

[Matt Lan]

If I was enough of a TV buff, I definitely would. Seems a shame it was discontinued.

But to be honest, I don't think I'm even going to bother with a HT setup. I watch about 20-30 blueray a year. I probably listen to as many whole albums on a given weekend.

I currently play movies a tmodest volume through my 2 channel setup (C2300/MC501/800D) and it sounds quite acceptable (to me). But again, I only enjoy the occasional film. Meanwhile, I am engrossed in music.

:music:

Best,

Matt

[Rod#S]

Thanks for your reponses.

Kahuna brought up something that hadn't even crossed my mind, existing HTM1D owners upgrading to the new version. Now that you mention it it makes sense as people certainly have reported upgrading say 802D's to 802 Diamonds and the same for the 800's, even HTM2D's to HTM2 Diamonds.

It would be interesting to know if perspective B&W buyers have gone another route completely because they felt they could not get a true matching center for the 802/800, this is assuming they were in the market for a surround system. This is obviously based on them not being able to run 3 towers up front like Kal Rubinson does.

Oh for the record I have the HTM2 Diamond and would have no issues selling it or trading it towrads a HTM1 Diamond. Sure I would be out some money but the upgrade would be worth it I think in the long run. I think the HTM2 Diamond is a marvelous sounding speaker, crisp and detailed but not having that marlan midrange setup always leaves me pining for the HTM1.

[HedgeHog]

I would definitely have considered it if it were updated to the current spec of new Diamonds. I upgraded my HTM2D to the HTM2D2 and feel that it's not quite the match for the 802D2. The center seems sucked out and doesn't fill seemlessly.

Having said that, adding all the pieces together, I may have gone another brand too. Too much good stuff out there.

[RebelMan]

This may shock you Rod but I would NOT buy the HTM1D if I had to do it again. Don't get me wrong, it is a fabulous speaker and really the only one worthy of pairing with the 800D (next to another 800D of course).

The best sounding HT systems I have heard have always involved systems that used identical speakers at each point. If the idea is to create an all enveloping sound field, without the timbre smearing that often accompanies mixed monitors, it's really the best way to go. Some lessers systems clearly will not keep up with the resolving capabilities that the 800 series can offer up front but that isn't what should matter in HT settings anyway. Leave that special moment for 2CH playback. :)

[RebelMan]

This may shock you Rod but I would NOT buy the HTM1D if I had to do it again. Don't get me wrong, it is a fabulous speaker and really the only one worthy of pairing with the 800D (next to another 800D of course).

The best sounding HT systems I have heard have always involved systems that used identical speakers at each point. If the idea is to create an all enveloping seamless soundfield, without the timbral smearing effects that often accompanies mixed monitors, it's really the best way to go. Some lessers systems clearly will not keep up with the resolving capabilities that the 800 series can offer up front but that isn't what should matter in HT settings anyway. Leave that special moment for 2CH playback. :)

[Rod#S]

So you currently have the HTM1D correct?

I guess I can see that, we do tend to go over board when it comes to home theater. Technically for home theater an all 805 setup (so 5, 7, 9 or 11 of them) with say 4 subs would make for amazing surround system.

[SRT-10 Viper]

I have one and would buy it again... I understand all speakers being the same if I had the room... Since I don't, I went from the HTM2D to the HTM1D and never lookd back. It sounds as close to seemless to me as I am going to get.

[RebelMan]

So you currently have the HTM1D correct?Sold it about a year ago. As far as center speakers go nothing comes close to the HTM1D.

My system use to consist of the 800D, HTM1D, SCMS and ASW-825 and it did HT very well. But I have decided to take a new path, not unlike B&W, and plan to rebuild in a few years an HT system consisting of 7 in-walls speakers and 4 in-wall subwoofers.

I am not looking have the best HT system just an excellent one and it can remain static for years to come thereby freeing up the mains of a 2CH system to be anything I want when I want. Both systems will share a common space yet be independent of each other as much as I need them to be.

To bring that movie going experience home I am finding it increasingly necessary to have a larger than life screen rather than larger than life sound. Besides I enjoy the later more when listening to music.

[Rod#S]

Sold it about a year ago. As far as center speakers go nothing comes close to the HTM1D.

My system use to consist of the 800D, HTM1D, SCMS and ASW-825 and it did HT very well. But I have decided to take a new path, not unlike B&W, and plan to rebuild in a few years an HT system consisting of 7 in-walls speakers and 4 in-wall subwoofers.

I am not looking have the best HT system just an excellent one and it can remain static for years to come thereby freeing up the mains of a 2CH system to be anything I want when I want. Both systems will share a common space yet be independent of each other as much as I need them to be.

To bring that movie going experience home I am finding it increasingly necessary to have a larger than life screen rather than larger than life sound. Besides I enjoy the later more when listening to music.

True, there is nothing like a big screen.

As for the HTM1D and nothing coming close I assume you mean in the B&W lineup? I suspect based on specs and the intended matching that the Wilson Mezzo would at least be the equal of the HTM1D. Then there is the mighty Wilson Polaris. That thing looks to have the potential to seriously out perform the HTM1D, leaving it in the dust. I see one person for sure here on AA with the Mezzo center but I don't think I have yet to see a setup with the Polaris on any forum.

[RebelMan]

Correct.

I haven't heard the Mezzo nor the Polaris just the Watch. The Alexandria sound as good as you would hope given their price but the 800D2 is on equal footing and for a fraction. I suspect the same could potentially be said of the Polaris and the HTM1D. Price is not a good barometer for performance but sound engineering is.

[Rod#S]

Yeah that's a really good point actually, that price shouldn't be the overall factor in determining quality.

[SMC23]

I'd be interested in an HTM1 Diamond to match with my 802's.

[Mr.P]

I love my HTM1D. I upgraded from an HTM2D and it was a huge difference. I have my HTM1D paired with 802Ds and it works great as the front line to my HT system. I am surprised B&W has not offered the HTM1Diamond.

[KahunaCanuck]

Welcome Mr. P. great to see another B & W devotee on AA! :thumbsup:

[thughes]

I would consider the HTM1D (Diamond). I have considered picking a HTM1D up on the used market, but they haven't seemed to be available when I was in a position to buy.

[Kal Rubinson]

I passed on it when it was available and the reasons still apply. I wanted three identical L/C/R and I have no video to prevent me from having that. If they had a higher stand that would put the tweeter/mid at the same level as the L/R I might have consdered it.

[Omerta]

Yes, if I didnt already have one. The HTM2D wasn't a perfect match when I had 802D's and it is grossly mismatched with 800D's. As far as getting the tweeter the same as the mains... in that case you would be better off having identical speakers across the front.