Anybody change 803D3 to 802D3
 

I am thinking of adding a B&W DB3D sub to my rig, and then I though why not
upgrade to a pair of 802D3
I would like to hear from any one who has done the 803D3/802D2 upgrade
what advantages did you get in the low end, what disadvantages did you get
if any.

I power my system with Devialet 440PRO

Brian

Hi Brian,
I made the jump from 803D3 to 802D3. If you have the option to upgrade to 802D3, just go for it. I prefer this option than adding a sub, because the gains are not limited to bass only. The whole soundstage increases and music becomes even more effortless and believable. Of course, the bass is also deeper and more elaborate. Also, the 802 D3 were an easier load to the amplifier. The only disadvantage would be if you have a small room and limited space to play with the positioning of the speakers. Just follow the set up guide in the manual. The 803D3 is a great speaker, but the 802D3 is unbelievably good speaker.
Cheers

Hello Brian,

I had A/B'd the 803D3 next to the 802D3.

The main difference between the 2 is ease, bass, and midrange.

Recall that the 803D3 not only has smaller 7" bass woofers, but also a smaller midrange driver as well (by 1inch).

The crossover parts on the 803D3 is also of lower grade compared to the 802D3.

That said, when I was at the dealer, the difference I heard between the 803D3 and the 802D3 was smaller compared to the difference between the 802D3 and the 800D3 (back to back).... go figure.

I believe the tuning for both the 803 and 802D3 are similar.

Thanks for your encouragement, the room size does concern me a little
bit as its only 11ftW x 17ftL
I have the 803D3 4ft from the back wall, 29 inch from side wall and 6ft apart.

I'm really going to have to think about this, the cost factor does come into it as well.

Brian

Brian,

Sometimes the best speaker is not the biggest speaker, but one that gels with the room.

That said, I would think you'd be ok with the 802D3, the tuning is very similar to the 803D3 and you do get better sonics overall. Be careful with speakers that are tuned significantly differently, you might be in for a surprise.

Interesting you said this as my 100w primare sounded terrible with the 803d3 at the dealer but sounded good with the 802d3mat home.

Still haven't figure that out if it was their setup.

I know you liked the Sabrina more than the 803D3 originally but cost was an issue, so you went with the 803. If spending more to move up the line are you considering the Wilson option as well?

Dr Tone

I am not considering any Wilson option at the moment, just the 802D3
or a DB3 sub

Brian

You like the 803d3 more than the Sabrina?

Joey

Of course, I have been a B&W fan for about 25 years or so.
My first set of new B&W where the Matrix 1 a long time ago.

I'm still try to raise the funds to make the swop to the 802D3

Brian