Diamond 3 Decisions

[HTSteve]

Below are my current B&W speakers and the amps that drive them. I also have two subs (JL Audio F112 and E112). In a dedicated, treated HT room.

Mains: 802D1, Mac MC452
Center: HTM2D1, Mac MC301
Rears: 804S, Mac MC402

As my primary concern is HT (and I like 5 channel stereo), the perfect solution would be 5 identical speakers. But that is not practical in my HT Room.

So my general goal is to try to get equal near performance from all 5 speakers.

I'm very intrigued by the new D3 series, and have listened to the 804 and 805 models. Quite impressed. So it got me thinking of a partial upgrade to my system. I've come up with two primary options, with my pro's and con's.

Please let me know what you would do. If you pick Option A, please also say which part of that option you would do first (center or rears).


Option A: Get HTM1D3 for center channel, and 804D3's for rear speakers.
Pro's: My assessment that these speakers plus 802D1's will be at a much closer performance level. If I go this route, I will do one very soon, and the other in about 4-5 months.
Con's: It might be quite awhile before I might replace the 802D1's to complete a full D3 set.

Option B: 803D3 and HTM2D upfront, leave 804S as rears.
Pro's: D3 all up front.
Con's: Big gap between front and back. Definitely more expensive, may also be a bit of time before doing these.

[joey_v]

I would do everything I could to do 803d3 up front. This was after listening to 804d3 and 803d3 back to back. The turbine head just does wonders.

[BrianT]

As a 803D3 owner, I have to go with option 2 as long as you mean a HTM2D3
and not an HTM2D2

Brian

[HTSteve]

Originally Posted by BrianT

As a 803D3 owner, I have to go with option 2 as long as you mean a HTM2D3
and not an HTM2D2

Brian

Thanks.

Yes, it would be an HTM2D3. So all D3 up front.

[2dparrish]

If you go with option A, I assume you would plan eventually to go with 802d3 for mains (to match htm1), right? If so, this would be my long-term choice. You also get the advantage of a more cohesive front to back (in my opinion) soundstage from the outset, as center is typically used most in movies and the surrounds would match the center. Option B works great across the front if you think you'd be happy with 803 instead of 802 and htm2 instead of htm1. As much as 803 costs, I would want to be very sure to be happy with it vs. $5000 more (I know, not small change, but not that much more than 803) for 802. I have not heard the new htm2, but I can say that the htm1-d3 is an awesome center channel, MUCH improved from the d2 series. I'm sure the new htm2 is excellent also, just don't know if you would miss the low end/weight going from 802d1 to 803/htm2.

Without knowing the size of your room, but knowing you are used to 802d1 (which I haven't heard), I think I would be inclined to go with option A provided you eventually intend to upgrade to 802d3. I know how this combo sounds, and I have 805 d3 for surrounds. I am sure 803d3 can sound terrific if set up in proper room/electronics (MacIntosh will go great with them), but the larger midrange and woofers of 802d3 and the resulting more weighty yet tight sound of them led me to choose them over the 803d3. About $7000.00 difference though between A and B (802/htm1/804 vs. 803/htm2/804).

[HTSteve]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I was initially leaning to Option A, but a unified D3 front became very appealing.

One of my plans came through, so I was able to consider Option B now as opposed to later.

I contacted my dealer to inquire about it. I initially settled on 803D3 and the HTM1D3 (the big center). My rep has heard it in action and strongly recommends it, even with the 803D3's (it's designed for the 802/800's).

But being who I am, I started thinking if I could stretch a bit (or more than a little bit) and do 802D3's along with the HTM1D. And I talked myself into it (an affliction that plagues some of us I think ).

So I've ordered 802D3's and HTM1D in Rosenut. Anticipated install is end of the month. The 802's appear available. It's the center channel that is backordered. Trying to get one in time for the planned install date.

Also, the new D3 style was well received by my wife. She refers to the 802D1's as the Dolly's (as in Dolly Parton......). She likes the D3's much better.

So I'll be going from 802D1/HTM2D1 to 802D3/HTM1D3 up front. I will work on the rear speakers later, after my wallet recovers.......


Getting a bit excited.

[Masterlu]

Steve... Congrats!

[Patrick Butler]

FYI, HTM1D3 in rosenut will be available in about 1.5 weeks.

Regards,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by HTSteve

Thanks for all the feedback.

I was initially leaning to Option A, but a unified D3 front became very appealing.

One of my plans came through, so I was able to consider Option B now as opposed to later.

I contacted my dealer to inquire about it. I initially settled on 803D3 and the HTM1D3 (the big center). My rep has heard it in action and strongly recommends it, even with the 803D3's (it's designed for the 802/800's).

But being who I am, I started thinking if I could stretch a bit (or more than a little bit) and do 802D3's along with the HTM1D. And I talked myself into it (an affliction that plagues some of us I think ).

So I've ordered 802D3's and HTM1D in Rosenut. Anticipated install is end of the month. The 802's appears available. It's the center channel that is backordered. Trying to get one in time for the planned install date.

Also, the new D3 style was well received by my wife. She refers to the 802D1's as the Dolly's (as in Dolly Parton......). She likes the D3's much better.

So I'll be going from 802D1/HTM2D1 to 802D3/HTM1D3 up front. I will work on the rear speakers later, after my wallet recovers.......


Getting a bit excited.

[krustycat]

Great choice, congratulations!

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[joey_v]

2 things:

1. Congrats and welcome to the vaunted 802d3 club bro!!
2. I see another rosenut customer... Dang it!! Gloss black ftw!! Jk!