B&W 802 Diamond Review from inner-magazines.com

[klipschfan]

Innerworld Audio - B&W 802 Diamond

[Doug Lax]

I wonder if the electronics had something to do with this review. I would like to hear them on McIntosh or Marantz reference monos.

[Talk2me]

Hegel electronics are outstanding. Also, the reviewer pretty much nailed it when he said he did not feel an emotional connection to B&W speakers. That is why I sold my 802 Diamonds. This does not mean they are not excellent speakers though, because they are truly outstanding.

[Doug Lax]

:sorry-3:Iam not at all denying that Hegel is great stuff I just wonder if the synergy between the two might not have been optimal?

[Tonepub]

I've had some of the Hegel gear here and it's a little bit flat and dry, sort of what he's describing in the review. Also, I've noticed that the 802 Diamonds really take a fairly long time to really come together sound-wise.

Mine are really sounding great now, but the first few months, were a bit flat.

[victor53]

Originally Posted by tonepub

I've had some of the Hegel gear here and it's a little bit flat and dry, sort of what he's describing in the review. Also, I've noticed that the 802 Diamonds really take a fairly long time to really come together sound-wise.

Mine are really sounding great now, but the first few months, were a bit flat.

I had the same experience with breaking them in. I really thought I made a big mistake when I first hooked them up at home. My god I was taken aback by how bright the tweeters were, foward the voicing and lack of good tight bass.

After a few months of break in they really came in to their own! What a difference a hundred or so hours makes. They sound completely different now, I absolutly love them!!!

[skyblue]

Originally Posted by victor53

I had the same experience with breaking them in. I really thought I made a big mistake when I first hooked them up at home. My god I was taken aback by how bright the tweeters were, foward the voicing and lack of good tight bass.

After a few months of break in they really came in to their own! What a difference a hundred or so hours makes. They sound completely different now, I absolutly love them!!!

I agree completely. At first they were a bit boring, but after 3 months, they really kicked ass with everything. Unfortunately for me, I already ordered the 800's to replace them, and they are still breaking in. I hope they too will improve as much as the 802's

[victor53]

Well you really can't go wrong with the 800's.
You now have the Best of the Best, Happy listening!!

[Rod#S]

I also love my 802 Diamonds and although I loved the sound right out of the box they have gotten better over time whether that be just me getting more and more used to the sound or everything breaking in over time it's hard to say but I am definietly happy with my purchase.

I actually may have an opportunity late next year to get the 800 Diamonds but if I do, my 802 Diamonds will stay and they will just be moved from my mains to my surrounds.

[skyblue]

The 802's are fantastic, the 800s too. Personally I think the 800s midrange beats the 802s hands down, which is great for female voices in particular.

As for being the best of the best? I think that depends on your budget. You can easely buy speakers at 10 times the cost of the 800 diamond. I would think that some of those were indeed better and could beat it in all and every thing. In fact one guy once wrote on the web somewhere: You havent heard a good system until you've heard a half a million dollars custom build room with half a million dollars worth of equipment in them.

As I dont have that amount to spend on hifi, I guess I will be happy with my 800's. My 802s gave me much enjoyment after breaking in, and I am sure the 800's will too.

Rod, 800s with 802s as rears sounds a bit like overkill. But it sure could sound great.