A very subjective review of Wilson Sabrina Speakers (as compared to B&W 803D3s)

[Deckard]

Originally Posted by Kelvinz

Thank you ! I stopped by Definitive in Bellevue and listened to both the 803d3 and the Wilsons.

My impressions are very similar to yours the Wilson were very musical a cohesive wall of sound a little warmer, darker, and slower than the 803. The 803 was a bit more precise and fast but it truly is hard choice. I'm going to go back and listen more next weekend but have told them to let me know if any used pairs come in of either !

Looks like there's a few of us who frequent Definitive in Bellevue. I was just in there the other day (helping a coworker pick out some entry level B&W speakers), and they confirmed that the Sabrina is very hot right now.

When I decided on the Sabrina's I spent around 2-3 hours there, first listening to the Sabrina's and then to the 803 D3. Same turntable, amp and processor as my home set up. My conclusions were pretty much the same as yours (and others). I actually gave the 803's a slight edge over the Sabrina's for rock, but the Sabrina blew the 803 away for classical and jazz IMHO. Just a very musical speaker all around.

I can't recommend highly enough, though, that you arrange an in home demo before making the final decision. Room and your own set up can have too large an impact to spend this kind of money without trying them out there first.