Burn in time for B&W Diamonds

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by jcandel

Thanks Skyblue and SMC.They are starting to settle in. Bass has been a big improvement, tweeter still a little on the bright side. Mid range really smooth. Changing amp this week so don't expect much during amp break in... Will update when all components are broken in. Even out of the box these speakers are a huge improvement over my old PSB stratus Goldi. I know I'm going to regret asking this question but how much better are the 802 diamonds over the 803 diamonds?

I have the 803 diamonds and I love the way they sound. They were the first upgrade in my system, if I could do it all over again, I would have splurged for the 802's or 800's. My subs add plenty of bass but i'm sure the 800 and 802 deliver more midrange. It took 200 hours to burn-in. The 803's seemed bright at first but have settled in nicely.

[jcandel]

Thanks Skyblue and Superdave. The 803's are settling nicely. I'm at the 100 hour mark. I've jut added today a McIntosh c2300 pre and a mc452 amp. So will have to endure another 100 hours of break-in. That should put the speakers at the 200 hours mark. I guess I was wondering if the performance of the 802 diamonds justified the 50% increase price over the 803's. Joey.

[dpgstereo]

I have 802d's with 1201's. Trust me, no trust Ivan, add a JL f113 sub. I fought it for years thinking it would muddy the bass. Two things, JL started making home subs and second , using JL's auto setup feature makes it much easier to blend correctly. Good luck, nice speakers.

[Vettedrummer]

Try this for a faster break in period. Set speakers up so that they are facing each other. Get them up close and then let them play at each other. I think you will find this really speeds up the process! Cheers, Frank

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by Vettedrummer

Try this for a faster break in period. Set speakers up so that they are facing each other. Get them up close and then let them play at each other. I think you will find this really speeds up the process! Cheers, Frank

Frank, you left out the most important part. Once you have set the volume to a loud but safe level, power down the amp. Reverse the phase on one speaker and power up the amp. The volume level will be much much lower due to cancellation between the two speakers.

Warning though. NEVER adjust the volume once the speakers are out of phase. You have no idea how hard the speakers are actually being driven.

[trponhunter]

Originally Posted by jcandel

Thanks Skyblue and Superdave. The 803's are settling nicely. I'm at the 100 hour mark. I've jut added today a McIntosh c2300 pre and a mc452 amp. So will have to endure another 100 hours of break-in. That should put the speakers at the 200 hours mark. I guess I was wondering if the performance of the 802 diamonds justified the 50% increase price over the 803's. Joey.

The 802 is a totally different animal than the 803. There are few speakers that deal with or take diffraction as seriously as the 802's. The tonality between the 802 and 803 is very similiar- but not how they portray space. So, if you can spend the extra dough, there is alot more to be retrieved from an 802.

[jcandel]

Well I bit the bullet on Friday and ordered the 802 diamonds. Have loved the 803's up to now but had this uneasy feeling that I needed to step up. Thank you to everyone for your input/feedback. Joey.

[skyblue]

I don't think you will regret it. They truly are great

[tweet]

Originally Posted by jcandel

Well I bit the bullet on Friday and ordered the 802 diamonds. Have loved the 803's up to now but had this uneasy feeling that I needed to step up. Thank you to everyone for your input/feedback. Joey.

Joey - Congrats on the new 802Ds!

I can relate to your diamond upgrade-itis. Last year I purchased a brand new pair of Piano Black 803Ds and a DB-1 sub. I really liked the 803Ds, but did not love them. I'm sorry, 803Ds. After a few months of that "uneasy feeling" you mentioned, I ordered a new pair of 802Ds and another DB-1. As others have reported, the difference was immediate from the very first note. To my ears, the 802Ds represent a big jump from the 803Ds. They are a lot smoother, much more dynamic when the music demands it and will rock the house if that's your thing. In addition, they are beautifully constructed and a pleasure to look at from your favorite seat.

I drive mine with MC601s and I'm confident that your new C2300 and MC452 will bring you similar results.

Again, congrats on your new system. I hope the 802Ds bring you feelings of good cheer!

Terry

[Still-One]

Joey
Congratulations. Dollar for Dollar I believe that the 802 Diamonds are probably the best value in hi-end speakers.Jim