802D3 definitely transcends...

[joey_v]

So my friend Kevin and I went to listen to the new 802D3 and back to back'd it against the 802D2.

He owns Focal 1038BE, so I trust his ears.

We demo'd, we came out with the same conclusions:

802D3 is better in terms of a more cohesive reproduction, more density to images and vocalists, more projection into the room, and not as sharp to the ears but with all the detail of the 802D2.

Being the owner of the 802D2, I think I know that speaker well enough... I gave the 802D3 a 20-25% improvement in sound. I wasn't even sure if he was going to like it but he did! He said I was too conservative with my numbers and he suggested something close to the 40% mark of improvement.

I thank Kevin for his time spent with me auditioning what could possibly be my next speakers.

All thanks to AA

[2fastdriving]

I owned d2's and a I've heard the D3.. I think you are closer to the truth. Yes they are better speakers, but let's not get carried away. I'll hear the 800d3 on Wednesday... Among the First normal human beings to do so, and I'll give you a full report.

[joey_v]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I owned d2's and a I've heard the D3.. I think you are closer to the truth. Yes they are better speakers, but let's not get carried away. I'll hear the 800d3 on Wednesday... Among the First normal human beings to do so, and I'll give you a full report.

I look forward to your assessment!!!

[krustycat]

Originally Posted by joey_v

So my friend Kevin and I went to listen to the new 802D3 and back to back'd it against the 802D2.

He owns Focal 1038BE, so I trust his ears.

We demo'd, we came out with the same conclusions:

802D3 is better in terms of a more cohesive reproduction, more density to images and vocalists, more projection into the room, and not as sharp to the ears but with all the detail of the 802D2.

Being the owner of the 802D2, I think I know that speaker well enough... I gave the 802D3 a 20-25% improvement in sound. I wasn't even sure if he was going to like it but he did! He said I was too conservative with my numbers and he suggested something close to the 40% mark of improvement.

I thank Kevin for his time spent with me auditioning what could possibly be my next speakers.

All thanks to AA

I listened and compared the 2 speakers at my dealer for several hours and concluded the same.

Do it, do it!

And when you do, if you prefer black you'll get if faster.

I chose rosenut, and I have been waiting for 2.5 moths already

I've got no more nails on my fingers.

[audiohippo]

How did you find the bass output of the 802D3 compared to the D2's?

[krustycat]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

How did you find the bass output of the 802D3 compared to the D2's?

stronger and more accurate

let me add that the 802 d3 unit I tested had already been running for 2 months

[Jagman]

Listening to these two sets of speakers in an absolute A/B environment was very revealing, but mostly very fun
Joey very clearly articulates our thoughts and impressions. I heartily agree with all of them. Along with all of Joeys comments, the biggest improvement to me over the D2's was imaging. The new 802's presented a near 3D soundstage that I've never heard from the D2's. The cabinets disappeared more uniformly with an increased level of lightness.
I am a B&W admirer and former owner, but my most recent decision on a speaker upgrade was to go another direction with the Focals. It's not one I regret. I really really liked the 802 D2's, but there always seemed to be a hint of brightness and a lack of depth. That said, it's been a while since I paid close attention to Bowers speakers. I was reminded just how wonderful these speakers are, in either generation. For me, however, the new 802D3's have truly risen to a new level. For some, this advancement may be too much of a departure from the previous generations sound. To my ears, the new speakers have elevated the sound beyond the D2's, and not by a little.
The stellar imaging and now absence of diamond brightness, has brought these speakers into a new and better realm in my eyes.
But then again, what a pity given the enormous price increase it would be, if they hadn't.

[SMC23]

I've owned 802d2 since they launched in 2010 and now 802d3, and the 802d2 I never felt bright. The revised tweeter over the D1 was more smoother while being revealing. Where I felt the 802d2 lacked was in bass presence, but having dual stereo subs resolved this for me.

I admit the basis of my upgrade for 802d3 was for the looks and the promised improvements as I didn't have the opportunity to audition them before placing my pre-order.

Now that I've had my 802d3 for a few months I can say the soundstage and imaging has definately been positively improved, as well as the upper-mid bass. I don't notice any changes in lower bass as I continue to use stereo subs, which makes sense. To put a percentage on the improvement is impossible. I would say the improvements can be noticeable to an audiophile but my wife and brother who are not do not hear any differences.

[AudioA100]

Originally Posted by joey_v

So my friend Kevin and I went to listen to the new 802D3 and back to back'd it against the 802D2.

He owns Focal 1038BE, so I trust his ears.

We demo'd, we came out with the same conclusions:

802D3 is better in terms of a more cohesive reproduction, more density to images and vocalists, more projection into the room, and not as sharp to the ears but with all the detail of the 802D2.

Being the owner of the 802D2, I think I know that speaker well enough... I gave the 802D3 a 20-25% improvement in sound. I wasn't even sure if he was going to like it but he did! He said I was too conservative with my numbers and he suggested something close to the 40% mark of improvement.

I thank Kevin for his time spent with me auditioning what could possibly be my next speakers.

All thanks to AA

You didn't mention where did you listen to those speakers?
What amplifier was it when you listened to them?

From other website a user found 802D3 has no enough bass compared to 802D2. It said a lot less. It was using two Macintosh Mc601. I also wonder how you got your 25% improvement conclusion? Most likely people describe with price increase by a percentage but not sound quality. It's even strange if a new generation of speakers has the capability of improving sound quality vs previous generation by 40%, it implies that 802D (d1) delivers only half of sound quality, or the 802N would only get you 35% of the sound quality in comparing to 802D3. That doesn't make sense.

It matches, if you try to rationalize B&W's price increase, but definitely not alongside with sound improvement.

It mentioned to use 802D3, Macintosh Amp might not be as good as direct-coupled solid states amps. I think it's because 802D3 has even lower impedance than 802D2. Macintosh's fixed impedance output would get in trouble to deal with the new 800 D3s. Unless they try to sell you 1.2kw....

So what did you use for your audition? A Classe?

[Masterlu]

AudioA100... Welcome to AA!