804 D3 - Unboxing

[Patrick Butler]

Hi BuffaloBill,

All the matrix bracing is designed to do is to keep the cabinet from resonating, but you still have energy transferred into the bracing to contend with. Decoupling the midrange and tweeter is an effective way of dealing with this issue.

The tweeter is supposed to be a little loose, because it is decoupled. If you firmly attach it to the cabinet, any energy dumped into the bracing by the bass driver travels to the tweeter enclosure and shakes it just enough to distort upper frequencies. This is a technique we have used for years, and it is very effective.

Regards,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

Having a mid that is vibrating the cabinet doesn't sound encouraging, especially since the matrix construction is suppose to control cabinet resonances.

[Patrick Butler]

Hi diononiz,

Glad you are enjoying them. I've been meaning to get back to you regarding positioning. Looks like your only real issue is the sidewall next to your left channel. You'll want to make sure that the front baffle of the speaker is in front of that sidewall. If you listen to a singer, as you bring the left channel forward, you'll hear a place where the vocal opens up and becomes less congested. Once you find a position that you like, bring the right channel forward to match.

Best,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by diononiz

Really amazing so far. I heard they need 60 hours for break in. Right now I only have about 12 hours.....

Its going to be a long couple of weeks.

[diononiz]

Originally Posted by Patrick Butler

Hi diononiz,

Glad you are enjoying them. I've been meaning to get back to you regarding positioning. Looks like your only real issue is the sidewall next to your left channel. You'll want to make sure that the front baffle of the speaker is in front of that sidewall. If you listen to a singer, as you bring the left channel forward, you'll hear a place where the vocal opens up and becomes less congested. Once you find a position that you like, bring the right channel forward to match.

Best,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Thanks Patrick. I really appreciate the guidance!

[robd2]

Originally Posted by Patrick Butler

Hi diononiz,

Glad you are enjoying them. I've been meaning to get back to you regarding positioning. Looks like your only real issue is the sidewall next to your left channel. You'll want to make sure that the front baffle of the speaker is in front of that sidewall. If you listen to a singer, as you bring the left channel forward, you'll hear a place where the vocal opens up and becomes less congested. Once you find a position that you like, bring the right channel forward to match

Great recommendation Patrick. Are there any starting guidelines regarding "toe in" on the 804 models (new and old). My specific question is for 804N.

Thanks again,
Rob

[diononiz]

Originally Posted by Patrick Butler

Hi diononiz,

Glad you are enjoying them. I've been meaning to get back to you regarding positioning. Looks like your only real issue is the sidewall next to your left channel. You'll want to make sure that the front baffle of the speaker is in front of that sidewall. If you listen to a singer, as you bring the left channel forward, you'll hear a place where the vocal opens up and becomes less congested. Once you find a position that you like, bring the right channel forward to match.

Best,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Patrick,
One other quick question, when do you think the Htm2d3 center will be available at a retailer in the Bay Area?

Thanks

[miner]

What is the size of the two bass drivers. I have the N804 and your bass drivers do look larger than the 7" on the Nautilus 804 line.

[diononiz]

Originally Posted by miner

What is the size of the two bass drivers. I have the N804 and your bass drivers do look larger than the 7" on the Nautilus 804 line.

From the B&W website:

Drive units

1x ø25mm (1 in) diamond dome high-frequency
1x ø130mm (5 in) Continuum cone FST™ midrange
2x ø165mm (6.5 in) Aerofoil cone bass units
Frequency range


24Hz to 28kHz (+/-3dB from reference axis)
Sensitivity

89dB SPL (2.83Vrms at 1m)

[Patrick Butler]

Hi Rob,

Around 20° is a good starting point, based on a setup where your speakers are roughly setup in an equilateral triangle with a targeted listening position. Another guide would be to have the tweeters crossing a couple of feet behind your head. Beyond that, playing with toe in can increase focus in the sounds stage (or over focus) and will effect low frequency performance as well. Best to pay attention to the bass and a vocalist while making this adjustment.

Regards,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by robd2

Great recommendation Patrick. Are there any starting guidelines regarding "toe in" on the 804 models (new and old). My specific question is for 804N.

Thanks again,
Rob

[Patrick Butler]

Hi diononiz,

Answer- I don't know. We have prioritized producing stereo products initially, and production of center channels is ramping up. I would not be surprised if the wait is in the order of months for an HTM2D3. Early bird gets the worm.

Regards,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by diononiz

Patrick,
One other quick question, when do you think the Htm2d3 center will be available at a retailer in the Bay Area?

Thanks

[Toobs]

I'm strongly considering the 804 d3 but I'm wondering if my Mcintosh MC275 VI at 75 wpc is enough power to drive them properly