It's official: My 800D3 order has been placed!

[King]

in my opinion black gloss is the best, but i endup ordering rosewood because i was worried with how easy the black one could get dusty and scratches.

Rosewood is classic and always easy to fit with other furniture

[audiohippo]

Originally Posted by King

in my opinion black gloss is the best, but i endup ordering rosewood because i was worried with how easy the black one could get dusty and scratches.

Rosewood is classic and always easy to fit with other furniture

Yes, Black Gloss does require maintenance otherwise you will get swirls all over it from wiping/dusting.

Wood finish is definitely harder wearing.

[Rod#S]

Originally Posted by joey_v

... The difference isn't just the bass, it's the lower midrange.

I've been saying this for years and no one seemed to want to listen. In fact this is the most pronounced difference between the 2 models, it always has been because so much of what we listen to falls within these frequencies thus to the duty of the dual 10's in a larger cabinet rather than dual 8's in a smaller cabinet.

[Patrick Butler]

The real reason for the difference in the lower midrange is due to the difference in the bass drivers between 802D3 and 800D3. The 800D3 bass drivers use a different dust cap and motor assembly, which results in cleaner performance at the top end of the woofers operating range.

Regards,

Patrick
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by Rod#S

I've been saying this for years and no one seemed to want to listen. In fact this is the most pronounced difference between the 2 models, it always has been because so much of what we listen to falls within these frequencies thus to the duty of the dual 10's in a larger cabinet rather than dual 8's in a smaller cabinet.

[ariess]

How do you avoid the swirls?

[scirica]

Originally Posted by joey_v

I am thinking end of May. I was thinking it was to arrive on my birthday, May 23, but it does not look like it will happen that day.

Regardless, this will be the best birthday present ever!! I can't wait to hear them along with the WEL Signature cables. I was convinced that you would end up here eventually...the obsession is obvious.

Congrats!

Steve

[joey_v]

Thanks fellas!!

I'm finalizing the order as we speak.

Long road yes, end in sight?

Man I hope so.

[GregGale]

Originally Posted by ariess

How do you avoid the swirls?

That is a very good question that had me researching different forums including the Piano Guild and Steinway Piano's among others.

What I use that works for me that I adopted as "best practice " I have highlighted below.

I would love to hear from Patrick Butler's or others on this forums experience on this topic.

1. First, I make sure I blow the dust off the tweeter, Midrange Turbine Head and top of cabinet that nestles the midrange with compressed air.
   
2. After this is done, I use a lambs wool duster to gently go over what I just cleaned and only use in one direction following the lines of the speaker housing and then I proceed to do the sides and front of the cabinet.

This works great without any swirl marks that I could see and I use for general cleaning on a weekly basis.

Recently my wife sprayed air fragrance in the room to get rid of some kitchen odors which ultimately showed up as fine spots on the gloss black surface which would not dust off and when I attempted to wipe gently with a microfiber cloth would smear.

From several of the piano forums people referenced using a clean wet chamois with a drop or two of dishwashing detergent to help clean the surface without leaving any residue or streaking. You wring out the chamois until it is very damp, and then after wiping gently in a straight line I follow up with B&W's microfiber cloth to dry any residual moisture. This has worked like a charm and all spots were gone.

If you use a microfiber cloth on its own dry, even if the surface is clean, you can cause fine hairline scratches in the finish. I have been told even using a microfiber cloth wet could do the same, but a wet or moist chamois will not (skin to win).


Mine looks as good as the day they were delivered and I plan to keep them that way.

Would love to hear from others.

[joey_v]

I don't touch the black gloss. I use a dust blower.

[joey_v]

My dealer suggested:

Bugatti Blue with brushed aluminum head.

I said, if you pay for the difference, I'll do it.

Hey Patrick - do you have pics of customized 800d3 that you can share?