802D Vs New 802 Diamond Series

[Poobah]

I'm not parting with my 802D's, or even considering it.

However I am curious, if anyone has had an oppertunity to listen to both of them. Any impressions?

Perhaps, Stillone could explain what "Very Interesting" means?

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Poobah

I'm not parting with my 802D's, or even considering it.

However I am curious, if anyone has had an oppertunity to listen to both of them. Any impressions?

Perhaps, Stillone could explain what "Very Interesting" means?

I have not listened to them since they were being broken in. The times I have returned to the shop was for extended listening sessions with the Maxx 3's and the new Janszen Electrostatic's.

What I was referring to when I noted they could be very interesting was how B&W has gone with a bit tighter sound especially in the mid-range and vocals. I did not really hear any music with bass so I could not tell if they also tried to change the speakers there too.

What I seemed to hear could best be described using the scale below.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B&W B&W Sasha WP8
Old New

If the older Wilson's and B&W were on opposite ends of a scale, the new iterations have moved them closer together. The B&W's now seem to articulate the music better and the Sasha's have become more musical. SORRY THIS IS NOT SHOWING HOW I AM TYPING IT. :MAD:

I hope that explains my initial thoughts a bit better. Some current B&W owners may not like the change.
Jim

[Poobah]

It's all good.

I'll likely die of old age with my 802d's.. ( and I'm not an old fart like most of you buggers. )

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Poobah

It's all good.

I'll likely die of old age with my 802d's.. ( and I'm not an old fart like most of you buggers. )

I always liked my 802d's so I know where you are coming from.

[f1 fan]

I always enjoyed my 802N's especially when paired with McIntosh.

Dave

[cédric1]

The B&W 802D are fabulous with Mc

Cédric

[80B]

How right you are! It's hard to leave the listening seat every night!

[1KW]

I like the look of the bowling ball midrange with the metal flake finish better than the new finish especially in the rose nut or natural cherry wood veneer.

[btf1980]

I posted the following below on several forums I frequent. Thought I would share here too.

Let me just say that to all the people complaining about the way the speaker looks with the silver trim, rest assured that it looks very handsome in person. I think the flash on camera's pick up the silver accent making it more noticeable in pictures. In person, it's a non issue.

Up first was the 802 Diamonds. They were hooked up to the creme de la creme. Top of the line McIntosh gear. Each speaker was hooked up to the behemoth MC2301 tube amp. The source was an MCD500 SACD player (liquid smooth!)

I know the previous 802Ds like the back of my hand and I have heard them with the same mac gear before, but there are definitely differences. To begin with, the new 802 diamonds are more forward. Not a detraction, but noticeable if you know the previous speakers well. In comparison, the previous model has a more polite sound - tamer even. I was very impressed. Impressed enough to drop the dough on it? Ask me in a few years. Not now.

Now the 805 diamonds impressed the hell out of me. To be frank, and I know I might ruffle up some feathers, but the new 805 diamonds with a top of the line subwoofer from the likes of JL Audio is a much smarter buy than the 802 diamonds. That would be a tremendous combination at a fraction of the 802 price.

The 805 diamonds were connected to a lowly Rotel integrated & marantz cd player. The Wall by Pink Floyd (MFSL copy I think) was put in, and WOW! This speaker images like nobodies business. Tight, crisp and detailed. Excellent midrange. There was a couple in the room with me, and the guy whipped out his credit card after about 10 minutes...I left the room to let them take care of business. I think that says it all. I could buy these speakers & be content for a while.

I honestly think most sales for B&W will be between the 802 and the 805 diamonds. The 802 simply because of the leap in dynamics and bottom end from everything below it, and the 805 by virtue of being the only bookshelf in the line up, making it versatile and the most affordable.

Some pics...

[TommyC]

Very nice pictures. Thank for sharing!