804 D2 Audition today

[budt]

I had the first generation 802D and didn't really care for them. I have since upgraded to the latest 800 Diamonds and really like them. I even preferred the 805D to the older 802D.

[Rod#S]

Originally Posted by budt

I had the first generation 802D and didn't really care for them. I have since upgraded to the latest 800 Diamonds and really like them. I even preferred the 805D to the older 802D.

What was it about the 802D that you didn't like or felt was missing and have you heard the new 802 Diamond?

[budt]

I find the new series is much more open and transparent.It is like a veil has been removed. They also seem faster but maybe it is simply because they are more transparent and so it appears they are faster. Anyways, I would pick the new 805D over the old 802D if I had to live with them.
I ended up with the 800 Diamonds as I was able to get full value out of my 802D when trading up. I didn't expect such a difference . I just ordered an Esoteric K-03 today so will look forward to hearing that in the system.

[Rod#S]

Originally Posted by budt

I find the new series is much more open and transparent.It is like a veil has been removed. They also seem faster but maybe it is simply because they are more transparent and so it appears they are faster. Anyways, I would pick the new 805D over the old 802D if I had to live with them.
I ended up with the 800 Diamonds as I was able to get full value out of my 802D when trading up. I didn't expect such a difference . I just ordered an Esoteric K-03 today so will look forward to hearing that in the system.

Thanks

[ChrisAZ]

I'm a little late to this party and the OP has likely moved on to other matters, but I thought I'd throw in my $.02. I've got B&W 805Ds upstairs in my 5.1 home theatre, powered by Classe processor/amp, together with an REL sub. They sound terrific for HT use, but I find them a bit overly bright and clinical for 2 channel music only. As I was building my two channel system downstairs I purposely looked at the 804Ds (since I owned the 805Ds) vs the Sonus faber Cremona Ms (since I also owned the Sonus faber Liuto monitors), to be mated to my McIntosh MA6600 integrated, and much preferred the Cremona Ms when it came to 2 ch music. My point is not that one speaker is better than the other but that the a/b comparison should be made as they are very different sounding speakers.

[budt]

We all hear differently and have different preferences.Personally, I didn't find the 805D too clinical. In fact I would have liked them even more if they were just a touch more revealing. I guess it all comes back to taste/hearing etc.Of course associated equipment can have a major impact on the final sound.
You really do need to listen for yourself.