Moving a pair of B&W/802N

[Jimmy64]

Years ago, I was able to find a pair of 802N for sale here in nearby Northern VA from their original owner. We auditioned, worked out a fair price, and I bought them.

When I mentioned to my dealer (to whom I had purchased a pair of 803D's just a year earlier) that I found a great pair of 802N and I was going to buy them... He was sorta excited just a little. He would have much rather sold me a new pair of the 802D's. He then told me to be very careful with transporting the 802N. The original owner did not keep the boxes. My dealer told me they should never be laid on their side for any transport or even moving around the house. He said there were things balanced internally that would seriously alter their sound if I did so. I wasn't scared away from purchasing them, instead I had my neighbor (who happens to have a moving company) send two guys and a truck to pick up the 802N. They built boxes and always kept the speaker upright during the entire move.

Was this all that necessary? I'm planning another move and realize I do need to be careful but my big question is the "never tilt them on their side for any reason" from my dealer. Any thoughts or experience with this?

Thanks
Jimmy

[BVLDARI]

Originally Posted by Jimmy64

Years ago, I was able to find a pair of 802N for sale here in nearby Northern VA from their original owner. We auditioned, worked out a fair price, and I bought them.

When I mentioned to my dealer (to whom I had purchased a pair of 803D's just a year earlier) that I found a great pair of 802N and I was going to buy them... He was sorta excited just a little. He would have much rather sold me a new pair of the 802D's. He then told me to be very careful with transporting the 802N. The original owner did not keep the boxes. My dealer told me they should never be laid on their side for any transport or even moving around the house. He said there were things balanced internally that would seriously alter their sound if I did so. I wasn't scared away from purchasing them, instead I had my neighbor (who happens to have a moving company) send two guys and a truck to pick up the 802N. They built boxes and always kept the speaker upright during the entire move.

Was this all that necessary? I'm planning another move and realize I do need to be careful but my big question is the "never tilt them on their side for any reason" from my dealer. Any thoughts or experience with this?

Thanks
Jimmy

I don’t know about the N series but it’s ok to tilt and lay the speakers on their side for the current diamond series. I would imagine it’s ok to do the same for the N series.

However, I would under no circumstance try and transport the speaker on it’s side. Building a cabinet back in the day was probably not a bad idea. Not sure if you kept those custom cabinets, but if not, you can probably order “original” boxes from B&W for a fee…

[-E-]

The key thing is to watch out for the midrange/tweeter bulb. They are more fragile than they look - but you can but the speaker on its side if you do so carefully.

[BlueSky]

It's ok to tilt them on their sides as this is the technique that is used to install the floor spikes in lieu of the casters (on my N801s at least). I'd say you're ok and just don't drop them on their sides. I also wouldn't put them face down or try to position them with the face pointing skyward.

[Matt Lan]

Laying on their side to unpackage or add spikes is fine, but I wouldn't transport them in a van on their sides.

Note also that, at least on the 800's, there is a temporary screw and washer to install at the back of the HF assembly to protect against shifting while moving.

Best,

Matt

[Jimmy64]

Great feedback all. I really appreciate it.

Jimmy