802D1 to 803D3 or 802D3

[GrubTheHedgehog]

I was wondering if anyone now using a D3 series headed speaker has upgraded to the 803D3 or 802D3 from a first generation D1 speaker, like my current 802D1. If so, what kind of improvements did you experience? Anyone care to compare the two?

[Skynet]

10 years ago I listened to the B&W 802D3 and I didn't love them, they didn't do it for me.
Now 10 years later I listened to the B&W 803D3 and I have them now standing in mine livingroom. What a difference!

[FDPDK]

10 years ago there was no 802D3 am sure you made a typo !

[meltemi]

The D3 series is a completely new construction from top to bottom.
I went from 800 D2 to 800 D3 and got closer to live than ever before.

If 800 D3 is too big and costly for you, go at least for 802 D3 and not 803 D3. Although the latter two look similar, they are not (smaller head, smaller mid drive and smaller low frequency drive for 803 D3). Compared to the 800 D3 and the 802 D3 the 803 D3's tuning (and sound) is quite different from ist two larger siblings.

Martin

[GrubTheHedgehog]

Are you saying going to 803D3 would not be a big step up from 802D1?

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by GrubTheHedgehog

Are you saying going to 803D3 would not be a big step up from 802D1?

It is a big step. However you may not be satisfied with the results, since you might be used to more bottom end from your 802D, than the 803 D3 can deliver. You need to find out by listening for yourself.

IMHO the 802 D3 will sonically be the better successor to your 802D.

Martin

[Levitator]

Originally Posted by meltemi

It is a big step. However you may not be satisfied with the results, since you might be used to more bottom end from your 802D, than the 803 D3 can deliver. You need to find out by listening for yourself.



IMHO the 802 D3 will sonically be the better successor to your 802D.



Martin

Have to agree with you Martin - the 802D3 is a better place to be, if one can afford to be there

[GSOphile]

Originally Posted by meltemi

The D3 series is a completely new construction from top to bottom.
I went from 800 D2 to 800 D3 and got closer to live than ever before.

If 800 D3 is too big and costly for you, go at least for 802 D3 and not 803 D3. Although the latter two look similar, they are not (smaller head, smaller mid drive and smaller low frequency drive for 803 D3). Compared to the 800 D3 and the 802 D3 the 803 D3's tuning (and sound) is quite different from ist two larger siblings.

Martin

+1 What I heard in several hour comparison of 803 D3/802 D3 at my dealer several years ago. IMO the 802 D3 is the worth the extra. Have not heard the 800 D3.

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by GSOphile

IMO the 802 D3 is the worth the extra. Have not heard the 800 D3.

The 800 D3 again plays in another league than the 802 D3.
As one Dutch reviewer put it: 'the 802 offers top-level music reproduction and the 800 offers a near-live experience'.
Especially if you got world class electronics (e.g. Accuphase C-3850, Accuphase A-200 or better A-250 monos).

https://www.lexicommultimedia.nl/rev...rluidsprekers/

Use translate.google.com to translate from Dutch to English (or any other language you may wish).

Martin

[BrianT]

I owned a pair or 802D1, in my room I found them to be boomy, I sold them and decided
to go on a speaker hunt, not even considering B&W.
I narrowed it down to the Focal Sopra 2 and the Wilson Sabrina (only had 20K cnd budget) I did find the Sopra to be a bit bright, so I took them of my list. So it looked like the Sabrina is what I was going to purchase.
I was in Montreal picking something else up, and wandered into a store to look at a music server. They sold B&W and had a set of 803D3 playing, I should have left the store but I did not.
I ended up purchasing a set of B&W 803D3, they suit my room perfect, but if I would have had a higher budget, I would have arranged an in home demo of the B&W802D3.
All I can say is go and take a listen yourself, and purchase what makes you happy.
Brian