Alternatives to B&W 805 D4


Hello,

I’m planning to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers that I hope will last for the rest of my life. I’ll turn 50 next year, so it’s not too far fetched!

I’m thinking about the B&W 805 D4 because I'm familiar with this brand, but in this price range, there are certainly good alternatives. The ones I have in mind are the Totem Element Fire V2 and Focal Sopra No1.

My goal here if there is to use the collective mind to learn if there are other makes/models worth considering. Once I’ll have a shortlist, I’ll find places where I can try them to make a final choice because, in the end, we all know the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I’m using B&W V203/DS3 for decades with integrated amp Arcam Alpha 5 that I recently upgraded with second-hand McIntosh C712 + MC7100. The source is Sonos Connect.

I’m in Montreal, Québec - it could change the availability of some brands.

Thanks for your input.

Papyneau
papyneau

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

B&W are lovely and highly resolving speakers.  For alternatives in a similar price range I would look at the following -

Magico A1 - aluminum cabinet and sealed and Magico's signature sound which is in the same tonal area as B&W.  Debatably more resolving

Vivid Kaya S12 - One of my favorite speaker lines.  These are a little unusual looking but they sound amazing and are incredible performers.  

Wilson TuneTot - These are a little sweeter sounding than some of the other speakers in this price range and are really lovely.  One perk of these is that near wall placement is possible.  

Focal Sopra 1 is of course a fit and I would second them.  

Marten - Oscar's I know are in this price range and are great.  I would second those.  

Wilson Benesch Precision 1.0 - these are maybe a little warmer than most of the other speakers mentioned here but are very refined.  Wonderful detail and imaging.  

Verdant Audio Blackthorn 1 - These are my speakers and have received some pretty good press.  Check out the review at Enjoy the Music by Professor Michael Bump.  I have a loaner pair that has been beaten up a little that you can try in-home.  

Raidho is a wonderful speaker but has a very different presentation and delivers a much more immersive listening experience.  X1/XT1/C1.2 would be worth looking at if you want that more immersive soundstage rather than having sound presented to you.  

I am a dealer (though in most cases can't sell to you) for Vivid, Focal, Wilson Benesch. Raidho and obviously my own speakers.