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B&W 800 D4's, Room size, & general Q's

Hey all,

Not sure if this was the appropriate sub-forum, I'm pretty new to all this stuff, and would appreciate any insight you can offer. I am building a new home (almost complete), and leaning towards adding a pair of B&W 800 series D4 to my office. The room is approximately 18'x17'x10'H. Not sure if this makes a difference, but my builder has sound proofed the right side wall where I plan to place the towers in front of (see picture link), as well as the ceiling. I'm not sure what he used to sound proof, but it's behind the dry wall & some wood paneling. In the pic, the "furniture" isn't to scale or anything, just a rough estimate. Link to room pic: https://imgur.com/a/MgpHATC

My questions:
  1. For this room size, would the B&W 802 D4 be the correct choice in the 800 series lineup? Or should I go bigger (801 D4) or smaller (803 D4)?
  2. Does it matter that my towers will be off center within the room itself?
  3. Would it be a waste to spend this much on a sound system when I did not specifically design the room to be used as a hifi listening room?
  4. What electronics would you recommend to pair with the B&W's? I was leaning towards all McIntosh.

My max budget is around $100,000 all in for this sound system. B&W 802 D4's + McIntosh would get me to around $50k, and I'd be content spending only that amount. That being said, I'm open to suggestions other than B&W and/or McIntosh electronics (i.e. if there are electronics that pair better with B&W). Thanks in advance!


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Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
8,872 posts
 
I was talking about the 802D3s — shoulda specified that. 
soix
8,872 posts
 
What sound characteristics are most important to you?  What kind of music do you listen to and how loud?  You live in a good area to hear lots of good audio, and especially at your level of expense you should go out and hear at least a few other systems (bring your own music when you go in case the dealer doesn’t have it).  I worked for Magnolia and heard the 802s with McIntosh and frankly thought it was not a good pairing relative to what else could be had for that kind of $$$, but then we all have different tastes I guess.  Sharing your preferences will make it much easier to recommend good options to go hear in your area. 

As for your room, there’s a huge difference between soundproofing a room to prevent sound from getting out and optimizing a room for better sound inside it.  Download and read Earl Geddis “Premium Home Theater,“ which is a very approachable and educational source that’ll make you lightyears smarter about room design and better able to make construction decisions.  You’ll be glad you read it. 


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