B&W Nuatilus

rockethouse, it was all high, high end Esoteric amplification and digital sourcing. I don't remember the particular models because they were way, way out of my league in terms of price range. Well over 20 grand. But terrific they were.

I heard the new B & W diamond tweeter 800's and 802's at a show here in Seoul two weeks ago, and they were a big, big disappointment. The signature series 800's were much better.

Rockethouse, that new N800D sounded very colored and mushy. The diamond tweeter offered little to my ears. The tweeter in the previous line was fine as it was. the new one is supposed to go up to 50-60 khz, but it didn't seem to offer more than the previous line. The speakers were hooked up to the new Classe line, the same as your link above. I went into the next room and listened to the old S800 and they sounded much much better with a line of Esoteric gear that blew my socks off. The S800 is a wonderful speaker. I've been very impressed in general with the B&W S & N lines, but the new diamonds were less than scintillating. Perhaps it was because the new speakers weren't yet broken in or something, but the cabinet synergy and the over sound was weak and unimpressive.

Timpani, as I stated above, I think the new diamond series is overrated. I'd take the Signature 800 anyday over that series. I think your friend made a very wise decision. It's a great speaker--one of the top two or three I've ever heard. With the right gear, it's absolutely superb.