B&W Nuatilus

The lineup and the white paper of the new B&W 800 series were announced on the B&W. The followings are the links of theirs.

http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.ranges/label/Range 800 Series
http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.techfeatures/ObjectID/49993A4A-12C3-479C-B5F512A665741805

It will be interesting to see reviews with performance measurements. I've read the white paper and yes there is some (compelling) evidence to suggest better compatibility with SACD , DVD-A etc.. due to the higher break up frequency but the white paper did resort to subjectivisms to conclude a points decision over the existing Al tweeter. A friend of mine ordered a pair of 800S 2 months ago and takes delivery tomorrow. At the time he ordered them he as unaware of the pending new model releases so he will no doubt feel a little flattened with this news, and even more so if the new tweeters prove themselves to be superior. I'm planning to upgrade my speakers later this year, so the new 802D and 800D will definitely be on my short list.

Timpani
Regarding your friend ordering the 800Signatures two months ago.Really not fair on the dealers part of not warning him.I promise you the Dealer knew at that stage.The rumour of the new range started about five months ago.You can imagine what that does to the used value in the future.Same with the 805 Signature and the new 805s.805s same speaker as the 805 Signature but without the fancy finish ? Trickle down technology.....at a less expensive price.
800 range has also been expanded with more models.Now a 803s and 803D....
I feel they change their models to frequently,to many ranges and I feel the price increase is too much.
The positive,this makes B&W excellent used buys .....

Regards

Chris
(Ex B&W and current Merlin owner)

I bought my 802s from an honest dealer. I knew of the change and I went with the 802s because they are outstanding speakers and the price was right. I bought them early this past summer and I could sell them for what I paid. New is fine, but quality is quality. Plus I have way more speaker for the dollar.

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.

I've just come back from my friends house after 6 hours of listening to his 800Ss. Words alone are inadequate to explain. I heard more detail than I ever thought was possible from a pair of hi-fi speakers. They put my Infinity Renaissance 90s to shame in every respect except soundstage and I think that was due to room placement. It's actually hard to imagine being able to improve on that. Yes, the treble was initially just a bit hotter than it should have been but with a little bit of tweeking of the tow-in we were able to make it essentially perfect. It was the cleanest and most grain free treble I've ever heard, with the possible exception of an experience with the JM Lab Grand Utopia Be. The Bass was awesome but is just a tad polite due to a lack of running-in. Midrange detail and accuracy - staggering. I hope blubull is right about some bargain 800Ns or Ss, because I'm now in line for a pair.

BTW, my friend's over the moon. He'd been using a 25 year old pair of Acoustic Research AR-9s and an equally old Mosfet amp until last week. Now he's running a Krell FBP 600 into 800 Signatures. He was very disappointed to learn of the new model release a few days ago but this first listening session has convinced him he made a great decision.

I'll still be watching for reviews of the new models with interest and will definitely go for an audition when the local dealers receive the first shipment.

Thanks Washline for your comments. I can't disagree.