I had the last 804D2 model and enjoyed them very much. Same for the 802 Matrix I had in the 90s. I have not heard the new series. That said, it always piques my interest when people criticize b&w. They have always commanded high resale (used) prices compared to other brands, and are relatively ubiquitous among audiophiles. Why does that matter? Because over time the 'truth' would emerge - people would not pay for something that is not good. Highly regarded brands like Wilson, Avalon,Revel, etc. sell for 40-60% of original price but b&w sell for 50-70%. The only other brands that meet or exceed this are Harbeth and Proac (both British, interestingly...somehow Spendor gets left out). My experience with b&w is they need lots of good power. I don't know why, but when provided with good amplification I think they are a fantastic brand.
Bowers and Wilkerson B&W 802 D3: an impolite Brit?
I heard the new Bowers and Wilkerson 802 D3 today, only the second time they have been heard in public, at an L.A. Audio society event. They have a very large soundstage, and are exceptionally dynamic. The bass is not as good as Magico for example, because of the ported design, but is nonetheless quite good. Detail is excellent, perhaps to a fault. What I don't like about them is that they are quite forward, an anomaly among British speakers. I was experiencing listening fatigue after an hour.I don't know if that is the diamond tweeter, or simply how the speaker/crossover is voiced. Tone of the speakers is not quite real. Being this forward and somewhat more detailed than real life, sells well, but does not please as years and decades go by in my opinion.
FWIW, my mom still has a series 802 that I still find pleasing, and neither too forward or polite, with sealed woofer and bextrene midrange.
Not too sound like sour grapes, it is fabulous pop/rock and home theater speaker, and worth its price given the economy of scale B & W possesses and 8 year redesign effort by a talented team with huge technical resources...but the tone thing is critical for jazz/classical/acoustic instrument lovers. I don't think it's the right choice for them. I am a high quality 2 way stand mount plus subwoofer kind of guy.
(Harbeth Compact 7 ES3 with REL Strata III sub)
Your thoughts?
Tom
FWIW, my mom still has a series 802 that I still find pleasing, and neither too forward or polite, with sealed woofer and bextrene midrange.
Not too sound like sour grapes, it is fabulous pop/rock and home theater speaker, and worth its price given the economy of scale B & W possesses and 8 year redesign effort by a talented team with huge technical resources...but the tone thing is critical for jazz/classical/acoustic instrument lovers. I don't think it's the right choice for them. I am a high quality 2 way stand mount plus subwoofer kind of guy.
(Harbeth Compact 7 ES3 with REL Strata III sub)
Your thoughts?
Tom