Bowers & Wilkins 801D4 Signature


Hi,

I have 2 homes (one in Brazil and one I recently bought for my summer holidays in Germany). In Brazil I have the 801D4 and wanted to buy the same speakers for my new home in Germany. But my dealer suggested to buy the 801D4 Signature and told me they sound far better and there is a big improvement in sound.
Can anyone confirm this please?

Thank you kindly.

Cheers
Caesar

caesarius

Either are lovely speakers, but there is minuscule difference between the two in most circumstances.  I have the 800D3 I bought used here for $19K that I couple with Classe Delta monos.  I auditioned the 801D4 and was never quite sure if I could tell the difference.  Hence why I am working on room treatment.

At some point, it becomes a purely subjective decision, which is where I strive to save a ton of money by buying demos or lightly used.

I would encourage some tubes somewhere in the system as the mid and top end of the 800s is very precise and some people can find it tiresome.  I opted for a PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp, but there are plenty of valid choices.

Long way of saying, any of the choices you are looking at are great, so I'd look for a set that someone is selling for whatever reason and go sink the money into the rest of your system.

I say, If you can afford the upgrade, don't even think about it, trust your dealer and go with the upgrade.  There's a good chance that your dealer knows what he's talking about.  In the long-run, you'll regret not buying the better speaker. 

Pleads listen to the Vandersteen Kinta at about 35k. They may change your mind. I went from B&W to their Quatro wood ct for about $17k.  Much better 

The Vandy Kèntos are pretty amazing. What Richard has done with his patented bass at this price range is crazy. They are worth an audition.