I have three of the 802 d3s across the front of my listening/theater room. They sound great. I also have a DB1 subwoofer that I ordered at the same time. Honestly, I am still fooling around with the DB1 settings and also the lower frequency settings on the MX160 to get punch from the sub. But as to your question, the 802s sound really great even without a sub. I have played them both ways, with and without subs and I can tell you I here subtle differences while playing them. I listen to many different types of music and movies through them and they do sound great without a sub. Everything from dave mathews to star wars has been played through them. I would just keep them from the back wall about a foot or so. Set them up and see for yourself if you need a sub.
Waiting on 802D3 to arrive -- Will I need a sub?
It's a rainy gray Sunday afternoon here in Atlanta today. I probably have better things to do but I've spent hours reading and researching trying to ascertain if I will need a subwoofer(s) once my B&W 802D3 arrive here in another week or so.
I can't decide and so I've decided to try posting here and crowdsource an answer, ha ha!
My goal is to create a system that will allow me to listen to 2-channel music for hours on end without fatigue. The room is my living room and is a quasi open floorplan. It is around 24 feet long by 18 feet wide. There are 10ft ceilings with an open stairwell back behind the seating position and an opening to my dining room that adds another 400 square feet or so of floor space.
Previously I've had B&W 804D2 towers with two B&W ASWCM10 powered subs. I've sold the towers and the subs and am waiting on 802D3 to arrive as mentioned above. The 804D2 absolutely had to have the subs. The bass just wasn't there without them unless I really cranked the volume up.
So as I sit here I'm wondering if I made a mistake in selling my subs already. With the 802's will I miss them or will those guys have me covered for 2 channel listening?
If it's likely that I will still need a sub (or 2) what do you guys think would be a good match to the 802D3?
Here is the rest of my equipment in case its helpful in offering an opinion:
Thanks!
Bryce
I can't decide and so I've decided to try posting here and crowdsource an answer, ha ha!
My goal is to create a system that will allow me to listen to 2-channel music for hours on end without fatigue. The room is my living room and is a quasi open floorplan. It is around 24 feet long by 18 feet wide. There are 10ft ceilings with an open stairwell back behind the seating position and an opening to my dining room that adds another 400 square feet or so of floor space.
Previously I've had B&W 804D2 towers with two B&W ASWCM10 powered subs. I've sold the towers and the subs and am waiting on 802D3 to arrive as mentioned above. The 804D2 absolutely had to have the subs. The bass just wasn't there without them unless I really cranked the volume up.
So as I sit here I'm wondering if I made a mistake in selling my subs already. With the 802's will I miss them or will those guys have me covered for 2 channel listening?
If it's likely that I will still need a sub (or 2) what do you guys think would be a good match to the 802D3?
Here is the rest of my equipment in case its helpful in offering an opinion:
Preamp:
· PS Audio BHK Signature Preamplifier
Amplifiers:
· Qty. 2: PassLabs XA60.8 Monoblocks
Inputs:
· PS Audio DirectStream Junior (DAC)
· VPI Traveler 2
· Audio Technica AT33EV Phonograph Cartridge
· Apple TV 4K
Power:
· Qty. 2: PS Audio P5 Power Plant
Other:
· Pro-Ject Tube Box S Phono PreAmplifier
Speakers:
· Bowers-Wilkins 802D3
Thanks!
Bryce