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B&W 802D3

I have been looking into getting B&W 802D3 speakers since they were announced. I am now at a point to make that decision and I am finding that many people who bring them home, end up returning them because they are too bright. I talked to a dealer through Audiogon and he told me he gets them in on trade all the time.

Making the decision tougher, other speakers like Focal and Sanus Faber have become more popular.

I am going to power the speakers with the Mcintosh C2600 and MC1.2kw monoblocks.

Any thoughts from owners of B&W 802s?

Thanks

maxking
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
I have the 803 D3s, and they are definitely NOT bright. Not even close. A midrange to die for! Ample bass (I use dual subwoofers anyways), and very balanced highs. Love them!

Note that B&W is often associated with Best Buy, simply because of their availability at Magnolia Design stores. As such, people likely look down at them, and go for more "exotic" brands. Don't pay attention, try for yourself and see if you like them.
rsf507
2,233 posts
 
I have a good friend who bought them a year ago and uses the Mac 452 amps. I’ve heard them many times and don’t think they are bright but he has regretted the purchase. They just don’t engage him (nor me). The bass is ill defined and has no meat on the bones. I’d have to agree but listen for yourself it may be the sound YOU are after. 
maxking OP
9 posts
 
Do you have an opinion on what speakers in the same price range are better?  I did not want to add subs to my setup.  
maxking OP
9 posts
 
It is interesting that a 22K set of speakers don't just blow everyone away!!!  You would think that the popularity and experience of B&W would yield the best speakers for the price they are going for.

Does anyone have experience with Mcintosh XR100?

Thanks in advance.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
maxking OP
I have been looking into getting B&W 802D3 speakers since they were announced. I am now at a point to make that decision and I am finding that many people who bring them home, end up returning them because they are too bright
They are a great speaker, but if you drive them with an amp that can’t deliver "serious current" into this hard load in the bass and some of the lower mids they present to the amp, then yes they are going to sound bright.
https://www.stereophile.com/images/616BW802fig1.jpg

You need an amp that can "almost" double it’s 8ohm wattage, into 4ohms and then "almost" double again into 2ohms. To get the best out of these speakers, especially in the bass.
They are 91db but " it is a relatively demanding load for an amplifier to drive. (Stereophile)"

Cheers George

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