B&W 802D

[pop]

Who has them? Do you love them? What amps are you pairing with them?

With my discount I am seriously considering snagging a pair of them. I have been spending many hours with them and have fallen in love. However, at my work they are hooked up to 30k worth of Mcintosh equipment. I am curious what you are running them on and impressions in home. Thanks!

[AudioHTIT]

Since the 802D about 10 years ago it's been one of my favorite speakers, I've been keeping my eye out for a good used pair. I assume your considering the newer 802 Diamonds? ... even better. I'm going to try my VTLs on them, but will eventually hook them to the XPA-7.

[djoel]

If they sound better than my old 802N then get them, my oldest daughter worked at a Best Buy a few years ago I gave her a few sku numbers and she told she could get me a discount which was almost half the retail price. I went crazy, I want to sell my 802N, the HTM3S, along with a pair of 805N just to get the front 3 speakers. Then her manager started getting nervous, and the offer was vapor. I would have bought them for sure if things would have gone my way!

Oh and I had them connected to XPA-1 mono and damn they sounded sweet, I could only imagine how the Diamond tweeters sounds which is an improvement over the N tweeter which to me was the 800's down fall.

Good luck

Dan

[pop]

They are definitely special. I was thinking an XMC and monoblocks. Maybe the xpa1 or xpa1L.

I'm sure an xpa2 would be plenty of juice.

At 15k a pair, I don't find them to be over priced. They are definitely way out of my budget full price, but I believe them to be worth the asking dollar.

Truly the finest sounding 2 channel setup I have heard.

The 803d are fantastic as well, but definitely leave something to be desired in soundstage/imaging/and tight clean bass.

However, if you don't compare the two the 803d is a fine speaker as well.

I have been spending a lot of time with the Sonus Faber Olympicaiii as well and that is a fine speaker. However, it leaves a lot to be desired compared to the diamond series. Two totally different designs, but my ears prefer the diamond series.

[brand]

Local B&W guy recommends 400W and upwards. These and or even the 800 are on my "one day" speakers list. I think I'd go 2x XPA1. If you get them I'd love to see pics of your setup.

[pop]

Apr 6, 2015 11:00:56 GMT -5 brand said:

Local B&W guy recommends 400W and upwards. These and or even the 800 are on my "one day" speakers list. I think I'd go 2x XPA1. If you get them I'd love to see pics of your setup.

Based on the extension from the 802, I think you would need a massive room to require the 800. However, don't let me stop you.

I think the 800 are 24k where the 802 are 15k. I would use the 9k leftover from the 802 on some serious amplification/room treatments.

[Lsc]

Yes the 802 diamonds are legendary speakers. They sound amazing to me as well. But I was never in a position to buy them so I gave up .

And that's right, the more power the better it is (quality counts too of course).

I personally feel my XPR-2 and XMC-1 can power just about anything out there and not be a weak link. If you can get the XPA1 or XPR-1, even better. No need to worry about this part of the spectrum after that.

After that...the law of diminishing returns will be at a point where it won't make sense to get anything else.

[brand]

Apr 6, 2015 11:17:16 GMT -5 pop said:

Apr 6, 2015 11:00:56 GMT -5 brand said:

Local B&W guy recommends 400W and upwards. These and or even the 800 are on my "one day" speakers list. I think I'd go 2x XPA1. If you get them I'd love to see pics of your setup.

Based on the extension from the 802, I think you would need a massive room to require the 800. However, don't let me stop you.

I think the 800 are 24k where the 802 are 15k. I would use the 9k leftover from the 802 on some serious amplification/room treatments.

Hehe yeah but I'm talking in 5,10 or 15 years so far away for me at this point.

[redog]

I have a dealer locally that has the 802d, and 805d on display. They are both very very good.

[vcautokid]

I sold B & W for years. The 802D was a favorite of mine. Bring power to the party. XPA-1 mono would be spectacular!

[vneal]

A good friend has the latest 802Ds. I have heard them in my room. They sound unbelievable.