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Post by Boomzilla on Sept 18, 2021 9:05:32 GMT -5
I'm currently running a pair of B&W 704 speakers (made around 20 to 25 years ago). They show promise. I'd previously had a pair of DM630 speakers that I also thought sounded much better than average. These have made me interested in the marque.
In their floor standing lines, currently, B&W offers:
the 603 S2 anniversary edition ($2K)
the 704 S2 ($3K)
the 702 S2 ($3.5K)
the 703 S2 ($4K)
the 804 D3 ($10K)
the 804 D4 ($12.5K)
the 803 D4 ($20K)
the 802 D4 ($26K)
the 800 D3 ($30K)
the B&W Nautilus ($60K)
Which of these might have sufficient public interest for a review? Too few can afford the Nautilus, and I don't have the ancillary equipment to review it properly. The entry-level 603 S2 models are (probably) not sufficiently different from my existing 704s to bother with. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any available models (price wise) between the $4K 703 S2 and the $10K 804 D3.
Open to suggestions.
Thanks - Boomzilla
Noting that the D3 models are currently discontinued, it makes sense to look more closely at the later models. Perhaps at this Fall's audio shows, the D5 series will be announced?
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Post by vcautokid on Sept 18, 2021 11:07:39 GMT -5
No there are not, and expect pricing to go up too. All manufacturers in the high end are doing it. I would not worry about those speakers and enjoy your 704s. Those Kevlar midranges are broken in and doing a treat. Some FST midranges take over 2000 hours to break in. Fact! How do I know? Selling Bowers and Wilkins for over 10 years. Just my humble opinion though.
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Post by vcautokid on Sept 18, 2021 11:08:26 GMT -5
I am also B&W Technical Certified as well.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Sept 18, 2021 11:45:58 GMT -5
I'm currently running a pair of B&W 704 speakers (made around 20 to 25 years ago). They show promise. I'd previously had a pair of DM630 speakers that I also thought sounded much better than average. These have made me interested in the marque. In their floor standing lines, currently, B&W offers: the 603 S2 anniversary edition ($2K) the 704 S2 ($3K) the 702 S2 ($3.5K) the 703 S2 ($4K) the 804 D3 ($10K) the 804 D4 ($12.5K) the 803 D4 ($20K) the 802 D4 ($26K) the 800 D3 ($30K) the B&W Nautilus ($60K) Which of these might have sufficient public interest for a review? Too few can afford the Nautilus, and I don't have the ancillary equipment to review it properly. The entry-level 603 S2 models are (probably) not sufficiently different from my existing 704s to bother with. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any available models (price wise) between the $4K 703 S2 and the $10K 804 D3. Open to suggestions. Thanks - Boomzilla Noting that the D3 models are currently discontinued, it makes sense to look more closely at the later models. Perhaps at this Fall's audio shows, the D5 series will be announced? When I bought my Mangneplanar 20.1Rs my ‘short list’ included the Maggies, Sound Lab Electrostats (awesome speakers), and the original B&W 802D, all of those were $12-$14K at the time (around 15 years ago). If I were to consolidate my 2C and HT systems, the 802D (or a more recent series) would be a top contender. I realize at $26K not many would here would be clamoring for them, but assuming you are loaned a pair for review, I’d be interested in your thoughts on them. Funny, I thought you considered B&Ws too bright (from a comment years ago), didn’t know you owned a pair. |
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Post by novisnick on Sept 18, 2021 12:05:09 GMT -5
I'm currently running a pair of B&W 704 speakers (made around 20 to 25 years ago). They show promise. I'd previously had a pair of DM630 speakers that I also thought sounded much better than average. These have made me interested in the marque. In their floor standing lines, currently, B&W offers: the 603 S2 anniversary edition ($2K) the 704 S2 ($3K) the 702 S2 ($3.5K) the 703 S2 ($4K) the 804 D3 ($10K) the 804 D4 ($12.5K) the 803 D4 ($20K) the 802 D4 ($26K) the 800 D3 ($30K) the B&W Nautilus ($60K) Which of these might have sufficient public interest for a review? Too few can afford the Nautilus, and I don't have the ancillary equipment to review it properly. The entry-level 603 S2 models are (probably) not sufficiently different from my existing 704s to bother with. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any available models (price wise) between the $4K 703 S2 and the $10K 804 D3. Open to suggestions. Thanks - Boomzilla Noting that the D3 models are currently discontinued, it makes sense to look more closely at the later models. Perhaps at this Fall's audio shows, the D5 series will be announced? When I bought my Mangneplanar 20.1Rs my ‘short list’ included the Maggies, Sound Lab Electrostats (awesome speakers), and the original B&W 802D, all of those were $12-$14K at the time (around 15 years ago). If I were to consolidate my 2C and HT systems, the 802D (or a more recent series) would be a top contender. I realize at $26K not many would here would be clamoring for them, but assuming you are loaned a pair for review, I’d be interested in your thoughts on them. Funny, I thought you considered B&Ws too bright (from a comment years ago), didn’t know you owned a pair. Please give Boomzilla a couple more years, he’ll either have owned a set or have them loaned to him. Pick a speaker, any speaker! LOL  |
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Post by Boomzilla on Sept 18, 2021 13:47:00 GMT -5
The website I write for will contact B&W on Monday to see what they'd like to have reviewed.
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Post by 405x5 on Sept 18, 2021 14:41:21 GMT -5
That price list underscores just how far out of the loop I am! LOL. The picture here is of the last pair I gave a serious listen to. The last before that were 801’s from 1988 that left me flat. These 802’s cured everything that bothered me about the old beasts.  |
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Post by codyjenkins on Sept 18, 2021 18:12:05 GMT -5
Noting that the D3 models are currently discontinued, it makes sense to look more closely at the later models. Perhaps at this Fall's audio shows, the D5 series will be announced? The D4 models of the 800 series just replaced the D3s a month or 2 ago. Several years before the D5s will be introduced. |
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Post by audiobill on Sept 18, 2021 18:33:02 GMT -5
Agree with Htit, the 802d4 seems like a good choice with broad appeal.
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stiehl11
Emo VIPs 
Give me available light!
Posts: 7,269
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Post by stiehl11 on Sept 19, 2021 10:50:49 GMT -5
I found my Phase Tech PC series matched and exceeded the 700 series (asked not to bring my PC 3 speakers back to the Hi Fi shop to compare with B&W back in the day). Maybe do a comparison between the 2 series (PC vs. 700 series). B&W 800 series are some series speakers (IMO) and the lower lines are high-priced coat tail riders.
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Post by DavidR on Sept 19, 2021 14:09:51 GMT -5
I heard a pair of the 800 something at Magnolia Theater running off a pair of big MacIntosh mono tube amps. Stunningly clear highs but found them a bit bass shy - deep, powerful bass. That maybe a Brit thing from what I gather.
What happened with the DQ10?
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Post by Boomzilla on Sept 19, 2021 14:19:39 GMT -5
I heard a pair of the 800 something at Magnolia Theater running off a pair of big MacIntosh mono tube amps. Stunningly clear highs but found them a bit bass shy - deep, powerful bass. That maybe a Brit thing from what I gather. What happened with the DQ10?
Still waiting on a local pair. |
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Post by ottaone on Sept 19, 2021 18:22:28 GMT -5
In my city with very limited access to brands and models, the 802s have been my dream speakers for about 20 years now.
When I retire, it will be a choice between a motorbike (or maybe a Cybertruck) and 802s.
Hence, I’d vote for the 802s.
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Post by 405x5 on Sept 20, 2021 10:30:20 GMT -5
You only live once, so I upgraded my surround system to all Nautilus….3 in the front and two in the back as pictured. 5.0….no subs. Needed and that saved me lots of money. Seriously you guys have to believe me!!!😆😁😄😃😀😅😅😂😀😃😄😁   |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2021 10:53:54 GMT -5
You only live once, so I upgraded my surround system to all Nautilus….3 in the front and two in the back as pictured. 5.0….no subs. Needed and that saved me lots of money. Seriously you guys have to believe me!!!😆😁😄😃😀😅😅😂😀😃😄😁  You're kinda sluggish on your upgrade path!   |
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Post by 405x5 on Sept 20, 2021 11:04:28 GMT -5
You only live once, so I upgraded my surround system to all Nautilus….3 in the front and two in the back as pictured. 5.0….no subs. Needed and that saved me lots of money. Seriously you guys have to believe me!!!😆😁😄😃😀😅😅😂😀😃😄😁 You're kinda sluggish on your upgrade path! First time I cranked it all the 🐌’s in the front yard croaked |
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Post by monkumonku on Sept 20, 2021 11:11:55 GMT -5
You only live once, so I upgraded my surround system to all Nautilus….3 in the front and two in the back as pictured. 5.0….no subs. Needed and that saved me lots of money. Seriously you guys have to believe me!!!😆😁😄😃😀😅😅😂😀😃😄😁  Somehow this popped into my head..  |
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KeithL
Administrator 
Posts: 10,269
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Post by KeithL on Sept 20, 2021 11:46:13 GMT -5
Indeed.... 
I've always liked the way the Nautilus speakers sound... but a speaker just shouldn't look like a left-over prop from Barbarella...
You only live once, so I upgraded my surround system to all Nautilus….3 in the front and two in the back as pictured. 5.0….no subs. Needed and that saved me lots of money. Seriously you guys have to believe me!!!😆😁😄😃😀😅😅😂😀😃😄😁 Somehow this popped into my head.. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Sept 20, 2021 12:02:14 GMT -5
… I've always liked the way the Nautilus speakers sound... but a speaker just shouldn't look like a left-over prop from Barbarella... I’d be more generous an say it’s going to take just the right house and interior (architecture, designer, aesthetic), I was thinking ultra modern, but 50’s sci-fi would work too ! |
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Post by 405x5 on Sept 20, 2021 12:38:40 GMT -5
Due to room constrictions I was forced to do one modification…. I needed to cut off those pointy thingies on the backs.  |
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