New B&W 800 Diamond series

Pretty much what my dealer told me last week after he had returned from Worthing.

Awesome @AntonD and @Quad 33

Now I'm getting excited.  I'm still within a window at my dealer where I can return my current speakers and get 100% trade in value.  I want to listen to them of course and check the funds. 

I don't know about the kevlar, my 802D1 has always sounded extremely fine to me. The 80xS series always suffered from an inefficient crossover and the subpar tweeter, but those issues never affected the top end of the D range. With the D2, B&W went to a more forthright, immediate sound. A great change, but not a reason per se for me to hanker for an upgrade. I'm curious to see what this edition brings. I don't buy the game changer arguments, those come around every so often but seldom last.

EJ

I just spoke to my dealer as well, and he's really excited about these new speakers. He had drinks with someone at B&W and naturally everyone at B&W is very happy with the end results especially the new  ‘Continuum’ cone driver.

my issue with the 805s wasn't the tweeter. 

The speaker was just too slow and now that I changed to Dynaudio, the whole system sounds fast and dynamic. 

hope the D3 series is now fast enough to cope with Naim amps speed 

How would you describe the kevlar sound? I also have doubts over kevlar, but I'm not sure is it Kevlar in general or the B&W voicing of it. I have two good examples of Kevlar exceptions that sound quite different from other, one of them being B&W's own PM1.

It is very clear, but what hi-fi in their review of the 805 diamond did say that although the clarity was superb, somehow musicality got compromised. That is why I sold mine (805s)

But looks like they took the feedback and have now corrected this. 

This could well be one of the best speakers ever made if they are fast enough and easier to drive.

I'm wondering which Naim amplification would drive these new speakers well to @analogmusic's point.

The Diamond 802 and 800 are easily the best looking big speakers out there imo.

firmly planted,,  broad shouldered, well proportioned.... I have never seen one in the flesh, but I am sure that I would go all weak kneed and wobbly.

The new updates looks like they have borrowed the style from "that" speaker - the limited edition signiture anniversary one - what with it's oddball looks and proportions.

802 Diamonds

Never seen them in the flesh?  For a high end speaker they are everywhere.  The Naulilus was the one i have not seen until about 6 months ago.  Still have not heard it, but its superseded technology anyway (Vivid, and i own the B1).

I am starting to like the look of the new 802 D3s as in this video shot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1c-XHjeNg4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkOdKoMBevk

looking good in piano black.... the colour for me! 

Richard

Dear Mr Moderator,

Please delete the above links to You-Tube if they violate the rules and if so apologies,

Richard

BLING

.....and not in a good way.  I am reminded of spinning hubcaps on a black Hummer. I guess you have to cater to the market if you want to shift units.  if the market wants shiny silver bits then I guess they will sell like hot cakes. 

Still, fashion comes and fashion goes,  personally I prefer form to follow function.  I'm far from convinced in this case.  

I use 804S as my HT surrounds, I'm really starting to appreciate the looks all of a sudden.

Installing the new 802s.... Now if I only could route that speaker cable through the fire place!

Nice room 

Seriously cool interior, well done you and congrats on the new babies.  ATB Peter

How do they sound?

Edit: just saw the legs sticking out. Looking forward to hearing how they sound in your room when set up.

Apologies as I should have made it clear..... and if only.... It's a picture from B&W and the room is in Switzerland and not mine.

Richard

Oh. Sorry. Misunderstood.

Time waster!  ATB Peter

Pity it's not April 1st Richard. You had them going there. 

Interesting they are showing a pair of white 802's but when I looked at the product specs the only finishes given are Rosewood and Gloss Black. Whatever, I'll be waiting to buy new speaker until I move to my new house in Devon when I retire in two years time.

Steve

So, it's not your room, you haven't bought the new speakers, and they are not your legs. The speakers look a bit chavvy to me, with those shiny rings. Some of B&W's cheaper speakers look dreadful, though until now they had kept the bling rating low for the posher offerings. 

Nearly as ugly as SL2's HH! Probably sound better though.