I went on Friday and was very impressed with this demo : the performance of the new B & W speakers, the technology behind the new developments, and the amount of R&D which B&W say they have put in to them. I’d recommend anyone going to the show to seek out this demo (I stumbled on it by chance, just before a session started).
I have Allaes, having previously had 14 years with B&W P4s, mainly with an Arcam system. I’ve been keeping half an ear(!) open to Kudos S20s and Ovator 400s as possible upgrades (while also tending to think that the Allaes are ‘good enough’ for any system I will own and that any change might simply be an indulgence). I hadn’t factored in B&Ws as candidates, thinking: they need too much space, not sure about the sound signature, and not sure about the appearance (e.g. top mounted tweeter). However, after the Bristol demo I’m now keeping three quarters of an ear(!) open to B&W as a possible upgrade. I’d put the B&Ws above the Focal Sopras which I’ve heard at demos twice now. Interestingly, like Focal with the Sopras, B&W have patent applications pending for their new developments in the 800 range.
Bristol generally – the other rooms I spent most time in were Kudos, Harbeth, Chord electronics – and of course Naim. As always, there are room limitations in some instances, but still useful. The Muso QB stand was too noisy, but the product still left me with positive impression. The Naim DR power amp demo – personally, I found it difficult to gain a clear impression all the way up the hierarchy and agree with what Naim said that the environment wasn’t ideal. Curiously, for the second time at a demo, I found myself asking whether the old NAP300 had a slightly nicer sound than the 300DR albeit with less detail/resolution. But, I have to stress, that in both instances, the old 300 was only a very brief listen before the demo went on to the new 300DR. In any case, for me it’s an academic point since I recently went from a 250.2 (very enjoyable amp, for which I have great respect and affection) to a 300DR, which I’m happy with, as a worthwhile upgrade.
I’ve used this topic as a way in to what is effectively my first post. I’m not sure how much I will be able to contribute to the forum – have to see. I’ve been a ‘lurker’ for a couple of years, gaining a lot from it, and so I must express my thanks to all who have contributed their experience, humour, and technical knowledge/ insights. For the latter, many thanks to MikeB, Simon-in-Suffolk, Huge, Watt, Jan-Erik, Ron Toolsie, Richard Dane, Phil Harris, Frank Abela, Norman – formerly UHES (probably others I should have mentioned). Also, if he’s reading this, thanks to Graham Clarke – while I’ll never own a system like yours Graham (though I'm very happy with my 252DR/300DR), I very much appreciate and enjoy what you share with the forum, and I salivate over your generous photos!
Best wishes All.
Posted on: 29 February 2016 by nicetone
Hi Morton - yes, and both versions of 805D sounded very good to me. The difference then demonstrated between the 805D and 803D took me by surprise - even allowing for the very substantial price difference. I have to say that I’m sucker when quality of engineering is exampled, and so I was when the material samples were passed around, particularly the tweeter housing machined out of solid aluminium billet!
Agree, choice of music was a bonus – I’ve no problem with the ‘usual hi fi show fare’ if that’s what people like and want to hear, but it’s good when the range is varied.
If you don’t mind me asking, how much space do your 805s need to work well. I’m guessing 2 feet minimum from side and rear walls?
Cheers
Posted on: 29 February 2016 by Morton
Hi Nicetone,
I’m afraid my speaker placement is probably not ideal, the right hand speaker is nowhere near a side wall but is only a foot from the rear wall & the left is almost 3 foot from the rear wall but only a foot from a side wall with the speaker angled into the room.
The net result is that I sit the same distance from each speaker.
Would they sound better with more room around them? Maybe, maybe not, but they sound pretty good as they are & the boss would not allow much change from their current positions anyway, life is full of compromises.
Posted on: 01 March 2016 by nicetone
Hi Morton – thanks for sharing that. Unfortunately many of us have to compromise to some degree. Certainly I too would need to if I wanted B&W 800s, unless, I could compensate for limited clearance by treating the adjacent walls. It may be that I would just have to stop hankering and stick to my Allaes (not a great hardship!). At the present, it’s only an idea which I haven’t yet decided to take further.
Alan – no, the 804s were not demo’d. The old and new versions of the 805s were compared, then the demo moved on to the 803s. The improvement going from 805 to 803 was, to me, substantial. I was prepared for subtle improvements, as can often be the case, even with a big price hike (which it is), but was taken aback. If you do compare the 804s with the others on your list, and you decide to post on that, I will be interested to read your impressions.
Cheers
Posted on: 15 March 2016 by dudethebike
Thanks guys!
HH, you are right, i'm also not happy with the Sofa Situation, No room to move the Speaker to the left, as a screen needs to fit in between. Love that Couch, but maybe move it a Little further away and also the angle of the Speakers is not yet final, maybe they go further inside..... We will see....
Ken, these days the web informs a lot and People either pick auditions at their Dealers or right back in their home enviroment. Have not taken home too many postive Show visits (high end munich) in the past.
have a nice evening and happy listening
Dude
Posted on: 15 March 2016 by GeeJay
Absolutely awesome - you must be bowled over by the fantastic sounds these new beauties are producing! They also look fantastic!
I must admit that I love the luscious rosenut finish (although B&W report that the piano black far outsells other finishes). When my dealer placed the order for my pair, he did enquire with B&W about the possibility of lighter/different colour finishes, to which he was told that there will be at least one other wood choice, but not till the end of this year.
Can't wait for mine to turn up - will be at the same time as my 500 returns from being DR'ed (now just over 3 weeks since its been away).
ATB. George.
