Any owners of B&W 803D ?

[Jeepers]

Hi all, I currently have a Z11 driving a B&W 700 series 5.1 setup and I am seriously considering replacing the speakers by a pair of 803D with a HTM2D thus a 3.0 setup. Can current owners of these speakers please provide some input on their experience; any cons ?
Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[WmAx]

Hi all, I currently have a Z11 driving a B&W 700 series 5.1 setup and I am seriously considering replacing the speakers by a pair of 803D with a HTM2D thus a 3.0 setup. Can current owners of these speakers please provide some input on their experience; any cons ?
Any input is greatly appreciated.

Well, I don't own the 803D, as I design/engineer my own speaker systems these days, but I am familiar with the product. If I did not build/engineer my own speaker systems, I would most likely own an 802N or 802D today, just to let you know how much I think of these speaker systems. It is certainly superior to the lower units by simple design choice - B&W incrementally improves the speaker systems based on price scale, at least to a point(after the 802D, very little actual improvement exists in more expensive units). The 803D is the best of the B&W line before you get to the 802D. The main difference between the 802 and 803 is the cabinet system. The cabinet on the 802D is completely inert, audibly. Where the 803 has a somewhat resonant, audibly cabinet, but much lower in audibility compared to the vast majority of hi-fi speakers.

I would certainly recommend the 803D in it's price range for new products, but I would also ask the dealer if they know of any one with used 802D or if they can make a killer deal on some demo units. Because for a little bit more, if you are willing to go used, you could potentially have the 802D which is near the best you can get in monopole speaker systems at any price.

Regardless if you get the 802D or 803D, I highly recommend using a precision DSP EQ system to set baffle step and high frequency balance to the ideals for your preference. Also, being that the speaker you have chosen is so high in accuracy/neutrality, you can successfully use such DSP EQ to adjust the tonal response to your preference.

As for the matching center channel, well there is no other matching center for these speakers.

Cons? None that I know of; this is an extremely fine quality system you are proposing. I expect you will keep a couple of the 700 series for the rear channels?

I will say that if primarily do movies/HT, then the set up you propose is rather overkill. For music listening, it will be a great upgrade. But HT/movies don't require much in terms of fidelity to be frank.

What do you have for subwoofer(s)?

-Chris

 

[Jeepers]

Chris,
Thanks for the detailed info. I have the 703, 705, HTM7 and ASW750 and my intention is to replace them all by the 2 mentioned speakers so I will not keep any rears or subwoofer. The reason being is that I primarily (75%) listen to music and consequently I consider the rears to be wasted money and I use the subwoofer only for HT/movies. So the idea (hope) is that with the 803D I will not need a subwoofer. Some people might ask why I purchased a Z11 while listening primarily to music. I have owned Yamaha amps/receivers and B&W speakers since 1983 and I am quite happy with them.
Can you provide me more info on the DSP EQ system; manufacturer or website ?
Thanks again.

 

[jamie2112]

Here is the dsp Chris was talking about: http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHDCX2496

 

[WmAx]

Chris,
Thanks for the detailed info. I have the 703, 705, HTM7 and ASW750 and my intention is to replace them all by the 2 mentioned speakers so I will not keep any rears or subwoofer. The reason being is that I primarily (75%) listen to music and consequently I consider the rears to be wasted money and I use the subwoofer only for HT/movies. So the idea (hope) is that with the 803D I will not need a subwoofer. Some people might ask why I purchased a Z11 while listening primarily to music. I have owned Yamaha amps/receivers and B&W speakers since 1983 and I am quite happy with them.
Can you provide me more info on the DSP EQ system; manufacturer or website ?
Thanks again.

If your set up is primarily for music, why the 3 fronts then? I would save the money for the center channel and put it towards a pair of 802D speakers.

The 802D needs not a sub for music. But for HT, the sub would be very useful to extend to the lowest frequencies for sound effects.

Jamie provided the right link. BTW, don't assume it's not a top notch device in regards to sound quality. I use them in my systems, and my systems are of the upmost sound quality; I accept NO compromises.

You do have to place the DCX between the pre-amp and amp. So you would need to use external amp and use the Z11 as a pre-amp. I also use a Yamaha reciver as a preamp(RX-V2600) and feed it's pre outs to a DCX, then to some nice Yamaha pro audio amps. Besides, you should use a much larger amp, IMO, on those B&Ws. I would recommend the Yamaha P3500s as minimum. It outputs 350x 2, 20Hz-20,000Hz into 8 Ohms, and 450 into 4 Ohms. Ideally, I would use the P5000S on them, it puts out 500 x 2 20Hz-20,000Hz, into 8 Ohms and 700 into 4 Ohms. The DCX will really get you huge sound quality enhancements if you use it as a direct. In addition, you can use the DCX to place a subsonic filter around 25Hz to protect the B&W speakers during large LF transients in movies.

Here is a picture of my Yamaha reciver as a pre-amp and my Yamaha pro amps(my main speakers are 3 way active, so this is why I have so many amps on a stereo).:

BTW, I used to use exclusively McIntosh amps on my main system years ago - but I found that such amps are just eye candy and I get the same level of sound quality with the pro amps.

-Chris

 

[Jeepers]

Chris,
Very nice gear you have !
I do watch movies and that's why I still would like to have a matching center but yes I listen more to music. I had already figured out that the DCX should be placed between the pre and pro amp so I was afraid you were going to tell me to use the Z11 as a pre amp. I purchased the Z11 specifically for the audio part because it is considered as a good combo for music and HT. As you know the Z11 is expensive so using it as a pre amp would mean that most of the purchase price is just wasted because it is not used. If I would go the pre & pro way, I might replace the Z11 as well so I am going to check the Yamaha pro amps. However the new speakers are much higher on my
wish list.

 

[theblatt]

Z7/11 differences?

are the two units really different with the exception of the Z11 offering more channels?

 

[theblatt]

they are currently available online for $1849 and $2499 from authorized retailers. i only run 5.1, so is there any reason to spend the extra money?

 

[theblatt]

oh and i'll be driving B&W 803S/HtM3

 

[Jeepers]

they are currently available online for $1849 and $2499 from authorized retailers. i only run 5.1, so is there any reason to spend the extra money?

The Z7 has a better video section than the Z11 but the amplifier section of the Z11 is better. If you intend to one day use external amps, you might as well buy the Z7 and save money. I don't use external amps and with the current prices, you really have a deal with the Z11.

I have the 803D, HTM2D, ASW825 and I use pass through (video) and let my plasma do the upscaling. I am quite happy with the result.

 

[HedgeHog]

Hi all, I currently have a Z11 driving a B&W 700 series 5.1 setup and I am seriously considering replacing the speakers by a pair of 803D with a HTM2D thus a 3.0 setup. Can current owners of these speakers please provide some input on their experience; any cons ?
Any input is greatly appreciated.

Howdy...the consensus from B&W owners is that the HTM2D is a better match in tonality with the 803D. The HTM3 matches the 803S/804S. Most 802D owners who have upgraded from HTM2D to the HTM1D say the side-to-side transitions are way more transparent.

I'm not complaining about my setup but there does seem to be a slight mid-range difference when going from 802D to HTM2D.

Cheers,
-H

 

[Drifter]

Why not save some money and but the 404's with a B&W 10" sub?

 

[greggp2]

You can see my system set up in my signature below. I have 802's with an HTM1 Center. If you do any home theatre listening/watching, I highly recommend a sub still. I cross my fronts over for HT at 40hz. I find that putting much lower frequency to them can cause major distortion at reasonable volume levels and I have blown a woofer already trying to run them full for movies...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Where the heck have you been?

You can see my system set up in my signature below. I have 802's with an HTM1 Center. If you do any home theatre listening/watching, I highly recommend a sub still. I cross my fronts over for HT at 40hz. I find that putting much lower frequency to them can cause major distortion at reasonable volume levels and I have blown a woofer already trying to run them full for movies...

 

[greggp2]

Hey Greg,

I was on a sabbatical for a while!!! Man, I have a lot of posting to do to catch up to you guys now!!! In truth, I've been lurking around here and there, but haven't posted too much. I just upgraded some of my electronics and was considering doing my speakers too, but I think I'm going to hold off.

How are you doing? How's the house, etc?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Good to see you back.

I'm good. I can't remember when we spoke last but I think it was during the kitchen remodel.

I've done a pool, a patio and working on a little office system now.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55747&highlight=pool&page=33

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63366

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62659&highlight=pool

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63493

Hey Greg,

I was on a sabbatical for a while!!! Man, I have a lot of posting to do to catch up to you guys now!!! In truth, I've been lurking around here and there, but haven't posted too much. I just upgraded some of my electronics and was considering doing my speakers too, but I think I'm going to hold off.

How are you doing? How's the house, etc?

 

[WmAx]

You can see my system set up in my signature below. I have 802's with an HTM1 Center. If you do any home theatre listening/watching, I highly recommend a sub still. I cross my fronts over for HT at 40hz. I find that putting much lower frequency to them can cause major distortion at reasonable volume levels and I have blown a woofer already trying to run them full for movies...

It's time to add a DCX2496 to be able to get better (much better ) SQ from your speakers (as you will be able to set the two most critical shelving filter functions to your room and personal hearing preference) and to add in a pair of proper semi-DIY (no building - using all pre-finished parts/cabs - you just cut hole and install drivers) high performance subs. with absolute transparency.

I'll detail every little step and source for every little part so you have no problem(s). Time to get the potential out of those 802Ns.

-Chris

 

[greggp2]

Greg,

Looks like you've been busy with the home improvement project. Results look great though. Love the pool, patio and colors you and the wife chose. Beautiful stuff. I hope you've been selling a lot, because I'm sure it was a pretty penny...

Thanks for the welcome back... I'll post a little more often. I'm having this debate about changing my speakers right now and Chris has been really helpful (post above) in trying to convince me to keep them. Was debating going with Sonus Faber Cremona's in the front, Cremona Center and Cremona Auditors in back.

Would love your opinion and Adam's and others as well if they want to chime in...

Good to see you back.

I'm good. I can't remember when we spoke last but I think it was during the kitchen remodel.

I've done a pool, a patio and working on a little office system now.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55747&highlight=pool&page=33

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63366

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62659&highlight=pool

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63493

 

[greggp2]

Hey Chris,

I really appreciate your input and your advice. The DCX2496 seems to be a great, inexpensive solution, but one I'm a bit nervous to implement for a couple of reasons.

1. I'm not sure I will know what to do with the unit, besides, my new Onkyo 886 processor has a manual EQ function that I think I can accomplish the same EQ functions or similar built in. Thing is, I have no idea which bands to adjust or how to measure the adjustments...

2. Since my 886 has Audessey, which I do want to use, they warn that devices like the DCX cause delays and can affect audio quality, etc...

I really only have room for one sub in the room, which I have to bury between a wall and my wrap around sofa. I should really take some pics to show you the room challenges I'm faced with due to acceptance factor visually...

But please continue to give me your advice, as I am listening and trying to decide what I should do. The cheaper route is obviously not going through a speaker swap...

It's time to add a DCX2496 to be able to get better (much better ) SQ from your speakers (as you will be able to set the two most critical shelving filter functions to your room and personal hearing preference) and to add in a pair of proper semi-DIY (no building - using all pre-finished parts/cabs - you just cut hole and install drivers) high performance subs. with absolute transparency.

I'll detail every little step and source for every little part so you have no problem(s). Time to get the potential out of those 802Ns.

-Chris

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Do you really want us to answer your questions on Jeepers thread?

Greg,


Thanks for the welcome back... I'll post a little more often. I'm having this debate about changing my speakers right now and Chris has been really helpful (post above) in trying to convince me to keep them. Was debating going with Sonus Faber Cremona's in the front, Cremona Center and Cremona Auditors in back.

Would love your opinion and Adam's and others as well if they want to chime in...