B&W 802's vs 802d's

[greggp2]

Does anyone know what the differences are other than the Diamond tweeters between the 802's and 802d's? Also, is it possible to get the tweeters replaced with Diamond tweeters on an 802 to the 802d tweeters?

 

[WmAx]

Does anyone know what the differences are other than the Diamond tweeters between the 802's and 802d's? Also, is it possible to get the tweeters replaced with Diamond tweeters on an 802 to the 802d tweeters?

As far as I know, the only difference is the new tweeter and a slightly revised crossover.

You will have to call up and ask B&W tech support if you can in fact just swap out the crossover and D tweeter. I know they sell the parts if you want to buy them, but you need to make sure it will be compatible with the original B&W 802.

-Chris

 

[greggp2]

If I am Bi-amping the speakers, won't the cross over be a non-issue?

 

[TLS Guy]

If I am Bi-amping the speakers, won't the cross over be a non-issue?

No you will still be using the speakers crossovers. You will be passive biamping which is a waste of time, and uses every component of the speaker's crossovers.

 

[greggp2]

Called my local B&W dealer today. You guys were correct, both the tweeter and crossover can be replaced, but he said the cost of doing so is not worth it and I likely wouldn't hear much difference between the two speakers. He said the diamond tweeter is a little brighter and clearer but the nuances are so slight, that I should just stick with my speakers, unless I just want to spend money...

Being the Economy is in the toilet, I think I'll be content with what I have...

 

[WmAx]

Called my local B&W dealer today. You guys were correct, both the tweeter and crossover can be replaced, but he said the cost of doing so is not worth it and I likely wouldn't hear much difference between the two speakers. He said the diamond tweeter is a little brighter and clearer but the nuances are so slight, that I should just stick with my speakers, unless I just want to spend money...

Being the Economy is in the toilet, I think I'll be content with what I have...

What about using a DCX2496 DSP unit to customize the sound to your preference(s)? This is going to allow you to get virtually any sound you want (within the constraints imposed by a monopolar radiation patters speaker system). This is no crude graphic EQ from the 80's.....

-Chris

 

[greggp2]

I'm not familiar with the DCS2496. What is it and how does it work?

 

[KODG]

802/802ds

there are many new technologies employed in the new 800 series. go to there web site pick the 802d & read the tech. sections.

they are superior to the older 800 versions.

exterior appearance there is little change in the look but, internally they have added a lot.

aim up-grading to the diamond tweeters because i just love the the way they sound! IMO there the best tweeters in the world!

but your right about the economy, if your worried about your job/money your speakers are just fine! in fact B&W did not up-grade them for 7 years! thats how good they are.

 

[WmAx]

I'm not familiar with the DCS2496. What is it and how does it work?

The Behringer DCX2496. It is a sophisticated high quality DSP processor that allows for precision parametric EQ filters, advanced crossover functions(very useful if you ever want to integrate a subwoofer seamlessly with mains) and various delay and dynamic filter functions. But you would only need use it's EQ section, using a couple of shelf function filters to execute subtle gradient filters to emphasize/de-emphasize treble and the baffle step transition point. You can use additional filters to adjust subjective tightness of the bass if you wish. You can plug the DCX up to a PC and literally draw the response changes you want on the screen using the GUI software for the DCX. The DCX is a transparent device; there is no worry of it affecting sound quality. You connect the device to the pre-amp outs of your pre-amp and then connect the outputs of the DCX to your amplifier.

I use a DCX on each of my two systems which are designed to be of extraordinary sound quality. If it had any negative effect, I would not use it. But many people automatically think it will effect sound quality simply because it's not expensive, or because it's an additional ADC-DAC stage. But these concerns are unfounded.

-Chris

 

[greggp2]

Chris, thank you for the explanation. The device looks kind of complicated to use? Other than the Auto EQ, I'm not so sure I would really know how to calibrate. I mean, I think my ears are pretty good at detecting good sound, but I really don't think I measure up to nuances of sound like many high end Audio guys. Don't you think this is overkill? Would the Auto EQ really do that much better of a job than my Yamaha 3900 Auto EQ? I do have to correct cross over points and I usually increase the center channel a little, since I like that channel slightly louder when listening to voices in movies, but other than that, I usually don't have to adjust other levels. My spl meter says the system does a good job adjusting volumes...

 

[WmAx]

Chris, thank you for the explanation. The device looks kind of complicated to use? Other than the Auto EQ, I'm not so sure I would really know how to calibrate. I mean, I think my ears are pretty good at detecting good sound, but I really don't think I measure up to nuances of sound like many high end Audio guys. Don't you think this is overkill? Would the Auto EQ really do that much better of a job than my Yamaha 3900 Auto EQ? I do have to correct cross over points and I usually increase the center channel a little, since I like that channel slightly louder when listening to voices in movies, but other than that, I usually don't have to adjust other levels. My spl meter says the system does a good job adjusting volumes...

I never use AUTO EQs. And this device is not an auto EQ. It has to be manually set/adjusted.

There are two primary filter settings that I will specify for you that are responsible for the primary range of tonal difference one would want to adjust on a neutral device like the 802. The first is a HIGH SHELVING FITER, 6db/octave rate, 4000Hz. You only need to adjust the level of this filter effect. Usually between -0.2dB to -3dB, depending on preference. This is based on a well known human hearing preference for high frequency gradual reduction as found by the credible perceptual researchers. The other filter to set would be a LOW SHELVING FILTER, 6db/octave rate, 550Hz. This is to adjust the specific amount of baffle step compensation, a very critical thing to get right, to your specific environment and set up position. Basically, adjust this + or - dB until the voices and instruments like piano have the correct 'weight' to their sound. Baffle step is something that must always be adjusted to a specific environment/set up, as the amount of compensation is dependent on those variables. Baffle step compensation being off by half a dB can mean the difference between a piano or voice sounding real or slightly wrong(thus shattering realistic illusion that may have been otherwise possible). These are just two important things that the DCX can allow you to set ideally, but it can do much more. You can further add shaping filters to the LF range to adjust subjective tightness of the bass. Or you can use the DCX to crossover to subwoofer(s) with an audibly seamless transition.

-Chris