B&W 802s...Anyone??

Neveboy · 9th February 2007

Hi Slutz,

Anyone any experience with these monitors/speakers.

I know they were originally developed as a studio monitor but seem to have been adopted by serious Hi-Fi enthusiasts.

Abbey Road have a bunch of this series but they have the diamond tweeter. I've heard these

I have the option of purchasing a pair second hand for a reasonable price. They would be my far fields joining a pair of Genelecs and KRKs,

Anyone care to share some experience with these wonderful looking speaker?

There is also a x-over mod by these guys http://www.northcreekmusic.com/801web.html

Brad Blackwood · 9th February 2007

Which series? Matrix (yuck), Nautilus (yum), or Diamond (I haven't heard these)?

Neveboy · 9th February 2007

The "S" model !??

I have yet to test these particualr ones as they have not arrived into the shop yet but thanks for your model "Key"!!

I'll find out the exact spec.

chillytc · 9th February 2007

For what it's worth, I have a pair of B&W 704s that I love. They're in my home hi fi rather than my recording rig but I check mixes on them. They are not the absolute most transparent speakers available in their price range but are plenty revealing and are very smooth, with good dynamics and transients, with a wide sweet spot relative to many hi fi speakers. I would recommend them to someone who values punchiness and body over perfectly etched clarity. I've heard the 802s (recent vintage) and I found it to be a similar presentation but pretty much x% better in every way.

Brad Blackwood · 9th February 2007

Well, if the midrange enclosure is squarish, run away. If it looks like a bowling ball, give them a good listen.

Also, the N802s (and I imagine the D802s) are very amplifier sensitive - they really let you hear any deficiencies in the amp, so if they sound harsh at all, take a look at the amplifier that's driving them...

bit mangler · 9th February 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neveboy

I know they were originally developed as a studio monitor but seem to have been adopted by serious Hi-Fi enthusiasts.

Al[/url]

They are actually Hi-fi speakers adopted by studios AFAIK.
They really sing with high current amps like Pass Labs and Classe .I almost messed my pants when I listened to B&w 802Ns paired with Mcintosh 501 monoblocs.Very easy to hear even small changes in a mix.
The tweeter in the 802Ds is definitely better but I liked the stereo image on the 802Ns better than the diamonds (in the same listening) environment

danocaster · 9th February 2007

I sold high end audio for years. FWIW

In my book - these are a very nice spks if they are driven w/ excellent amplification

They image like a MOFO and are really let you see deep into a mix

You cant shove em in a tiny room - but in a nice room - they should be fantastic

9th February 2007	#1
Neveboy Gear nut Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Ireland Posts: 139 Thread Starter	B&W 802s...Anyone?? Hi Slutz, Anyone any experience with these monitors/speakers. I know they were originally developed as a studio monitor but seem to have been adopted by serious Hi-Fi enthusiasts. Abbey Road have a bunch of this series but they have the diamond tweeter. I've heard these I have the option of purchasing a pair second hand for a reasonable price. They would be my far fields joining a pair of Genelecs and KRKs, Anyone care to share some experience with these wonderful looking speaker? There is also a x-over mod by these guys http://www.northcreekmusic.com/801web.html

9th February 2007	#5
Brad Blackwood Craneslut Joined: Jun 2002 Location: The home of Rock-n-Roll, Memphis, TN Posts: 1,902	Well, if the midrange enclosure is squarish, run away. If it looks like a bowling ball, give them a good listen. Also, the N802s (and I imagine the D802s) are very amplifier sensitive - they really let you hear any deficiencies in the amp, so if they sound harsh at all, take a look at the amplifier that's driving them... __________________ euphonic masters

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9th February 2007	#4
chillytc Gear nut Joined: Feb 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 123	For what it's worth, I have a pair of B&W 704s that I love. They're in my home hi fi rather than my recording rig but I check mixes on them. They are not the absolute most transparent speakers available in their price range but are plenty revealing and are very smooth, with good dynamics and transients, with a wide sweet spot relative to many hi fi speakers. I would recommend them to someone who values punchiness and body over perfectly etched clarity. I've heard the 802s (recent vintage) and I found it to be a similar presentation but pretty much x% better in every way.

9th February 2007	#7
danocaster Gear maniac Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 168	I sold high end audio for years. FWIW In my book - these are a very nice spks if they are driven w/ excellent amplification They image like a MOFO and are really let you see deep into a mix You cant shove em in a tiny room - but in a nice room - they should be fantastic