You should work for (or start up) an independent reviewing company. Your description was better than anything on the internet because you come across as being very authentic and believable. You also correctly focus on the core value of a system and not just technical specifications. Rather, you focus on what it's like to experience them and how they make you feel. That's what it's all about.
I’ve got the 803d3 with the center on a parasound a51 in an atmos setup. I love the warm sound. I didn’t listen to the 802 and 800. And I will not do that untill I’m ready to buy them. Probably my parasound will not have enough power for them, which feels insane to me. So the investment will be way more than just the speakers. Anyway I like the new look with the leather and also the light wood finish.
I have the 805 D3 myself love them not worth 8500 plus 1250 for the Stands to upgrade. The 801 D4 has the biggest upgrade with the spider. I’d wait until the spider technology is implemented in more of the speakers even if it takes years
Thanks for your input. The 805 D3 is a tough speaker to beat as a bookshelf 2 way. Moving to a larger enclosure extends the frequency response and adds the unique B&W FST midrange. It’s a big step in value and performance.
In my room size run a 4.2 configuration the 805 D3 surrounds 705 s2 and 2 bowers asw 500 subs I know they are older models but still excellent. I did a lot of tweaking in the eq an I say I was able to get the D3 97% to the D4 only reason I don’t say 99 is because of the cabinet differences. Anything the D3 don’t cover the subs are excellent at. Took a lot of tweaking placement and calibrating but you can close your eyes and feel like you’re at the performance. In order to upgrade to towers I’d need more room. Can’t have a speaker like that for the sake of it. I hope they implement the biometric suspension the the bookshelf in the future.
Thank you for your inquiry. McIntosh and Bowers & Wilkins is a well balanced and powerful combination. My only advice is that the 803 D4 work best in a larger room positioned at least 3 to 4 feet from walls and furniture.
