B&W 802 N vs. D

Actually I currently have 5 803N's in my system, and am thinking about upgrading the front 3. Hence the question about comparing 802N and 802D. I could get either in red cherry to match my rear speakers.

Not that I am permanently wedded to B&W, but to change manufacturers totally would probably require eventual replacement of all 5 speakers for additional expense. Not to mention that all the speakers you mentioned are on sale in all sorts of bizarro color combinations (at least currently on Agon), making it difficult to match even just the front 3!

Since I doubt anyone will sell me a single 802D (or 3), we are probably talking about 2 pair. So the cost differential between the 802N and 802D mounts up. I am curious about the direct comparison, for those who are familiar with both...

DIW, if it matters to YOU, then it will be worth the money. All of this is baseless without knowing how you listen, the gear involved, the music you prefer, the room design and your overall priorities for sound reproduction. Since you have B&W and seem to like them, go for the D's in the front/Mains position...absolutely no need for D's in the rear.

Kodg here I want to add to my early opion. I have actually purchased a used pair of 802d recently. I had to drive 4 hrs. each way to get them as the guy did not have the boxes, but the price was too good to pass up. I have owned or own now ever new 800 series speaker.

IMO 802d is probably the best speaker in the world for the money. If B&W was'nt the 3rd. largest manufacturer in the world the speakers would probably cost $15,000+ more.

If your a B&W guy like me & have had good luck stick w/them. The new Focals are over $100,000.00 sound damn good but you get 90% of the performance at 1/10 of t price! Wilson & CA audio fall into the same catagory, (IMO I hate t way the wilson look also)

Once again if y are satisfied w/t 802N stick w/them.

If y must up-grade buy a pair of 802ds & one of t matching daimond centers, you will not be on odd ball speaker out.

I agree w/t other gentlemen that 802ds would be over kill for your surrounds. Not enought music is transmitted through t surrounds to justify the $$.

All thought t looks of t 802n & the 802d are similair B&W says 80% of the new 800 series has been up-dated. They are beatiful looking speakers & I can say they sound absolutely amazing!!

I could not justify spending $100,000 + more on any other speaker brand period. IMO it is not possible to improve on the sound performance you get from the 802d in a significant/real world listing experience.

*In other words y could spend another $100,000+ on some wilsons or Focals, ect. & only really improve your listing experience over t 802ds by maybe 5-10% max.

**THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS.**

Kodg.

A comment for missioncoonery who the heck came up w/such a gay sounding name as the puppies?? That alone would make me not purchase them or do what y do call they the 3/2!

Kodg.

Dave the room , the gear, ect. are not neccessary to rate one speaker against another as he is keeping his same set-up.
any room can be made accoustically correct, my room is a perfect example. This guy is talking about switching speakers not his amp, entire set-up. So the sound from a new speaker is going to sound different wheter it be b&w, Wilsons, Focal, CA audio, ect.

What he wants to know is if the D series is superior to the N. The simple answer is yes by about 50%. B&w does not come out w/new models every year like most speaker manufactures to try to boost sales. The Natilus ran for 7 years. B&W only makes changes to their design when they can honestly improve it, not just change colors of box design, their philosy is form follows function, hence the lack of noticable difference in apperance between the N & D. Much like Porshe. If y start w/a superior design their is no reason for a complete overhaul.

Kodg.