📌Considering the B&W D4 Signature? Find them here bit.ly/4aH9d8B 🔌Watch our REVIEW ruclips.net/video/cJzjdmw3rqg/видео.html to get caught up on today’s UNPLUGGED! 😀Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍Like button! 🙏 Please stay on topic and be respectful. 🚫No links, self-promotion, or personal info.
Some people would spend 60 or 70k on a car without blinking twice. Like you mentioned, everyone has (or should have) a passion that they’re willing to go wild with.
Have 802’s good speakers, bright in the high range probably due to material used but the speaker does draw you in and it’s time correct but not phase correct. After hearing a time and phase correct speaker I plan on keeping my 802’s for audio/video system but using time and phase correct with my primary stereo system.
Wisdom Audio p4i speakers (sound quality), Wilson Audio Chronosonic and Alexa for BIG size. I have the GoldenEar BRX (ribbon AMT tweeters) which comes pretty darn close to the Wisdom Audio (ribbon planar tweeters). streaming=Apple Music lossless
They have demos on RUclips of the mirror phonic system from Westinghouse that you mentioned and yes, I did take the time to look it up the demos I heard I have to give it to you are fucking amazing. You are very correct on true to life and it is amazing that given these are mono. How phenomenal when put together they really are holy shit quite impressive and amazing that they were so far ahead of their time it’s just that their size is obviously not really an option for anybody’s house or even basement for that matter. You would have to have a mansion for these things 14 feet tall shit that’s crazy but nonetheless quite impressive and thank you for sharing your story about them too I never heard of them or even thought of them until you’d mentioned them pretty cool
Why is it "cool" when someone buys a $20k motorcycle or a $70k sports car, but considered excessive to put that amount of money into an audio system? I can enjoy my audio system for many more hours than I'd enjoy a vehicle.
BINGO. My system is almost never off, whereas my car sits parked 90% of the time. Car cost more, gets used less, and depreciates just as much (or more).
@@andrewrobinsonreviewstry the Ps audio floor standing speakers there are different tiers may make for a really good tiered review for a series of speakers that could be for many levels of consumer
I think it’s because you can’t buy a new car for under $2k but you can buy good speakers for under $2k and there is a law of diminishing returns for speakers much more than there is for a GT3 vs a Corolla. What our ears can hear is only so much difference vs vision vs what we feel in or get from a car.
i am a regular viewer and I never comment. This time I just want to say Andrew, you gave me the confidence for enjoying my system. I also don’t have all the acoustic and all the “tricks” and “gadgets”. I used to listen to advices and made my room “crazy”. I just don’t want to be missing something to have worst sound. Now because of you. My mind is free! Thank you Andrew!
What a beautifully constructed video the fact I can watch a video about a set of speakers that cost more then my house and be thoroughly entertained and will quite frankly never own, shows the high level of execution and perspective that you place in your videos. And for that I thank you.
When it comes to room treatment, my philosophy is simple. Treat your room well, it’s part of the equation. Optimize the sound as best you can and focus on the real trouble areas. But perfect is the enemy of the good. My listening experience and my listening room is my sanctuary. I enjoy the aesthetic components just as much. It adds to my listening experience to have a comfortable couch that looks good; it adds to my listening experience to be surrounded by my large indoor plants; it adds to my listening experience to have a nice coffee table where I can have a nice cup of coffee and snacks while I listen. It’s a whole experience; and I will never allow my obsession with the perfect sound to come in the way of my love for feeling comfortable and at home in my oasis.
I am loving these Unplugged discussions. Great forum for this type of discourse. I feel the trading of impressions back and forth is a great format. It is helpful in giving one a broader picture of the product being discussed. Thanks so much. I really enjoyed the review and Unplugged on the Wharfedale Super Dentons. 👍🏼🎶
Key Andrew quote: “it even irks you when other people say ‘ well, ya know, you can do that for berba derpa der’” Truer words have never been spoken on RUclips, or anywhere else, for that matter.
Bravo! Encore! Loved this! Cannot tell you how much I appreciate your no BS approach to this hobby. Please please please continue with the high end and budget reviews. Love both your comments and Andrew your experience and knowledge. You take this seriously and it shows. Plus you two are fun.
The vintage western electric stuff is sold by Deja Vu Audio in Virginia. He’s Vietnamese I believe. They are still in business. The best DAC you will ever hear is through them…called the Aldo Dac. Paired with their western electric tube amps, the sound is the most magical anyone will ever hear.
Well done on a very comprehensive review & discussion on these high end speakers especially in your comparisons to high & low end price speakers, Plus Kristi adds her usual sparkle to it all like a missing diamond tweeter in an already great soundstage, Ye work well together and admire the combination
801’s were the speaker I lusted after for years. Then, twenty years ago, I stumbled into a pair of Von Schweikert Vortex Screens that sold new for a fraction of the B&W’s. To this day, I am amazed how good they sound. How big and detailed the sound stage is. These speakers are now over 30 years old and I can certainly afford to go buy whatever I want today. But I still love the sound of these old gems. They were built to last and they have.
Hi from Vancouver! My first breath taking experience listening to a speaker in a store showroom was back in the 90’s with the Wilson Grand Slams. They were playing piano and sounded like one was in the room. The next time was about 10 years ago in a store showroom with the big YG Sonyas. They were certainly impressive. Cheers!
Such a fun video to watch and I'm so happy for you both to be able to have these in your house! I've wanted / lusted after some 801 or 802s for years and years and years - but they are WAY out of my budget / price range - and I know that.... but man they're beautiful in every way. For me, I'm perfectly happy sitting in front of my Polk R700s (thanks for your reviews on those!!!) that fit into my budget and have the ability to put a smile on my face every time. They are no B&W 800 series, for sure, but they are what I could afford.... and taking that into consideration, I love what I have. It's still so fun to see these B&Ws though and STILL have those wishful thoughts. Keep up the great content. Thank you BOTH for all your work on this channel!
I see the price of Humble Pie has gone up. You're absolutely right in that sometimes you need to reset that bar for the lower 95% of the products that people CAN reasonably attain, and know that those "top 3" are still there to benchmark against. Much appreciated with the honesty and work put into this.
Every time you guys show those Mcintosh pieces I become like the fly that can't get away from the blue zapper "Don't go into the light!" "I can't help help it. It's so beautiful." I look at those things and the world around me just goes away.
@C Butti i used to paint, when I look at a painting, i look at it as a whole and then i examine minute details such as style, brush strokes, and technique. You can see the forest and admire the individual trees that make up that forest.😊
I Totally get the HT with these. Its actually quite surprising the first time we experience a movie with just a high quality hifi 2 channel setup, it actually feels… real and so engaging thanks to the soundstage and insanely good tonal balance.
Continuing to enjoy the new format. I like the tight review videos and the new unplugged videos that have room to breath, allow for Kristy's feedback 😊 and an opportunity to respond to comments on the review video.
23:27 most people still haven’t put their speakers in the best position to perform. Absolutely correct Wilson takes the time to correctly place and set up the sound to work in a realistic room .
Good afternoon, Kristi and Andrew. You have the unenviable job of presenting reviews without caveats. I trust your honest presentations and I am not going to waste my time looking for hidden room treatments when such endeavors are futile. I base my knowledge of my listening room upon experience with how my speakers should sound to me. If there is an acoustic anomaly then I shall apply experience to rectify it. Keep up the good work and while I am happy with the way my system sounds I am happy enjoying your channel for what you provide. Thank you.
Good morning Andrew and Kristi. More great discussion. Very honored to be a 3x comment contributor to Unplugged. Hoping to be the Unplugged question GOAT LOL! Just to clarify my comment with regard to poor recordings, I wasn't implying artist record their music poorly intentionally, I'm referring to lots of records, typically older stuff such as 70's/80's rock, pop, etc that is frankly very poorly mastered but still music I listen to and enjoy. On a separate note I think you might find interesting is that according to David Price, who reviewed these speaker at B&W HQ, B&W used a Michi P5 and M8 mono blocks (1080W into 8 ohms/1800W into 4 ohms) as their reference system hooked up to them. Hoping those KEF Blades are just lost in the mail and show up someday for review! Thanks for the great work and looking forward to this Sunday's review.
When Kristi takes over from the very beginning and is THIS emphatic about a home audio product, you know you've done well. You chose well, Andrew. You chose well.
Great video guys! Love this format. Mixing your take and exchange with Kristi and including viewers' takes and questions... It's an amazing format. Well done guys!
When I got my B&W 802’s 26 years ago I was blown away. They are still enjoyed infinitely by my sister and we experience endless hours of listenning pleasure after all these years despite my moving on to Wilson Audio. B&W’s are an un-disputed value in my humble opinion.
Thank you both so much for reviewing some higher end speakers on this channel. i.e. B&W 801 D4 signatures. These are probably considered pretty expensive to many viewers however, for me, this is the sweet spot for true high-end audio. I do concede that there are some manufacturers out there that can achieve the same sonic purity for less, but not at a 10th of their price. I would love to see you review other speakers of the same calibre from time to time. I own some Focal Scala' Utopia's and Martin Logan 13a and appreciate them both for their different characteristics. With speakers selling at over $1m rrp, the B&W 801 D4 signatures could almost be considered relatively affordable. For me, there is a point where some ultra hi end gear is more about bragging rights than it is musical enjoyment. Keep this content coming.
I have 801 D4s. They are tight. They are not at all too bright, at least not to my taste. I use room correction, but even with it turned off, they sound amazing.
Great speakers. Standard 801D4s blew me away so can’t imagine the signatures. They look much better in person and could not believe the speakers didn’t have a sub. They cranked out near accurate bass. Price is subjective.
I auditioned the 802 D4 and the bass.. the clean bass. I had the store turn off the external subs and they sounded incredible with no subs. I went back, took the 802 D4 and put my existing 700s on consignment. 802 D4 hit harder than my 700s with external subs. Keep in mind the 801 are even better and then add the signature. Can’t imagine the range of the the speakers. My room is mid-size so 802s works better for me. You only live once.
Thanks for another awesome sincere review. I appreciate the various perspective from budget to hi end to sound, room treatment, etc. Such a wonderful well rounded chat. One day…😊
This is a video that hits on my experiences as well. Going from some very expensive floor-standing speakers to restoring some Altec Flamenco speakers, and wanting nothing from the previous, has been a rewarding and enlightening adventure. The Kef Blade though, is something you might be more proactive in getting a pair. If Blade 2, team them with some subs in your large space. I was more than impressed with them in a friends system. Nice work on the video, and your experience shines through! Bravo....
The b&w 801 signatures sound insane. Heard Focal utopias, old version. Both great. If i had money and room , i would have a bunch of different manufatures like in an audio store
I have been watching this channel for the past few months and have really appreciated your honest reviews. It's awesome to see this set of B&W speakers reviewed. I have a set of DM604 S3's and its about time to pair them up with some decent amplification. I wasn't sure I needed to until watching more and more of this channel to see that B&W speakers need quality amplification. I am leaning towards Anthem Mr series but unsure
I’m here! Just finished watching the review! Sounds like an amazing experience to hear them. The “biggest” loudspeakers I have heard are the KEF Blades at Best Buy, and they were so impressive but a bit cold (glacial) for me!! But they were pretty incredible! I wonder how those would compare to these B&W D4 Signatures.
So glad to see you, Leezah! Hope your Friday is off to a great start. I haven't heard the Blades yet, but I can imagine how they sound based on my experience with the R Series. I'm not sure if the look of the Blade is for me, but I still want to get a pair in for review.
My thoughts are on room treatment, Kristi hit on the live music angle, if you see the same band in 3 different venues you will get 3 different sounds and probably none of them are bad enough to leave. I have 2 different rooms I can listen in my house and get 2 different sounds and I enjoy them both. If it sounded like crap I would change it. It makes sense that you would treat your room, it’s your job. I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of this.
I wish Wilson would send you a pair of Sabrina X, Sasha, or the new Watt Puppy’s. I really enjoyed this follow up segment to add more context to the prior review. Very helpful discussion!
I wanna echo something Kristi mentioned. My Klipsch RF7 llls arent in the same ballpark as these. But for me, they were pricey and special. A decent speaker can be totally adequate in a home theater. But my RF7s are truly special as the front channels of my theater. Couldnt believe how much better a “musical” speaker performed in my setup.
guys .... the Sonus Faber Aida is insane .... the only speakers I ever seen and heard with that insane unreal magic of the best minimonitors, and it scales endlessly And the finish and workmanship .... OH MY GOD 😍🤩🥰 If I only could afford them. You can have a Ferrari in your garage.... or you can have the Aida in the living room 🥰 To me, the holy grail of music is simply, have that magical experience in your living room, Sonus Faber does that 🥰
Love love love this review! thank you both. I have the klipsch 8000 F and love them and thank you for your videos .I'm a rock and roll old school guy lol .
The 801 Matrix was "My 801," in the sense you mean (around 10:00). I couldn't afford $5000 in 1997, so I bought the 805 Matrix instead. It made too many of my CDs sound horrible. Way too revealing in the upper midrange. After a series of changes, including having tinnitus starting in 1998, I'm a somewhat more mid-fi listener since then. I'd still love to hear those 801s you're listening to now. And I love both the design and the nifty blue color. LOVE THEM.
Thanks Andrew & Kristi, what a vicarious experience that was! Interesting comment at the end regarding a reset or "palate cleanse" as a reviewer -- I've heard/read similar comments in the car industry where car reviewers get bogged down in the churn of new car reviews and it takes something like a Mazda MX5 (Miata) to recalibrate themselves.
I agree with 95% of what you have said about these speakers based on my 802D4 ownership experience. I do believe a very large hard surface between the speakers does have an effect. If you’ve done a good job of sound treatment elsewhere, I agree, probably not intelligible. But going back to the question - why remove grills if you have a TV between them? This is more akin to your discussion regarding the diamond tweeters. Let the speakers deliver what they deliver. Besides, nobody is going to remove the diamond tweeter grills for listening, and this is the part of the frequency most likely to create an issue with regard to a large TV Screen. One last point on that front. The front of my 802D4 tweeters are 19 inches in front of my 55 inch TV. I believe that offset is very helpful as well since we know treble does not radiate backward to any large degree. Thanks for this excellent video. I have resubscribed.
24:22 I’m glad I watched this video. Every time I think about room treatment, it makes my brain hurt. I keep thinking the room is bad, and it takes away my enjoyment of movies and music.
As an audiophile it's a neverending journey of lusting after something better. It's tough, it's soulcrushing, feels like nothing is ever good enough. And needless to say those "holy grail" speakers cost tens of thousands + you need super expensive amplifiers to match these. But if an music fan can find a state of mind that he/she can enjoy what he can afford - then i'd say he has achieved perfection. I have a set of pioneer floor speakers from 1988, proper wooden box and no cheap plastic sh*t. Fairly cheap kenwood amp and eltax floorspeakers in the rear. +DIY bix box subwoofer. All together ~800 dollars. And i think all these together sound wonderful (yes, i have spent a lot of time adjusting amplifier, done bunch of room treatment and figured out perfect placement for speakers to achieve it) , i absolutely love my livingroom setup. So enjoy what you can afford!
Thanks for your input. I am just starting my journey with hi fidelity systems. I have a Focal Theva 5.1 setup and just researching streamers, and amps for my next upgrade. I have had the pleasure of listening to some high end B & W speakers in our mastering suite in school. Hope to get to that level someday. Love your content.
Good afternoon ☕️ from Toronto. I was very intrigued with the OG review..nicely done This follow up is fabulous. I love these speakers..by I’m thinking they do require a very upscale source and power chain . Have a great weekend 🍻
Perceptive comment about people having, in some form, their own B&W D4 Signature speaker. So true, and it could be anything from a suit of clothes to a bicycle, car or that ultimate 1911 .45 handgun tricked out with all the bells and whistles. To splurge or not to splurge? That is the question that most of us ask at some point in our lives, and then we do, if only once.
All I can say is that I'm sort of glad that my hearing isn't nearly as good as it once was. As a result, chasing superb SQ isn't anywhere close to being a priority as it was in my younger years, and my retirement fund and its general future healthiness is extremely thankful for that. 👍😉
Great episode with lots of good info. Thank you. I’d love to have a pair of La Scalas. That’s my dream. But like you said, don’t necessarily need it as I’m ok with what I have in what my space allows. But I still hope for that day.
26:23 The facts are there. Look at a studio, if room treatment is all that’s needed, than why would they spend 10s to 100s of thousands on the monitors too. And some of those speakers that they have sound amazing quality in normal living spaces, without a room that sound like an anechoic chamber. As we have seen on this channel, some speakers sound better in real room, vs a completely dead room.
I auditioned the KEF Blade 2 Meta, Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 and Gryphon Pantheon speakers back to back - same amplifier, interconnect and source components, same five tracks. All three were excellent, BUT... The Gryphon Pantheons absolutely mopped the floor with the competition in every possible respect.
28:29 you’re about as genuine as they come. I appreciate your frankness and you don’t seem to push BS. I was won’t ever own the B&W 801’s, but it’s still interesting to listen about that extreme high end product. Thanks for all you and Kristi do. You bring good value to the people that take the time to listen to your thoughts. Thank You!!!
I agree on your comments on recordings. Opinions are psycology, sound waves are physics, A friend has Martin Logan’s that when they shine, but some recordings I’ve heard and psychologically assigned values of fantastic, don’t sound fantastic on his system, according to “MY” psychology. I love the 801s, almost purchased a pair of the first release, then almost D1s but really had my heart on the previous tardis version with 15’ sub. Instead of buying speakers I bout a hot tub and KTM motorbike and an expensive 3 month holiday. Anyway, I purchased the Polk LS800 which were inspired by the 801 D4’s but less money. Thanks team ❤
Just gotta say, I really appreciate that you were showing the speakers that you talked about. 🌝👍 Sometimes when you mention products, XM 183b ll, ive got no clue! So you may as well be speaking dolphin 🤔😂 Happy day guys 🌝🙏
i heard the 803 d4 and i like them but my personal favourite is the founder 120h. when i first saw the 803 i got to admit Andrew was right about their amazing finishes. the 800 series has the est finishes and the 700 series bowers are also downright beautiful speakers. i know the appearance are not everything but dang they are both nice. paradigm has a more neutral sound and i like that. i wish i could afford to buy the 803 and 120 h and use them based on what i am listening to because that incredible. both speakers and brands are just different and they are both great
For me, the best big boxes are the KLH Model 5 paired with the one and only T+A Pulsar R2000AC. The bookshelf compression are the vintage aluminium Technics SB F3.
I have a pair of 801 Series 80 and a pair of 801 Matrix (over 35 years old) and they need much more power that the current generations. You will not appreciate the tremendous dynamic range without power, at least on the older models. You can listen to the D4s, as well as all the speakers you mentioned in this video at the Audio Advice Live show in Raleigh, Aug 2-4. That show has been amazing the past two years!
The advantage to center speakers is that you don't have to be in ideal listening position. The disadvantage is that they aren't as good and they never truly match. My compromise is to use identical bookshelf speakers for fronts and center with a neutral amplifier for the center (front amp to preference). Maybe not so much of a compromise because unless you have a well designed room (or lucky), towers won't have optimum bass anyway
You might be interested in listening to some of Devon Turnbull's systems. He's really into the Western Electric sound and builds some really amazing systems. Had the opportunity to listen to one of his creations at a gallery in New York that had set up a listening room and it was next level sound. He makes some consumer DIY speakers as well. Not really something to review but just to compare to your Western Electric magic moment.
Very well said, Andrew... Much better to have fully everything you need in a speaker. Then if you EQ anything, you are pulling back just a tad and not adding unwanted coloring.
I found long ago that while I owned BW 801s with external xovers and all Krell suited my music well. I tried for once to connect my 300S to BW601s and would make you a believer that the match of amplification can be easlily missed. I am really thinking about trying the Titans with my MC402 and get back to toe tapping.... I wont go into my current speakers but they dont pull in all the time for return sessions and thats what this crazy hobby is all about. Doesnt matter the logo, look or price but the magic of "goose bumps".
13:53 Great recordings absolutely showcase your system..or shows what “missing”….Jazz At The Pawnshop is a reference back in the day ..and still phenomenal today.
Kefs, even the blade one meta, the magic happens between the speakers. All narrow dispersion speakers but the magic that happens between the speakers put harry potter to shame. Magical imaging. They dont expand soundstage beyond the sides like some other speakers, thats for sure. I have focals and they are nearly the exact opposite of kefs.
The Western Electric vintage system from the 30’s made me think of the newest Klipsch heritage offering, the Jubilee, which are 2-way full-range horn loaded speakers. Every review I saw as a video about them had the reviewer raving about them as being “perfect speakers”. I would look forward to your review of them even if I don’t believe they’d fit in your usual review room.
Both Beolab 90 and Beolab 50 are amazing speakers. Beolab 90 was way too expensive and the wifey thought they were so ugly but she gave thumbs up for the Beolab 50, so I bought those, but it was a couple of years ago and now the prices has increased through the roof. Still love them and I love that I can ”tune” them through the software to sound as I like them to.
@@PhotoViking-Nordic Sounds super. May i ask what you had before? I demoed both the 50 and the 90 but not in the same room, and i felt the 50 was not given the same attention by the dealer regarding tuning them in. Do you feel that you get the 50ies to Sound the same as 90 scaled Down or not? Br
@@simonadelin934 I don’t remember exactly all details, it was a couple of years ago but of course Beolab 90 is better but not worth the money and the size. I had active Linn Akurate 242 before. My wife was very happy to get rid of all the poweramps 😁. I am still very happy with Beolab 50 and I have a couple of my own soundsettings in them. I also tried using a microphone to ”autoset” them up but that actually made them worse.
Perfectly said Andrew. I had a choice last year. A grand high end system or another new Harley. I’m super passionate about both. But my Harleys are my top pastime and passion then my sound system. And my sound system is no slouch.
High-end stereo equipment isn't just about 'need'-it's about the experience. For audiophiles, the quality, clarity, and precision that high-end gear offers can transform how we experience music, making it more immersive and enjoyable. Not everyone has to have the same tastes or values. Just because someone desires something doesn't mean everyone else will. Pushing your beliefs on others isn't fair. We live in the United States of America, where we are free to enjoy what we like, as long as it's safe and legal. There are amazing experiences in audio today, from $500 to over $1 million. Not everyone can afford everything, but those who can afford higher-end gear should not be criticized or ridiculed for it. To each their own! This could apply to anything one desires or wants in life.
📌Considering the B&W D4 Signature? Find them here bit.ly/4aH9d8B
🔌Watch our REVIEW ruclips.net/video/cJzjdmw3rqg/видео.html to get caught up on today’s UNPLUGGED!
😀Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍Like button!
🙏 Please stay on topic and be respectful. 🚫No links, self-promotion, or personal info.
Some people would spend 60 or 70k on a car without blinking twice. Like you mentioned, everyone has (or should have) a passion that they’re willing to go wild with.
Have 802’s good speakers, bright in the high range probably due to material used but the speaker does draw you in and it’s time correct but not phase correct. After hearing a time and phase correct speaker I plan on keeping my 802’s for audio/video system but using time and phase correct with my primary stereo system.
Wisdom Audio p4i speakers (sound quality), Wilson Audio Chronosonic and Alexa for BIG size.
I have the GoldenEar BRX (ribbon AMT tweeters) which comes pretty darn close to the Wisdom Audio (ribbon planar tweeters).
streaming=Apple Music lossless
They have demos on RUclips of the mirror phonic system from Westinghouse that you mentioned and yes, I did take the time to look it up the demos I heard I have to give it to you are fucking amazing. You are very correct on true to life and it is amazing that given these are mono. How phenomenal when put together they really are holy shit quite impressive and amazing that they were so far ahead of their time it’s just that their size is obviously not really an option for anybody’s house or even basement for that matter. You would have to have a mansion for these things 14 feet tall shit that’s crazy but nonetheless quite impressive and thank you for sharing your story about them too I never heard of them or even thought of them until you’d mentioned them pretty cool
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I wish to watch you review the B&o beolab 50
Why is it "cool" when someone buys a $20k motorcycle or a $70k sports car, but considered excessive to put that amount of money into an audio system? I can enjoy my audio system for many more hours than I'd enjoy a vehicle.
BINGO. My system is almost never off, whereas my car sits parked 90% of the time. Car cost more, gets used less, and depreciates just as much (or more).
@@andrewrobinsonreviewsgood you had a system that impacted you that much to be the standard.
@@andrewrobinsonreviewstry the
Ps audio floor standing speakers there are different tiers may make for a really good tiered review for a series of speakers that could be for many levels of consumer
Nice review conversation keep these videos coming
I think it’s because you can’t buy a new car for under $2k but you can buy good speakers for under $2k and there is a law of diminishing returns for speakers much more than there is for a GT3 vs a Corolla. What our ears can hear is only so much difference vs vision vs what we feel in or get from a car.
i am a regular viewer and I never comment. This time I just want to say Andrew, you gave me the confidence for enjoying my system. I also don’t have all the acoustic and all the “tricks” and “gadgets”. I used to listen to advices and made my room “crazy”. I just don’t want to be missing something to have worst sound. Now because of you. My mind is free! Thank you Andrew!
What a beautifully constructed video the fact I can watch a video about a set of speakers that cost more then my house and be thoroughly entertained and will quite frankly never own, shows the high level of execution and perspective that you place in your videos. And for that I thank you.
When it comes to room treatment, my philosophy is simple. Treat your room well, it’s part of the equation. Optimize the sound as best you can and focus on the real trouble areas. But perfect is the enemy of the good. My listening experience and my listening room is my sanctuary. I enjoy the aesthetic components just as much. It adds to my listening experience to have a comfortable couch that looks good; it adds to my listening experience to be surrounded by my large indoor plants; it adds to my listening experience to have a nice coffee table where I can have a nice cup of coffee and snacks while I listen. It’s a whole experience; and I will never allow my obsession with the perfect sound to come in the way of my love for feeling comfortable and at home in my oasis.
I am loving these Unplugged discussions. Great forum for this type of discourse. I feel the trading of impressions back and forth is a great format. It is helpful in giving one a broader picture of the product being discussed. Thanks so much. I really enjoyed the review and Unplugged on the Wharfedale Super Dentons. 👍🏼🎶
We appreciate you watching the shows; it means a lot.
Key Andrew quote: “it even irks you when other people say ‘ well, ya know, you can do that for berba derpa der’” Truer words have never been spoken on RUclips, or anywhere else, for that matter.
I’ll add that RUclips’s automatic closed caption transcription system failed us on this very quote. It’s a shame, really.
HAHAHAHAHA
It gave up on the B in berba and never looked back.
Anyway, my job of making the most meaningful contribution to the conversation is done here. You’re all very welcome.
@@Caleb_Denison He says that in real life all the time. I'd give anything for a simple "blah, blah, blah." :)
I don’t think I have ever seen Andrew laugh so casually and deeply about those B&W’s.
Good stuff!
Bravo! Encore! Loved this! Cannot tell you how much I appreciate your no BS approach to this hobby. Please please please continue with the high end and budget reviews. Love both your comments and Andrew your experience and knowledge. You take this seriously and it shows. Plus you two are fun.
Thank you, we really appreciate it. I believe there's room for everyone, every budget, and every need, and I really want our channel to reflect that.
You do succeed at that. And from what I see, this can be one tough crowd too. Great job as always.
your videos were always great tbh, but your recent videos have become incredible
The vintage western electric stuff is sold by Deja Vu Audio in Virginia. He’s Vietnamese I believe. They are still in business. The best DAC you will ever hear is through them…called the Aldo Dac. Paired with their western electric tube amps, the sound is the most magical anyone will ever hear.
Your reviews are interesting and fun to watch. It has improve over the years, thank-you both.
Thanks for watching them over the years!
Well done on a very comprehensive review & discussion on these high end speakers especially in your comparisons to high & low end price speakers, Plus Kristi adds her usual sparkle to it all like a missing diamond tweeter in an already great soundstage, Ye work well together and admire the combination
So glad you enjoyed it!
801’s were the speaker I lusted after for years. Then, twenty years ago, I stumbled into a pair of Von Schweikert Vortex Screens that sold new for a fraction of the B&W’s. To this day, I am amazed how good they sound. How big and detailed the sound stage is. These speakers are now over 30 years old and I can certainly afford to go buy whatever I want today. But I still love the sound of these old gems. They were built to last and they have.
You guys answered my question! Thank you. Was just sitting down for my Friday evening viewing and my name pops up. ❤
I went with a pair of 805 d4 front and 805 D3 surrounds and run a 4.3 configuration. It’s a real gift to hear
Hi from Vancouver!
My first breath taking experience listening to a speaker in a store showroom was back in the 90’s with the Wilson Grand Slams. They were playing piano and sounded like one was in the room.
The next time was about 10 years ago in a store showroom with the big YG Sonyas. They were certainly impressive.
Cheers!
Such a fun video to watch and I'm so happy for you both to be able to have these in your house! I've wanted / lusted after some 801 or 802s for years and years and years - but they are WAY out of my budget / price range - and I know that.... but man they're beautiful in every way. For me, I'm perfectly happy sitting in front of my Polk R700s (thanks for your reviews on those!!!) that fit into my budget and have the ability to put a smile on my face every time. They are no B&W 800 series, for sure, but they are what I could afford.... and taking that into consideration, I love what I have. It's still so fun to see these B&Ws though and STILL have those wishful thoughts. Keep up the great content. Thank you BOTH for all your work on this channel!
IMHO the review of the year. Thank you for making it happen.
Thanks for watching it!
So far, you mean; there’s a whole 6 months left, and scores of audiophile dragons yet to be slayed.😊
I see the price of Humble Pie has gone up. You're absolutely right in that sometimes you need to reset that bar for the lower 95% of the products that people CAN reasonably attain, and know that those "top 3" are still there to benchmark against. Much appreciated with the honesty and work put into this.
Thank you! We appreciate you tuning in!
Every time you guys show those Mcintosh pieces I become like the fly that can't get away from the blue zapper "Don't go into the light!" "I can't help help it. It's so beautiful." I look at those things and the world around me just goes away.
@C Butti i used to paint, when I look at a painting, i look at it as a whole and then i examine minute details such as style, brush strokes, and technique. You can see the forest and admire the individual trees that make up that forest.😊
I love the older bulldog look too! As an owner of Matrix 801's, I really love the single 12" woofer aesthetic.
I Totally get the HT with these. Its actually quite surprising the first time we experience a movie with just a high quality hifi 2 channel setup, it actually feels… real and so engaging thanks to the soundstage and insanely good tonal balance.
It gave me goosebumps when you told that old speaker story.
Continuing to enjoy the new format. I like the tight review videos and the new unplugged videos that have room to breath, allow for Kristy's feedback 😊 and an opportunity to respond to comments on the review video.
Awesome, thank you!
🙋♂️ GLAD TO SEE KRISTI ,SHARING HER OPINION AS ALWAYS OPEN AND HONEST 💚💚💚
23:27 most people still haven’t put their speakers in the best position to perform.
Absolutely correct Wilson takes the time to correctly place and set up the sound to work in a realistic room .
Setup is 90-95% of one's experience.
Good afternoon, Kristi and Andrew. You have the unenviable job of presenting reviews without caveats. I trust your honest presentations and I am not going to waste my time looking for hidden room treatments when such endeavors are futile. I base my knowledge of my listening room upon experience with how my speakers should sound to me. If there is an acoustic anomaly then I shall apply experience to rectify it. Keep up the good work and while I am happy with the way my system sounds I am happy enjoying your channel for what you provide. Thank you.
Love the room treatment rant! Absolute perfection. Keep up the great work!
Good morning Andrew and Kristi. More great discussion. Very honored to be a 3x comment contributor to Unplugged. Hoping to be the Unplugged question GOAT LOL! Just to clarify my comment with regard to poor recordings, I wasn't implying artist record their music poorly intentionally, I'm referring to lots of records, typically older stuff such as 70's/80's rock, pop, etc that is frankly very poorly mastered but still music I listen to and enjoy. On a separate note I think you might find interesting is that according to David Price, who reviewed these speaker at B&W HQ, B&W used a Michi P5 and M8 mono blocks (1080W into 8 ohms/1800W into 4 ohms) as their reference system hooked up to them. Hoping those KEF Blades are just lost in the mail and show up someday for review! Thanks for the great work and looking forward to this Sunday's review.
When Kristi takes over from the very beginning and is THIS emphatic about a home audio product, you know you've done well. You chose well, Andrew. You chose well.
Great video guys! Love this format. Mixing your take and exchange with Kristi and including viewers' takes and questions... It's an amazing format. Well done guys!
When I got my B&W 802’s 26 years ago I was blown away. They are still enjoyed infinitely by my sister and we experience endless hours of listenning pleasure after all these years despite my moving on to Wilson Audio. B&W’s are an un-disputed value in my humble opinion.
💯 still enjoying my 801S2
Value?
It's only bright because the recorded material is bright, these speakers will reflect every good and bad in a recording, very revealing.
Thank you both so much for reviewing some higher end speakers on this channel. i.e. B&W 801 D4 signatures. These are probably considered pretty expensive to many viewers however, for me, this is the sweet spot for true high-end audio. I do concede that there are some manufacturers out there that can achieve the same sonic purity for less, but not at a 10th of their price. I would love to see you review other speakers of the same calibre from time to time. I own some Focal Scala' Utopia's and Martin Logan 13a and appreciate them both for their different characteristics. With speakers selling at over $1m rrp, the B&W 801 D4 signatures could almost be considered relatively affordable. For me, there is a point where some ultra hi end gear is more about bragging rights than it is musical enjoyment. Keep this content coming.
I have 801 D4s. They are tight. They are not at all too bright, at least not to my taste. I use room correction, but even with it turned off, they sound amazing.
La Scalas were the one speaker that spooked me even over RUclips and kanto desktops with its realism in the vocals listening to sara mclachlan.
Great speakers. Standard 801D4s blew me away so can’t imagine the signatures. They look much better in person and could not believe the speakers didn’t have a sub. They cranked out near accurate bass. Price is subjective.
Truely agree a good 2 channel speakers does not require a center speaker. I always thought center speaker was to compensate for poor main speakers
I keep fighting my brother on this. I have fantastic 20k stereo system and have absolutely NO need for a center.
The honestly is flowing. Atta boy, Andrew!
I auditioned the 802 D4 and the bass.. the clean bass. I had the store turn off the external subs and they sounded incredible with no subs. I went back, took the 802 D4 and put my existing 700s on consignment. 802 D4 hit harder than my 700s with external subs. Keep in mind the 801 are even better and then add the signature. Can’t imagine the range of the the speakers. My room is mid-size so 802s works better for me. You only live once.
Really appreciated the conversation in this video. It keeps on adding to my education:)
Loved this video. Especially the section on room treatments.
Thanks for another awesome sincere review. I appreciate the various perspective from budget to hi end to sound, room treatment, etc. Such a wonderful well rounded chat. One day…😊
This is a video that hits on my experiences as well. Going from some very expensive floor-standing speakers to restoring some Altec Flamenco speakers, and wanting nothing from the previous, has been a rewarding and enlightening adventure. The Kef Blade though, is something you might be more proactive in getting a pair. If Blade 2, team them with some subs in your large space. I was more than impressed with them in a friends system. Nice work on the video, and your experience shines through! Bravo....
The b&w 801 signatures sound insane. Heard Focal utopias, old version. Both great. If i had money and room , i would have a bunch of different manufatures like in an audio store
I have been watching this channel for the past few months and have really appreciated your honest reviews. It's awesome to see this set of B&W speakers reviewed. I have a set of DM604 S3's and its about time to pair them up with some decent amplification. I wasn't sure I needed to until watching more and more of this channel to see that B&W speakers need quality amplification. I am leaning towards Anthem Mr series but unsure
I’m here! Just finished watching the review! Sounds like an amazing experience to hear them. The “biggest” loudspeakers I have heard are the KEF Blades at Best Buy, and they were so impressive but a bit cold (glacial) for me!! But they were pretty incredible! I wonder how those would compare to these B&W D4 Signatures.
So glad to see you, Leezah! Hope your Friday is off to a great start. I haven't heard the Blades yet, but I can imagine how they sound based on my experience with the R Series. I'm not sure if the look of the Blade is for me, but I still want to get a pair in for review.
@@andrewrobinsonreviewsthat would be awesome!
Guys, you NEED to get the full Steinway lyngdorf model S 2+2 system in for test.
That setup is insanely impressive
Have dreamed of a top end set of B&W speakers with McIntosh amplification from 20+ years. Still dreaming. Enjoyed it.
My thoughts are on room treatment, Kristi hit on the live music angle, if you see the same band in 3 different venues you will get 3 different sounds and probably none of them are bad enough to leave. I have 2 different rooms I can listen in my house and get 2 different sounds and I enjoy them both. If it sounded like crap I would change it. It makes sense that you would treat your room, it’s your job. I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of this.
Thank you for such an honest review. I enjoy your reviews for that reason.
I wish Wilson would send you a pair of Sabrina X, Sasha, or the new Watt Puppy’s. I really enjoyed this follow up segment to add more context to the prior review. Very helpful discussion!
Great questions in this one. It’s fun to compare these aspirational speakers. Would love for you to get some Beolab 50s or Wilsons.
I wanna echo something Kristi mentioned. My Klipsch RF7 llls arent in the same ballpark as these. But for me, they were pricey and special. A decent speaker can be totally adequate in a home theater. But my RF7s are truly special as the front channels of my theater. Couldnt believe how much better a “musical” speaker performed in my setup.
guys .... the Sonus Faber Aida is insane .... the only speakers I ever seen and heard with that insane unreal magic of the best minimonitors, and it scales endlessly
And the finish and workmanship .... OH MY GOD 😍🤩🥰 If I only could afford them. You can have a Ferrari in your garage.... or you can have the Aida in the living room 🥰
To me, the holy grail of music is simply, have that magical experience in your living room, Sonus Faber does that 🥰
I heard the Aida, I don't get it to be honest. It sounds thin, and very uninspired. How does it sound to you?
Love love love this review! thank you both. I have the klipsch 8000 F and love them and thank you for your videos .I'm a rock and roll old school guy lol .
The 801 Matrix was "My 801," in the sense you mean (around 10:00). I couldn't afford $5000 in 1997, so I bought the 805 Matrix instead. It made too many of my CDs sound horrible. Way too revealing in the upper midrange. After a series of changes, including having tinnitus starting in 1998, I'm a somewhat more mid-fi listener since then.
I'd still love to hear those 801s you're listening to now. And I love both the design and the nifty blue color. LOVE THEM.
Thanks Andrew & Kristi, what a vicarious experience that was! Interesting comment at the end regarding a reset or "palate cleanse" as a reviewer -- I've heard/read similar comments in the car industry where car reviewers get bogged down in the churn of new car reviews and it takes something like a Mazda MX5 (Miata) to recalibrate themselves.
I agree with 95% of what you have said about these speakers based on my 802D4 ownership experience. I do believe a very large hard surface between the speakers does have an effect. If you’ve done a good job of sound treatment elsewhere, I agree, probably not intelligible. But going back to the question - why remove grills if you have a TV between them? This is more akin to your discussion regarding the diamond tweeters. Let the speakers deliver what they deliver. Besides, nobody is going to remove the diamond tweeter grills for listening, and this is the part of the frequency most likely to create an issue with regard to a large TV Screen. One last point on that front. The front of my 802D4 tweeters are 19 inches in front of my 55 inch TV. I believe that offset is very helpful as well since we know treble does not radiate backward to any large degree. Thanks for this excellent video. I have resubscribed.
Jubilees next?
We may have to look into it. We were going to review them, but we bumped them for the 801 Signature.
24:22 I’m glad I watched this video. Every time I think about room treatment, it makes my brain hurt. I keep thinking the room is bad, and it takes away my enjoyment of movies and music.
As an audiophile it's a neverending journey of lusting after something better. It's tough, it's soulcrushing, feels like nothing is ever good enough. And needless to say those "holy grail" speakers cost tens of thousands + you need super expensive amplifiers to match these. But if an music fan can find a state of mind that he/she can enjoy what he can afford - then i'd say he has achieved perfection. I have a set of pioneer floor speakers from 1988, proper wooden box and no cheap plastic sh*t. Fairly cheap kenwood amp and eltax floorspeakers in the rear. +DIY bix box subwoofer. All together ~800 dollars. And i think all these together sound wonderful (yes, i have spent a lot of time adjusting amplifier, done bunch of room treatment and figured out perfect placement for speakers to achieve it) , i absolutely love my livingroom setup. So enjoy what you can afford!
Very cool unplugged.
I will wait patiently forever for your Beolab 90 review.
Same here! I feel as if nobody is talking about them.
Thanks for your input. I am just starting my journey with hi fidelity systems. I have a Focal Theva 5.1 setup and just researching streamers, and amps for my next upgrade. I have had the pleasure of listening to some high end B & W speakers in our mastering suite in school. Hope to get to that level someday. Love your content.
Good afternoon ☕️ from Toronto.
I was very intrigued with the OG review..nicely done
This follow up is fabulous.
I love these speakers..by I’m thinking they do require a very upscale source and power chain . Have a great weekend 🍻
Upscale source....maybe. Definitely need a good amplifier! Thanks for joining us!
Perceptive comment about people having, in some form, their own B&W D4 Signature speaker. So true, and it could be anything from a suit of clothes to a bicycle, car or that ultimate 1911 .45 handgun tricked out with all the bells and whistles. To splurge or not to splurge? That is the question that most of us ask at some point in our lives, and then we do, if only once.
All I can say is that I'm sort of glad that my hearing isn't nearly as good as it once was. As a result, chasing superb SQ isn't anywhere close to being a priority as it was in my younger years, and my retirement fund and its general future healthiness is extremely thankful for that. 👍😉
Great episode with lots of good info. Thank you. I’d love to have a pair of La Scalas. That’s my dream. But like you said, don’t necessarily need it as I’m ok with what I have in what my space allows. But I still hope for that day.
26:23 The facts are there. Look at a studio, if room treatment is all that’s needed, than why would they spend 10s to 100s of thousands on the monitors too. And some of those speakers that they have sound amazing quality in normal living spaces, without a room that sound like an anechoic chamber. As we have seen on this channel, some speakers sound better in real room, vs a completely dead room.
I auditioned the KEF Blade 2 Meta, Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 and Gryphon Pantheon speakers back to back - same amplifier, interconnect and source components, same five tracks. All three were excellent, BUT... The Gryphon Pantheons absolutely mopped the floor with the competition in every possible respect.
28:29 you’re about as genuine as they come. I appreciate your frankness and you don’t seem to push BS. I was won’t ever own the B&W 801’s, but it’s still interesting to listen about that extreme high end product. Thanks for all you and Kristi do. You bring good value to the people that take the time to listen to your thoughts. Thank You!!!
I agree on your comments on recordings. Opinions are psycology, sound waves are physics, A friend has Martin Logan’s that when they shine, but some recordings I’ve heard and psychologically assigned values of fantastic, don’t sound fantastic on his system, according to “MY” psychology.
I love the 801s, almost purchased a pair of the first release, then almost D1s but really had my heart on the previous tardis version with 15’ sub. Instead of buying speakers I bout a hot tub and KTM motorbike and an expensive 3 month holiday.
Anyway, I purchased the Polk LS800 which were inspired by the 801 D4’s but less money.
Thanks team ❤
Just gotta say, I really appreciate that you were showing the speakers that you talked about. 🌝👍
Sometimes when you mention products, XM 183b ll, ive got no clue! So you may as well be speaking dolphin 🤔😂
Happy day guys 🌝🙏
i heard the 803 d4 and i like them but my personal favourite is the founder 120h. when i first saw the 803 i got to admit Andrew was right about their amazing finishes. the 800 series has the est finishes and the 700 series bowers are also downright beautiful speakers. i know the appearance are not everything but dang they are both nice. paradigm has a more neutral sound and i like that. i wish i could afford to buy the 803 and 120 h and use them based on what i am listening to because that incredible. both speakers and brands are just different and they are both great
Happy Friday Kristi and Andrew ✌️
Hi!
Happy Friday to you too!
Thanks for easing on the topic of room treatment etc. It takes away some anxiety I always had here.
For me, the best big boxes are the KLH Model 5 paired with the one and only T+A Pulsar R2000AC. The bookshelf compression are the vintage aluminium Technics SB F3.
Appreciate you sharing. Thanks for joining us this morning!
I have a pair of 801 Series 80 and a pair of 801 Matrix (over 35 years old) and they need much more power that the current generations. You will not appreciate the tremendous dynamic range without power, at least on the older models. You can listen to the D4s, as well as all the speakers you mentioned in this video at the Audio Advice Live show in Raleigh, Aug 2-4. That show has been amazing the past two years!
I just cannot support any company that has a goal of putting other shops out of biz not named Amazon.
The advantage to center speakers is that you don't have to be in ideal listening position.
The disadvantage is that they aren't as good and they never truly match.
My compromise is to use identical bookshelf speakers for fronts and center with a neutral amplifier for the center (front amp to preference). Maybe not so much of a compromise because unless you have a well designed room (or lucky), towers won't have optimum bass anyway
You might be interested in listening to some of Devon Turnbull's systems. He's really into the Western Electric sound and builds some really amazing systems. Had the opportunity to listen to one of his creations at a gallery in New York that had set up a listening room and it was next level sound. He makes some consumer DIY speakers as well. Not really something to review but just to compare to your Western Electric magic moment.
Very well said, Andrew... Much better to have fully everything you need in a speaker. Then if you EQ anything, you are pulling back just a tad and not adding unwanted coloring.
It's nice to see this...one of the best videos I've seen on your channel...i'm a two channel guy🎶
I found long ago that while I owned BW 801s with external xovers and all Krell suited my music well. I tried for once to connect my 300S to BW601s and would make you a believer that the match of amplification can be easlily missed. I am really thinking about trying the Titans with my MC402 and get back to toe tapping.... I wont go into my current speakers but they dont pull in all the time for return sessions and thats what this crazy hobby is all about. Doesnt matter the logo, look or price but the magic of "goose bumps".
Damn!!! I was waiting to see the review on the Anthem Str, wouldve been nice to see 200 watts and room correction on these.
13:53 Great recordings absolutely showcase your system..or shows what “missing”….Jazz At The Pawnshop is a reference back in the day ..and still phenomenal today.
1:45 Wow.... That's some major shade thrown at center speaker lovers... Them's are fighting words.
i’m surprised kef hasn’t sent you their blades to review. That would be a close competitor to the 801’s right?
Sitting here listening on my Kef Blades and thinking if you want soundstage and placement you need to try them
Kefs, even the blade one meta, the magic happens between the speakers. All narrow dispersion speakers but the magic that happens between the speakers put harry potter to shame. Magical imaging. They dont expand soundstage beyond the sides like some other speakers, thats for sure. I have focals and they are nearly the exact opposite of kefs.
The Western Electric vintage system from the 30’s made me think of the newest Klipsch heritage offering, the Jubilee, which are 2-way full-range horn loaded speakers. Every review I saw as a video about them had the reviewer raving about them as being “perfect speakers”. I would look forward to your review of them even if I don’t believe they’d fit in your usual review room.
Thanks!
Thank you for the kind donation.
Both Beolab 90 and Beolab 50 are amazing speakers. Beolab 90 was way too expensive and the wifey thought they were so ugly but she gave thumbs up for the Beolab 50, so I bought those, but it was a couple of years ago and now the prices has increased through the roof. Still love them and I love that I can ”tune” them through the software to sound as I like them to.
@@PhotoViking-Nordic Sounds super. May i ask what you had before? I demoed both the 50 and the 90 but not in the same room, and i felt the 50 was not given the same attention by the dealer regarding tuning them in. Do you feel that you get the 50ies to Sound the same as 90 scaled Down or not?
Br
@@simonadelin934 I don’t remember exactly all details, it was a couple of years ago but of course Beolab 90 is better but not worth the money and the size. I had active Linn Akurate 242 before. My wife was very happy to get rid of all the poweramps 😁. I am still very happy with Beolab 50 and I have a couple of my own soundsettings in them. I also tried using a microphone to ”autoset” them up but that actually made them worse.
@@PhotoViking-Nordic i will consider Them on my shortlist. Thank you for answering😃
Have Dali send you a set of Kore. Lord those sound amazing.
Have to say, you hit the jackpot with your wife! Enjoys sharing your passion with you and super cute! 😂
Perfectly said Andrew. I had a choice last year. A grand high end system or another new Harley. I’m super passionate about both. But my Harleys are my top pastime and passion then my sound system. And my sound system is no slouch.
High-end stereo equipment isn't just about 'need'-it's about the experience. For audiophiles, the quality, clarity, and precision that high-end gear offers can transform how we experience music, making it more immersive and enjoyable. Not everyone has to have the same tastes or values. Just because someone desires something doesn't mean everyone else will. Pushing your beliefs on others isn't fair. We live in the United States of America, where we are free to enjoy what we like, as long as it's safe and legal. There are amazing experiences in audio today, from $500 to over $1 million. Not everyone can afford everything, but those who can afford higher-end gear should not be criticized or ridiculed for it. To each their own! This could apply to anything one desires or wants in life.
Nice video as always, I am surprised that you didn't mention the B&O 28 after your recent review.
The 801s remind me of fire hydrants but they do sound excellent. 😂
Afternoon Andrew. Kristi and Kadie👍👍👍
Good morning, KJ!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews 👍👍👍