Which version of the B&W 802 is the best (with the diamond tweeter)

[onehorsepony]

Currently, B&W has created 4 variations of the 802 (with the diamond tweeter): 802d, 802 diamond, 802 d3, and 802 d4.

After listening to all of them over the years, I believe the first version actually sounded the best.

Does anyone else agree with me on this conclusion? (let's not include the N802s).

 

[GordonW]

You lost me, when you restricted the discussion to the ones with the diamond tweeter...

Regards,
Gordon.

 

[onehorsepony]

You lost me, when you restricted the discussion to the ones with the diamond tweeter...

Regards,
Gordon.

Well, I didn't want the discussion to get confusing with too many models or variations of those models. I primarily focused on the 802's w/diamond tweeters because for every new version most forums and reviews praise the new version and disregard the older version.

 

[GordonW]

Well, I didn't want the discussion to get confusing with too many models or variations of those models. I primarily focused on the 802's w/diamond tweeters because for every new version most forums and reviews praise the new version and disregard the older version.

I go back even farther. My favorite 802 models were the Series 80s, and the Matrix 802s, from the late 1980s.

I thought they had a general, gradual progression of increasing brightness after that.

Regards,
Gordon.

 

[onehorsepony]

I go back even farther. My favorite 802 models were the Series 80s, and the Matrix 802s, from the late 1980s.

I thought they had a general, gradual progression of increasing brightness after that.

Regards,
Gordon.

You are getting to my point in a roundabout way. I feel that every version of the 802 with the diamond tweeter, has gotten brighter and more annoying

 

[GordonW]

You are getting to my point in a roundabout way. I feel that every version of the 802 with the diamond tweeter, has gotten brighter and more annoying

IMHO, you are not wrong.

It's a bit out of control- when some company actually designs an amp (the Audiocompaniet Nemo), specifically voiced with a rolled-off top end, to counter the brightness of the Nautilus 802 and 801. That's a pretty strong indication that something is out of whack.

Regards,
Gordon.

 

[onehorsepony]

Which speakers would you suggest of the same size as the 802?

 

[Moovn&Groovn]

Currently, B&W has created 4 variations of the 802 (with the diamond tweeter): 802d, 802 diamond, 802 d3, and 802 d4.

After listening to all of them over the years, I believe the first version actually sounded the best.

Does anyone else agree with me on this conclusion? (let's not include the N802s).

I am happy to report that I have a pair of s1's. LOVE THEM!
To be honest, I have not sampled the s2 or s3 versions. Given a chance Id love to. But Im happy with my s1's. Easy on the ears. Geat dynamic range. Next on the try list are a pair of earth anchors. Cheers