B&W 808 Speaker: Unbiased Review & Sound Quality Test

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B&W 808 Speaker: Unbiased Review & Sound Quality Test

Hey audiophiles! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of high-end audio with a comprehensive B&W 808 speaker review. If you’re considering investing in these iconic speakers, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explore everything from their design and build quality to their sound performance and overall value. So, grab your headphones (or better yet, connect your own speakers!), and let’s get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first lay eyes on the B&W 808 speakers, you immediately understand that you are dealing with a product of immense quality. The packaging itself is meticulously designed to protect these precious units during shipping. Upon unboxing, the sheer size and weight of the speakers are striking. These aren't your average bookshelf speakers; they command attention. The finish is impeccable, often available in high-gloss piano black, rosenut, or white. Each speaker exudes a sense of luxury and craftsmanship. The attention to detail is evident in every curve and joint. B&W has clearly invested heavily in both the aesthetics and the structural integrity of these speakers. The binding posts at the back are robust and ready to accept high-quality speaker cables. The overall impression is one of refined elegance combined with serious audio engineering. It's hard not to feel a surge of excitement knowing what sonic potential lies within these magnificent cabinets. Setting them up is straightforward, though you'll definitely need a helping hand due to their weight. Positioning is key to achieving optimal sound, and B&W provides clear guidelines on how to get the best performance from your investment. From the moment you unbox them, the B&W 808 speakers make a statement – a statement of uncompromising quality and a promise of unparalleled audio fidelity.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the B&W 808 is not just about aesthetics; it's deeply rooted in acoustic engineering. The Matrix cabinet construction, a hallmark of B&W, provides exceptional rigidity and minimizes unwanted vibrations. This results in a cleaner, more accurate sound. The tweeter-on-top design, another signature B&W feature, isolates the tweeter from the cabinet, reducing diffraction and improving imaging. The drivers themselves are meticulously crafted, often featuring materials like Kevlar and diamond (in higher-end models) for exceptional stiffness and damping. The crossover network, the brains of the speaker, is designed with high-quality components to ensure seamless integration between the drivers. Every aspect of the design is carefully considered to optimize performance. The build quality is equally impressive. These speakers are built to last, with robust cabinets and high-quality components throughout. The finish is flawless, and the attention to detail is remarkable. You can feel the quality in every touch. B&W's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the design and build. These are not just speakers; they are works of art, meticulously crafted to deliver the ultimate listening experience. The combination of innovative design and uncompromising build quality makes the B&W 808 a true masterpiece of audio engineering. Owning a pair of these speakers is not just about sound; it's about owning a piece of audio history.

Sound Performance: Highs, Mids, and Lows

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: how do these speakers sound? The B&W 808 speakers are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, offering a balanced and detailed presentation across the entire frequency spectrum.

  • Highs: The high frequencies are crisp, clear, and airy, without being harsh or fatiguing. The tweeter delivers a smooth and extended response, capturing every subtle detail in the music. Whether it's the shimmer of cymbals or the delicate nuances of a violin, the B&W 808 reproduces high frequencies with remarkable accuracy.
  • Mids: The midrange is where these speakers truly shine. Vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and warmth, making you feel like the singer is right in the room with you. Instruments like guitars and pianos sound incredibly realistic, with accurate timbre and tonality. The midrange is smooth and natural, without any hint of coloration or distortion.
  • Lows: The bass response is deep, powerful, and controlled. The B&W 808 speakers are capable of producing a substantial amount of bass without sacrificing clarity or definition. The bass is tight and punchy, with excellent extension and detail. Whether it's the rumble of a pipe organ or the thump of a kick drum, the B&W 808 delivers a visceral and engaging bass experience.

Overall, the sound performance of the B&W 808 is exceptional. These speakers offer a balanced and detailed presentation across the entire frequency spectrum, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Whether you're listening to classical music, jazz, rock, or electronic music, the B&W 808 will deliver an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. The soundstage is wide and deep, with excellent imaging and separation. You'll be able to pinpoint the location of each instrument in the soundstage with remarkable accuracy. The B&W 808 speakers are truly a reference-level product, capable of satisfying even the most discerning audiophile.

Ideal Listening Environment and Setup

To truly unlock the potential of your B&W 808 speakers, you need to consider the listening environment and setup. These speakers are designed to perform best in a dedicated listening room or a well-treated living room. Room acoustics play a crucial role in sound quality. Hard surfaces can cause reflections and resonances, which can muddy the sound. Soft surfaces, such as carpets, curtains, and acoustic panels, can help absorb sound and reduce reflections. Experiment with different speaker placements to find the optimal position for your room. Generally, placing the speakers away from walls and corners will improve imaging and reduce bass boom. The ideal listening distance will depend on the size of your room, but a good starting point is to position the speakers so that they form an equilateral triangle with your listening position. Amplification is also critical. The B&W 808 speakers require a high-quality amplifier with sufficient power to drive them properly. A powerful amplifier will ensure that the speakers can deliver their full dynamic range without distortion. Consider using a separate preamplifier and power amplifier for optimal performance. Speaker cables and interconnects can also affect sound quality. Use high-quality cables to ensure a clean and transparent signal path. Experiment with different cables to find the ones that sound best in your system. Finally, take the time to properly calibrate your system. Use a sound level meter to ensure that the speakers are playing at the same volume level. Adjust the equalization settings on your amplifier or preamplifier to fine-tune the sound to your liking. With proper attention to the listening environment and setup, you can maximize the performance of your B&W 808 speakers and enjoy a truly immersive and rewarding listening experience.

Pros and Cons

Like any high-end audio equipment, the B&W 808 speakers have their pros and cons. Let's break them down:

Pros:

  • Exceptional Sound Quality: The B&W 808 speakers deliver a balanced and detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
  • Superb Build Quality: These speakers are built to last, with robust cabinets and high-quality components throughout. The finish is flawless, and the attention to detail is remarkable.
  • Iconic Design: The B&W 808 speakers feature a timeless design that will complement any décor. The tweeter-on-top design and Matrix cabinet construction are instantly recognizable.
  • Excellent Imaging and Soundstage: The B&W 808 speakers create a wide and deep soundstage with exceptional imaging and separation, allowing you to pinpoint the location of each instrument in the soundstage with remarkable accuracy.

Cons:

  • High Price: The B&W 808 speakers are a significant investment. They are among the most expensive speakers on the market.
  • Require High-Quality Amplification: To get the best performance from the B&W 808 speakers, you need a high-quality amplifier with sufficient power to drive them properly.
  • Demanding Setup: The B&W 808 speakers require careful setup and room treatment to achieve optimal performance.

Alternatives to the B&W 808

If the B&W 808 speakers are beyond your budget or don't quite fit your needs, there are several alternatives to consider. Here are a few options:

  • Focal Sopra N°2: The Focal Sopra N°2 speakers offer a similar level of performance to the B&W 808, with a slightly different sonic signature. The Sopra N°2 speakers are known for their exceptional clarity and dynamics.
  • Wilson Audio SabrinaX: The Wilson Audio SabrinaX speakers are another high-end option that delivers exceptional sound quality. The SabrinaX speakers are known for their natural and lifelike sound.
  • MartinLogan CLX Art: The MartinLogan CLX Art speakers are electrostatic speakers that offer a unique listening experience. Electrostatic speakers are known for their transparency and detail.
  • B&W 805 D4: If you love the B&W sound but can't afford the 808, the 805 D4 is a great option. It offers a lot of the same technology and sonic characteristics in a smaller, more affordable package.

Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?

So, are the B&W 808 speakers worth the investment? The answer, as with most high-end audio equipment, depends on your priorities and budget. If you're a serious audiophile who demands the best possible sound quality and are willing to invest the time and money to set them up properly, then the B&W 808 speakers are definitely worth considering. They offer a level of performance that is simply unmatched by most other speakers on the market. However, if you're on a tight budget or don't have the space or inclination to dedicate to a high-end audio system, then there are other options that may be a better fit for your needs. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the B&W 808 speakers are right for you is to listen to them yourself. Visit a local audio dealer and audition the speakers with your favorite music. Compare them to other speakers in their price range and see which ones sound best to your ears. Remember, the most important thing is to choose speakers that you enjoy listening to and that fit your personal taste.