B&W 808 Speaker: Is It Worth The Hype?

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B&W 808 Speaker: Is It Worth The Hype?

Hey audiophiles! Today, we’re diving deep into the B&W 808 speaker to see if it lives up to the hype. If you're considering investing in high-end audio equipment, this review is tailored just for you. We'll break down everything from its design and build quality to its sonic performance and overall value. So, grab your headphones (or maybe just your current speakers for comparison) and let’s get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the B&W 808 speaker makes a statement. The packaging itself exudes premium quality, giving you the feeling that you’ve just invested in something truly special. Inside, the speaker is meticulously protected, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition. The initial impression is one of robustness and elegance. The speaker’s physical presence is commanding, but not overwhelming, making it a focal point in any listening environment.

Aesthetic Appeal

The aesthetic design of the B&W 808 is undeniably striking. The speaker boasts a sleek, modern look with clean lines and a minimalist profile. Available in several finishes, including gloss black, white, and a stunning rosenut veneer, it’s designed to complement any décor. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of its construction, from the seamless integration of components to the flawless finish of the cabinet. The iconic B&W logo is subtly placed, adding a touch of prestige without being ostentatious.

Build Quality and Materials

When it comes to build quality, B&W doesn’t compromise. The 808 speaker is crafted from premium materials that ensure both durability and acoustic performance. The cabinet is constructed from high-density MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which provides exceptional rigidity and reduces unwanted vibrations. The drivers are made from advanced materials like B&W’s proprietary Continuum cone for the midrange and Diamond dome tweeter, known for their exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio. These materials contribute to the speaker’s ability to deliver accurate and detailed sound.

Setting Up the Speakers

Setting up the B&W 808 speaker is relatively straightforward, but given its size and weight, it’s recommended to have a friend help you. The speaker features high-quality binding posts that accommodate a variety of connection options, including bare wire, banana plugs, and spade connectors. Proper placement is crucial for optimal performance. B&W recommends positioning the speakers at least a few feet away from walls and corners to minimize unwanted reflections and ensure a balanced soundstage. Experimenting with toe-in (angling the speakers towards the listening position) can also help fine-tune the stereo imaging.

Sound Quality: A Deep Dive

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the sound quality. The B&W 808 speaker is engineered to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. Its advanced driver technology and meticulous design result in a sound that is both detailed and immersive. Whether you're listening to classical music, rock, or electronic beats, the 808 aims to reproduce every nuance with stunning clarity.

Highs

The high frequencies produced by the B&W 808’s Diamond dome tweeter are nothing short of exceptional. The tweeter delivers crisp, clear, and extended highs without any harshness or sibilance. Instruments like cymbals and violins sound incredibly realistic, with a shimmering quality that adds to the overall listening experience. The tweeter’s ability to resolve fine details allows you to hear subtle nuances in recordings that you may have never noticed before.

Mids

The midrange is where the B&W 808 truly shines. The Continuum cone midrange driver delivers a smooth, natural, and highly detailed sound. Vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and presence, making you feel like the singer is right in front of you. Instruments like guitars and pianos sound incredibly lifelike, with a rich and full-bodied tone. The midrange’s ability to convey emotion and nuance is one of the 808’s greatest strengths.

Lows

The B&W 808 delivers a deep, powerful, and well-controlled bass response. The speaker’s large woofers are capable of producing bass frequencies that extend down to the lowest octaves, providing a solid foundation for any genre of music. The bass is tight and punchy, without any muddiness or boominess. Whether you’re listening to a driving rock track or a delicate classical piece, the 808’s bass response is sure to impress.

Soundstage and Imaging

The B&W 808 creates a wide and immersive soundstage, with precise imaging that allows you to pinpoint the location of individual instruments and vocals. The speaker’s ability to create a three-dimensional soundscape is truly remarkable. Instruments are placed accurately within the soundstage, creating a sense of depth and realism. Whether you’re listening to a small ensemble or a large orchestra, the 808 delivers a captivating and immersive listening experience.

Technical Specifications

For the tech enthusiasts, let's delve into the specifications that make the B&W 808 speaker a standout performer. Understanding these details can provide a deeper appreciation for the engineering that goes into creating such a high-quality audio product.

Driver Configuration

The B&W 808 typically features a three-way driver configuration, consisting of a tweeter, a midrange driver, and one or more woofers. The specific sizes and materials of these drivers can vary, but they are always chosen for their exceptional performance characteristics. The Diamond dome tweeter is known for its stiffness and light weight, allowing it to reproduce high frequencies with exceptional accuracy. The Continuum cone midrange driver is designed to minimize unwanted vibrations and deliver a smooth, natural sound. The woofers are typically made from materials like paper or Kevlar, which provide a good balance of stiffness and damping.

Frequency Response

The frequency response of the B&W 808 is typically very wide, extending from the lowest bass frequencies to well beyond the range of human hearing. This wide frequency response allows the speaker to reproduce the full spectrum of sound, from the deepest bass notes to the highest treble frequencies. A typical frequency response might be something like 20Hz to 35kHz, +/- 3dB.

Sensitivity and Impedance

Sensitivity is a measure of how loud a speaker will play with a given amount of power. The B&W 808 typically has a sensitivity rating of around 90dB, which means that it will produce a relatively loud sound with just a few watts of power. Impedance is a measure of how much resistance a speaker offers to the flow of electricity. The B&W 808 typically has an impedance of 8 ohms, which is a standard impedance for most speakers.

Power Handling

Power handling is a measure of how much power a speaker can handle without being damaged. The B&W 808 typically has a power handling rating of around 50 to 500 watts, which means that it can handle a wide range of amplifier power. It’s important to choose an amplifier that is appropriate for the speaker’s power handling rating to avoid damaging the speaker.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let’s weigh the pros and cons of the B&W 808 speaker.

Pros

  • Exceptional Sound Quality: The B&W 808 delivers a detailed, immersive, and accurate sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
  • Premium Build Quality: The speaker is crafted from high-quality materials and built to last, ensuring years of enjoyment.
  • Elegant Design: The B&W 808 boasts a sleek and modern design that will complement any listening environment.
  • Wide Soundstage and Precise Imaging: The speaker creates a three-dimensional soundscape that is both captivating and realistic.

Cons

  • High Price: The B&W 808 is a significant investment, and it may not be within everyone’s budget.
  • Size and Weight: The speaker is relatively large and heavy, which may make it difficult to move around.
  • Requires High-Quality Amplification: To get the most out of the B&W 808, you’ll need to pair it with a high-quality amplifier.
  • Placement Sensitivity: The speaker’s performance can be affected by its placement in the room, so you’ll need to experiment to find the optimal position.

Alternatives to Consider

If the B&W 808 doesn’t quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternatives to consider.

KEF Reference Series

The KEF Reference Series offers a similar level of performance and build quality to the B&W 808. KEF speakers are known for their smooth, detailed sound and their innovative driver technology.

Focal Sopra Series

The Focal Sopra Series is another excellent option for audiophiles. Focal speakers are known for their dynamic sound and their striking design.

Sonus Faber Olympica Nova Series

The Sonus Faber Olympica Nova Series offers a more luxurious and visually appealing alternative to the B&W 808. Sonus Faber speakers are known for their warm, inviting sound and their exquisite craftsmanship.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth The Investment?

So, is the B&W 808 speaker worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely! If you’re an audiophile who demands the best possible sound quality and you’re willing to invest in a premium product, the B&W 808 is an excellent choice. Its exceptional sound quality, premium build quality, and elegant design make it a standout performer in its class. However, it’s important to consider the high price and the need for high-quality amplification before making a purchase. If you’re on a tighter budget or you’re not quite ready to invest in such a high-end speaker, there are plenty of other great options available. But if you’re looking for the ultimate listening experience, the B&W 808 is definitely worth considering. Happy listening, guys!