B+W 801D

Thanks for your insightful input.
However,is it possible to get top shelf sound out of these with proper system matching or do they have weaknesses that simply can't be overcome? Are there better obvious choices in your opinion? ie tannoy cantebury,wilson w/p 8,vandersteen 5a etc

Budt...after that uncalled for name calling, I don't know why I should care at all, however, I am now using Vandersteen 5A's with all Ayre electronics. I have never been so pleased with a system, or have heard anything that gets as much right as the 5A's. I might add, that they (like all speakers) have to be set up properly, and even though Richard himself doesn't think so, I think that the use of better power cords can make the speaker even better, at least in my setup. I urge you to hear them at a Vandersteen dealer. My goal as a musician and an audiophile is to disseminate the joy of music.

I have heard a number of people who really seem to love those 5a's.Infact I can't really recall any real hostility towards the line. I will definitely make it a point of hearing them.

i owned the 800D's for a few yrs. for the price range, they are very good looking(wife pleasers) and very good sounding, with the right amplifacation(not boomy at all) speakers. their bottom end, again with the right amplification, is tight, strong and deep. that said they are a little bright and at times a little harsh. they are great for home theater and represent real value. for 2 channel they are a more then an adequate in their price range. they are a value speaker, not for everyone. few elitest like them. but B&W knows what they are doing and how, with limitations, to build a true real value speaker.

Budt; everyone thinks what they own is the best and that they know the most or they do the most research or have the best ear. i have owned a lot of B&W speakers, from a complete signature surround system to the 800d's. in total about 16 dif models. i sold them all on audiogon. the one thing they all had in common was quick easy sales at very good price to purchase. in the end they cost me from nothing to very little to own. to me this is another way, maybe the most important way, to judge a speaker, or any other item. had there been a speaker to move up to, i may have bought that, but i had exhausted their range so it was time to move on. notice i am not trying to push the rockport line, not because i am not happy with them, i am. they are my final purchase, i hope. i just don't believe in trying to alter, like others, to my taste. i will say you would be much better off with the 800's over the 801's. make sure you judge for yourself, in the end, ITS YOUR MONEY!