B&W Signature Diamond : Anyboy heard them?


A couple of days ago I had the pleasure of auditioning the limited edition B&W Signature Diamond speaker powered by all Ayre gear.

I thought for a very small two way speaker they were superlative for the following reasons:

1) offered electrostatic speed and details with very natural timbres.

2) For such a small two way speaker it had great dynamics and bass extension. These would not do well in a very large acoustic environment, but that's not the reason way B&W built them, there for smaller listening spaces.

3) Totally open, you don't "hear" the speaker at all.

These speakers are quite expensive, the retail price is $17000.00, B&W is only going to build 500 pairs, but I think they out perform another highly regarded two way speaker, the Magico Mini, for almost $10000.00 less. So, if you were thinking of auditioning the Magico Mini, I would recommend you put on your list the Signature Diamond which is a floor standing speaker and does not need stands like the Minis, but are still very small in their footprint.
teajay
I am sure that these new BMW will go very well with the new MF 1008 series amp which is better and cheaper than the 750 which is better and cheaper than the 500 which is better and cheaper than the 250, etc, etc, repeat ad nauseam...I cannot wait to see an active BMW powered by MF, packaging courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
"I cannot wait to see an active BMW powered by MF"

Does MF make engines too? didn't know that!

(just kidding)
As usual, it is a question of system and musical taste. I have no experience with the new Signatures, but I still own a pair of the old Silver Signatures SS25 - wonderful speakers when paired with Atma-sphere otl amplifiers and choral or chamber music. I was reading your points 1 to 3 and would add a forth - pinpoint 3D imaging.
Also , you can not imagine how loud and clear they could sound in rock with the old Classe M1000.
However, in the wrong system and room they would sound horrible and lifeless.