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Waiting on 802D3 to arrive -- Will I need a sub?

It's a rainy gray Sunday afternoon here in Atlanta today. I probably have better things to do but I've spent hours reading and researching trying to ascertain if I will need a subwoofer(s) once my B&W 802D3 arrive here in another week or so.

I can't decide and so I've decided to try posting here and crowdsource an answer, ha ha!

My goal is to create a system that will allow me to listen to 2-channel music for hours on end without fatigue.  The room is my living room and is a quasi open floorplan. It is around 24 feet long by 18 feet wide.  There are 10ft ceilings with an open stairwell back behind the seating position and an opening to my dining room that adds another 400 square feet or so of floor space.

Previously I've had B&W 804D2 towers with two B&W ASWCM10 powered subs.  I've sold the towers and the subs and am waiting on 802D3 to arrive as mentioned above.  The 804D2 absolutely had to have the subs.  The bass just wasn't there without them unless I really cranked the volume up.

So as I sit here I'm wondering if I made a mistake in selling my subs already.  With the 802's will I miss them or will those guys have me covered for 2 channel listening?

If it's likely that I will still need a sub (or 2) what do you guys think would be a good match to the 802D3?

Here is the rest of my equipment in case its helpful in offering an opinion:

Preamp:

·     PS Audio BHK Signature Preamplifier

Amplifiers:

·     Qty. 2: PassLabs XA60.8 Monoblocks

Inputs:

·     PS Audio DirectStream Junior (DAC)

·     VPI Traveler 2

·     Audio Technica AT33EV Phonograph Cartridge

·     Apple TV 4K 

Power:

·     Qty. 2: PS Audio P5 Power Plant

 Other:

·     Pro-Ject Tube Box S Phono PreAmplifier

 Speakers:

·     Bowers-Wilkins 802D3


Thanks!
Bryce
brycethomason
gcobb22
1 posts
 
  Hi,
You have had many people response to your question & I haven't read through them all so this may have been stated already, if anyone feels the same way I do.  
   I don't think your 60.8's are up to the task of driving the 802's to anywhere near their potential.  They are world class amp's, I own 100.5's but the the 802's are demanding.  Maybe not at lower levels in a smaller space but that isn't what you have.  Obviously see how they do first, you may be happy.  But I really think that even if you are happy you'd be sold if you then hooked up a more powerful amp & made a comparison.
   As far as the subs...they will give the 60.8's an easier time if you use a crossover.  I'd rather spend the money on bigger amps first.  They take up less space & you won't spend forever, if you are like me, trying to blend the subs to the mains, no easy task.  For me the subs would be secondary.
   But, in the interest of full disclosure, I'm a sucker for big heavy monoblocks.  As much as for looks as sound!  Good luck
brycethomason OP
18 posts
 
@gcobb22  --> you just voiced by current biggest fear. I just purchased the two Pass Labs XA60.8 here on Audiogon  two weeks back so they are brand new to me.  That is actually what started this whole revamp of my system. I then ordered the 802D3's which are to be delivered this Tuesday. I've been somewhat concerned that I've gone and gotten too much speaker for the amps.  If that turns out to be the case then it will have been a very expensive mistake to be sure. There's no undo on those amps though, so I need to find a way to live with them for a good long while. Thanks for the feedback! 
joey_v
663 posts
 
You’ll be sufficient w the xa60.8.

your main issue remains regarding the bass, yet you have not addressed my previous responses.  If you were that worried, you would be better off w the 800 than the 802 plus subs.


brycethomason OP
18 posts
 
@joey_v -> Sorry about that.  Your posts have been very valuable. I'm sorry I didn't respond directly, but I was definitely listening to your posts and hanging on to every word. The fact that you own the 802d3 plus have the additional experience of the 800's is really a great testament to my expectations.

I don't have space in my room the way that it's oriented to accommodate the 800D3. I may be pushing it with the 802's even. I'm going to try to link to a photo I just took to illustrate.  I think the 802's are going to fill that space to each side of the cabinet with nary any room to spare.  If I ever did need subs then I think I'd have to think about installing them sidewall.  

In the photo, if this works.. there are the 804D2's I have now.  I have an appointment window on Tuesday for the 802D3's. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cd7waxvxb3sgews/IMG_0643.JPG?dl=0

Thanks for all your feedback. I'm also glad to hear that you feel like I won't have any issues with the 60.8 driving them!

Thanks,
Bryce
joey_v
663 posts
 
Bryce
@brycethompsonYou have a very nice room, I see a lot of DWR pieces including the Eames chair and I believe that couch.  We have similar couch/sectional in my game room.  I've been wanting the Eames as my listening chair but I feel like it's just 3 inches too short. 

Anyway, I see the room, you will not need a sub with the 802D3 in the room.  And yes, the 800D3 would be too much for the space. 

I think you will be fine, and the XA60.8 is fine. 

I run the 802D3 with a Boulder 2060 600w amplifier, class A.  And yes, it is a superb piece of art.  

You will be fine.  
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