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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
bblilikoi's avatar
bblilikoi
99 posts
 
Teajay,

I heard these speakers recently too--at Top Audio in Milan, driven by the CAT JL-2 amp, CAT SL-1 Ultimate pre, and AQ wires. Source was the top Esoteric two-box.

I also heard the Magico Minis with Spectral electronics and MIT wires.

I completely agree with your assessment regarding the quality of the new Signature Diamonds. And I have NOT been a fan of B&W speakers. These SDs are a good departure for B&W. Your description of them is spot-on--"very natural timbres" and "great dynamics and bass extension."

But the Magico Minis aren't any lessers, to my hearing. Their sound is quite different--neutral, linear, transparent, and extremely sensitive to whatever electronics or signal is matched with them. I was impressed at how different they sounded with Spectral electronics as opposed to the BAT equipment I'd heard them with at the last CES.

Still, you're quite right to mention the price difference--about $9K less for the SDs. And, in the dark finish, I think they'd be better looking than in the white.

You're generous to share this news with the A'goN community. Thanks.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,471 posts
 
I find all B&W's to be overpriced and anti-musical
beheme
231 posts
 
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.
jdec
123 posts
 
"I cannot wait to see an active BMW powered by MF"

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

(just kidding)
f1a
198 posts
 
Anyone else demo/audition these?
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