2. speakers
  3. 1204586630

803D or 802D

Looking for some opinions. I currently have...

B&W CDM9NT Fronts
B&W CDMCNT Center
B&W CDM1NT Rears
Sunfire Signature EQ sub
Adcom GTP-870HD Receiver
Adcom GFA-7805 300x5 amplifier

This amp seems to have too much power for these smaller speakers. Primary use is Home Theater and Music. I was thinking of getting the 802D or 803D's with the HTM2D center, and also changing the sunfire sub to a JL Audio Fathom 113. I sit about 8- away from my speakers. Since it's a great room setup with 11 foot ceilings the room is fairly large. I no longer like having the rear speakers this close to me. I'm thinking about going with wall or ceiling mount rears now for my 5.1 setup. I'd like to hear some opinions and get some good advice on this. Thanks to all.

Chris...
ccmviking
rcg412
13 posts
 
i thought 802ds were only offered in cherry (light), rosenut or black.
pkubica
134 posts
 
Well, turns out I was correct, 802D's did not come in Dark Cherry. I got the serial numbers from the 803D's and called B&W. The tech checked the numbers, and they were 802D's, in Rosenut finish. They can also tell when they were sold to the dealer, and the dealer name. Good way to get the correct facts.
pkubica
134 posts
 
Hi Chris,
I was trying to make the same decision. A local dealer had a demo pair of 803D's and I went and listened to them and they sounded great. Then another dealer came up with a demo pair of 802D's. It was a 300 mile drive, but I'm really glad I went. There was a significant difference in the quality of sound. Each range of speaker is in its own optimized enclosure and the additional cabinet size for the bass is exactly what it needs. I went with the 802D's hands down.

Getting them home... now that's another story!

Paul
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,668 posts
 
I don't think your amplification is up to it for either 803D or 802D. It is proper for your current speakers though. So if you want satisfaction from 803D or 802D, pick your speaker and then start thinking of amplifier upgrade sometime soon.
I mean, Adcom are fine amps, just not for the B&W 800 series.
know_talent
34 posts
 
dittos on replacing the amplification.

Adcom does not develop the current to properly drive the speakers you mention.
More to discover