B&W 'New' 800 Series

Not with my music or rig that I'm familiar with...will return, perhaps tomorrow! My spidy senses tell me that B&W has made an attempt to improve spec's while reducing costs in non-critical areas. It is not what I would consider an all out assault on music reproduction, which is kinda what I would expect for $22k.

Gonna try and do a proper audition today

Hey, Bo: I have been following many of your different posts for a long time, and I think I know where you are coming from regarding realistic imaging and soundstage. I wanted to ask your thoughts on what I will call 'placement of stage'- in other words: forward, middle, rear. It varies by recording and system, but what do you consider best/most realistic reproduction? And what are the limiting factors?

Specifically, my system does a great job reproducing stage width and depth, with music swirling around the speakers, just behind them, as well as going back to a perceived 20 feet (percussion in orchestra). My system does not have much of a forward stage at all. As it happens, I like that, but I am always placed in row 12 and almost never in row 1.

Can you offer your opinions and experiences about how your top quality systems create the 'placement of stage'.- Thanks