2. speakers
  3. 134123-108573

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
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I’ve read through all 52 posts and I believe that there has not been a single mention or query of/regarding the type of music and the music genres the OP listens to.

I don’t have a pro- nor a no- sub position. Asking for general educational information.......is type of music listened to, a factor? Thanks.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Relieving the bass off of a speaker always improves the frequencies above the bass, if you electronically crossed the speaker and sub, certainly that would improve this speaker, but IF this speaker indeed goes down with a flat curve below 20 Hz, then a sub is simply adding more low frequency. 
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.


More to discover