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

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.  

I believe your concern about subwoofer in addition to the 802D3 is unwarranted.  You will be a-ok.  Just be aware that the 802D3 bass is clean and quick.  I had the 802D2 in my room and the bass was rudimentary by comparison.  

Also, I own the Olympica 3 and the bass is also lumbering by comparison. 

I believe the 802D3 bass is similar to those that you get out of a comparable Magico.  Quick, fast, textured.  

Thanks @joey_v !  

You are right about the chair and the sofa.. both from dwr :)

"...I run the 802D3 with a Boulder 2060..."

I want to be you when I grow up! ha ha

System is pretty good at this time, still a few bits and pieces and the room to complete with regards to acoustic treatments up front. 

The Boulder 2060 is superb.  But so is the source being Emm Labs Dac2x + TSDx transport. 


The cabling is fantastic, I run Audioquest Wel Signature speaker wire with Wel Signature power cords and about to have AQ complete my 3 sets of AQ Wind XLR interconnects. 

I used to run a PS Audio P5, but after a little bit of testing, I found it stifled the sound.  I am now trying out a Torus RM15 next week.  


Good luck with your system, I am sure you will enjoy it.  Keep us posted. 

I’m with @mr_m on the preference for a sub or two, regardless almost of whatever main-speakers may be used. And I wouldn’t skimp on the size of the sub(s) either as I feel you really can’t overdo capacity, but any sub capacity can be dialed wrongly. The bigger the displacement area the less cone movement is required, and the more effortless and enveloping the overall sound will potentially be. The bigger issue, apart from proper implementation with the mains, may also concern how to high-pass the main speakers the best way possible (if one even chooses to high-pass them to begin with), so not to let the filtering here impede on the qualities of theirs.

I’ve only heard the smaller sibling, the 803D3’s, and for what they are (my preference in "sound-type" lies elsewhere) they’re rather extraordinary. I gather the 802D3’s could add to this sensation and be very capable as standalones as well, but a pair of large, quality subs (preferably sealed) - with proper care invested in their implementation - could really lift the presentation substantially, and make for an enveloping, versatile, scaled and dynamic sound. A pair of Funk Audio 18.0C’s, for example, would cost you from close to $5,500, but would be very worthwhile. Myself I use SVS SB16-Ultra’s, and a pair of those would set you back $3,800, but they’re massively capable as well (the SVS SB4000’s would also fit the bill here).

In light of the investments thrown about for cables and other accessories - (de)coupling, room treatments and what not - subwoofers and their cost could be the lesser issue in light of their sonic impact, certainly if one were to ease back on the expense of named accessories instead, effectively totaling for a macro-change and -improvement of an altogether different magnitude. Spent your money where it really matters and involves physics; conversely accessories can set you back with crazy amounts of money that oftentimes only involves change (if they’re not detrimental) rather than betterment.