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
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.
Do you think the 60.8 will do justice to the speaker?
They will very much so, BUT!!! to a certain level. Depends on what sort of music the owner listens to, and how loud. 

Cheers George