Old school shootout: Snell A/III vs. Original B&W 801

@erik_squires +1! I agree! Snell Type A’s one of the all-time-great dynamic speakers. I first heard them at Audiocom in CT in 1977. They were driven by the GAS Ampzilla. Price was $1390/pr. Talk about value for your dollar! Several years ago I was lucky to find an original owner pair bought at Audiocom - $400 + shipping to Florida by USPS ($400). The owner had passed away and his son sold them to me. They arrived safely and remain in storage until I can find space for setup.

Audiocom also had the B&W 801 first series. As fine as that speaker was the Type A’s were even better - more holographic and dynamic. They could make the back wall vanish! This was a time when we only had LP’s for demonstration. The Philips Colin Davis/Concertgebouw Rite of Spring was indeed a sonic spectacular heard on the Snell's!

Eric,

 I had a pair of Snell type A’s. They were my first BIG high end speakers and I’m betting today’s speakers are hands down better in every way.  Although, it’s been almost 50 years since I had them, so things are a little fuzzy.

Store i managed carried the KEF 105.2 and dealer down street had Snell. We used CJ they used Apt.. we both got fantastic sound… in the war of sales to discerning listeners it was a tie……

But yes…another audio great lost way to early……