Difference in B&W sound

"What sounds "Better" to an individual is purely subjective. No specs alone will tell you that."

I can't think of a better way to put it.

We all have different tastes. I had the 802 S3's and didn't like them at all. That said, there's always the possibility that something is wrong. What is it that you like better about your 803's than your 804's?

Their more open, I have the trim down to -10 opposed to -4 on the 804, via MACC set up. I tried switching my cables, which are MIT 23 for the 804 up front & MIT Matrix 6 for 803 @ the rears.

Danmar123,

the newer B&W speakers uses a Kevlar design in their drivers. Also, a diamond tweeter is used in several models- many exclaim that there is more "brightness" and harsh edges to the sound.

Conversely, the older models of B&W do not use the Kevlar impregnated drivers, nor the diamond tweet(s). I have listened to both overall designs in the past, and each sounds fine to my ears. Happy Listening!

More open could mean many things. It would be a better comparison if you were to listen to both speakers without any processing. That way, you are hearing more of what the speakers can so.

The Matrix series, as well as all 800 series since 1974, use the Kevlar mid.