B&W 808 Speaker: Is It Worth The Hype?

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B&W 808 Speaker: Is It Worth the Hype?

Hey there, audio enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a comprehensive review of the B&W 808 speaker. If you're anything like me, you've probably heard whispers and rumors about this legendary piece of audio equipment. Bowers & Wilkins, a name synonymous with high-end audio, has a reputation to uphold, and the 808 is no exception. We'll be exploring its features, sound quality, design, and, most importantly, whether it lives up to its hefty price tag. So, grab your headphones (or maybe just keep your current speakers on for now!), and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Let's talk about that initial 'wow' factor. Unboxing the B&W 808 is an experience in itself. The packaging is meticulously designed, ensuring the speaker arrives in pristine condition. As you carefully unpack it, you'll immediately notice the sheer size and weight of this beast. It's a statement piece, no doubt. The design is classic B&W, with clean lines and a sophisticated aesthetic. The materials feel premium to the touch, from the smooth cabinet finish to the meticulously crafted drivers. It's clear that no expense has been spared in the construction of this speaker.

But beyond the aesthetics, the initial setup is straightforward. Connecting the speaker to your amplifier or audio source is a breeze, and B&W provides clear instructions to guide you through the process. Once everything is connected and powered on, it's time for the real test: the sound. And that's where the B&W 808 truly shines. The first impression is one of clarity, detail, and effortless power. It's a sound that envelops you, drawing you into the music and revealing nuances you may have never noticed before. But we'll delve deeper into the sound quality in the next section.

Sound Quality: A Deep Dive

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the sound quality. The B&W 808 speaker is renowned for its exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic range. It's a speaker that can handle any genre of music with ease, from delicate classical pieces to thumping electronic beats. One of the most striking aspects of the 808's sound is its transparency. It doesn't color the music or add its own sonic signature. Instead, it faithfully reproduces the recording, allowing you to hear the music exactly as the artist intended. This makes it an ideal speaker for audiophiles who demand accuracy and detail.

The bass response is another area where the B&W 808 excels. It's deep, powerful, and well-controlled, without ever sounding boomy or muddy. The midrange is smooth and natural, with vocals sounding clear and lifelike. The high frequencies are crisp and detailed, without being harsh or fatiguing. The speaker creates a wide and immersive soundstage, allowing you to pinpoint the location of instruments and vocals within the recording. Whether you're listening to a solo acoustic performance or a full orchestral arrangement, the B&W 808 delivers a truly captivating listening experience. It's not just about hearing the music; it's about feeling it.

Design and Build Quality

Moving onto the design and build quality, the B&W 808 speaker is a masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship. The cabinet is constructed from high-quality materials, carefully chosen for their acoustic properties and aesthetic appeal. The drivers are custom-designed and manufactured by B&W, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. The speaker is available in a range of finishes, allowing you to choose one that complements your home décor. But the design isn't just about aesthetics. Every aspect of the speaker has been carefully considered to optimize its performance. The shape of the cabinet, the placement of the drivers, and the internal damping materials all play a crucial role in the speaker's sound quality.

B&W's commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the precision-machined binding posts to the meticulously applied finish. The speaker is built to last, and with proper care, it will provide years of listening pleasure. It's an investment, to be sure, but it's an investment in a piece of audio equipment that will stand the test of time. The B&W 808 is more than just a speaker; it's a work of art.

Technical Specifications

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the technical specifications of the B&W 808 speaker. Understanding these specs can give you a better insight into what makes this speaker tick and how it might perform in your listening environment. We'll cover things like frequency response, impedance, sensitivity, and power handling, so you can make an informed decision.

  • Frequency Response: This is a crucial spec that tells you the range of frequencies the speaker can reproduce. The B&W 808 typically boasts a wide frequency response, often extending from the low bass regions up to the high treble frequencies. This wide range ensures that you can hear all the nuances in your music, from the deepest bass notes to the highest cymbal crashes. A typical frequency response might be something like 30Hz - 35kHz, but always check the manufacturer's specifications for the most accurate information.
  • Impedance: Impedance is a measure of how much the speaker resists the flow of electrical current. It's measured in ohms (Ω). The B&W 808 usually has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, which is a common impedance for loudspeakers. This means it should be compatible with a wide range of amplifiers. However, it's always a good idea to check the amplifier's specifications to ensure it can handle an 8-ohm load.
  • Sensitivity: Sensitivity is a measure of how loud the speaker will play with a given amount of power. It's typically measured in decibels (dB) at 1 meter with 1 watt of power. The higher the sensitivity, the louder the speaker will play with the same amount of power. The B&W 808 generally has a moderate to high sensitivity, meaning it doesn't require a massive amplifier to drive it to reasonably loud levels. A typical sensitivity might be around 90dB, but again, refer to the manufacturer's specs for the exact figure.
  • Power Handling: Power handling refers to the amount of power the speaker can safely handle without being damaged. It's usually specified in watts (W). The B&W 808 can typically handle a significant amount of power, allowing you to crank up the volume without fear of blowing the speaker. However, it's always wise to stay within the recommended power limits to ensure the longevity of your speaker. Power handling might be specified as something like 50W - 200W, meaning it's recommended to use an amplifier that can deliver between 50 and 200 watts per channel.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the B&W 808 speaker by listing its pros and cons. No piece of equipment is perfect, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the 808 will help you determine if it's the right choice for you.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Sound Quality: The B&W 808 is renowned for its clarity, detail, and dynamic range. It delivers a truly immersive and captivating listening experience.
  • Premium Design and Build Quality: The speaker is constructed from high-quality materials and meticulously crafted, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and long-term reliability.
  • Wide Frequency Response: The B&W 808 can reproduce a wide range of frequencies, allowing you to hear all the nuances in your music.
  • Excellent Bass Response: The bass is deep, powerful, and well-controlled, without ever sounding boomy or muddy.
  • Wide Soundstage: The speaker creates a wide and immersive soundstage, allowing you to pinpoint the location of instruments and vocals within the recording.

Cons:

  • High Price Tag: The B&W 808 is a significant investment, and it may not be within the budget of all audiophiles.
  • Large Size and Weight: The speaker is quite large and heavy, which may make it difficult to place in smaller rooms.
  • Requires High-Quality Amplification: To get the most out of the B&W 808, you'll need a high-quality amplifier. This can add to the overall cost of the system.
  • May Reveal Flaws in Recordings: Due to its exceptional clarity and detail, the B&W 808 may reveal flaws in poorly recorded music.

Alternatives to the B&W 808

Okay, so the B&W 808 speaker is fantastic, but let's be real, it's not the only game in town. And, let's face it, that price tag can be a bit intimidating! So, what are some alternatives you might want to consider? I'll give you a few options that offer great performance in a similar ballpark, or that might cater to slightly different needs or budgets. Remember, the best choice always depends on your personal preferences, listening environment, and what you're hoping to get out of your audio system.

  • Focal Sopra N°2: These speakers are known for their exceptional clarity and detail, similar to the B&W 808s. They have a slightly different sonic signature, often described as being a bit more forward and lively. If you like a more energetic sound, the Focal Sopra N°2 could be a great alternative.
  • Dynaudio Confidence 30: Dynaudio is a Danish company renowned for its high-quality drivers and cabinet design. The Confidence 30 speakers offer a smooth, balanced sound with excellent imaging. They're known for being very forgiving, meaning they'll still sound great even with less-than-perfect recordings.
  • KEF Reference 5: KEF's Reference series is a long-standing favorite among audiophiles. The Reference 5 speakers offer a detailed and refined sound with a wide soundstage. They're also known for their unique Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter in the center of the midrange driver for improved imaging.

Final Verdict: Is the B&W 808 Worth It?

So, after all this, the big question remains: is the B&W 808 speaker worth the hype and, more importantly, worth the money? The answer, as with most things in the audiophile world, is it depends. If you're a serious audiophile with a discerning ear and a healthy budget, the B&W 808 is undoubtedly one of the finest speakers on the market. Its exceptional sound quality, premium design, and meticulous build quality make it a true masterpiece of audio engineering.

However, if you're on a tighter budget or if you're not quite as demanding when it comes to sound quality, there are definitely other options worth considering. As we discussed earlier, speakers like the Focal Sopra N°2, Dynaudio Confidence 30, and KEF Reference 5 offer excellent performance at a lower price point.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the B&W 808 is right for you is to listen to it for yourself. Visit your local audio dealer and audition the speaker with your favorite music. Compare it to other speakers in its price range and see which one sounds best to your ears. After all, the most important thing is to find a speaker that you enjoy listening to.

In conclusion, the B&W 808 is an exceptional speaker that delivers a truly captivating listening experience. If you're willing to invest in the best, it's definitely worth considering. But remember to do your research and listen to your ears before making a final decision.