BEST SPEAKER You've Ever Heard? The One with the 801 D4 Signature

🔌Watch our 801 D4 Signature review → • STRAIGHT to the HEART ... to get ready for today’s UNPLUGGED! Find the Bower and Wilkins speakers here → bit.ly/4aH9d8B For everything else, open the description below! 🆘 Still need help? Click THANKS ☝️to highlight your Question + show appreciation for the help you receive!
📌 SHOP THE UNPLUGGED DISCUSSION - The one with the B&W 801 D4 Signature
HIGH-END SPEAKERS
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature bit.ly/4aH9d8B
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D2 discontinued
Focal Utopia Colour Evo d/o
Wilson Sabrina d/o
Sonus Faber Stradivari d/o
Sonus Faber IL Cremonese d/o
Sonus Faber Aida d/o
Klipsch LaScala bit.ly/36bPQVb
KEF Blade bit.ly/4cpnU12
Paradigm Persona d/o
Beolab 90 d/o
Beolab 50 d/o
Salon Revel 2
AMPLIFIERS/PRE
Crown Power Amp bit.ly/4bAE4Df
McIntosh C55 bit.ly/4bv5wT7
McIntosh C49 bit.ly/3xroCeK
McIntosh MC312 bit.ly/3xJAY1Y
McIntosh MC152 bit.ly/3VPlRNH
MID-FI SPEAKERS
KEF R11 Meta bit.ly/3A72HY4
SVS Titan bit.ly/3z7MNiV
Martin Logan XT F100 bit.ly/3xgyXql
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 bit.ly/4c8dfaj
Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series bit.ly/3xx4iDI
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 bit.ly/3Cx8pDq
Klipsch RP-8000F II amzn.to/3PSWy8A
Klipsch Heresy IV bit.ly/35GRnlQ
Klipsch Cornwall IV bit.ly/3Lg3HMR
DefTech DM80 bit.ly/3Z3Owhk
Q Acoustics Concept 50 bit.ly/3Ha2ya0
OTHER
24 bit.ly/3VQJsh1
KEF KC92 Subwoofer bit.ly/4aFgllt
📌 UNPLUGGED EPISODE 15: The BEST SPEAKER You've Ever Heard? Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature
00:00 KRISTI’s BOWERS & WILKINS 801 D4 SIGNATURE REVIEW
03:32 ARE THE 801s TOO BRIGHT?
06:17 STYLE
07:53 HOW DO YOU JUSTIFY HIGH-END’s PRICE?
12:23 WHEN IS A GOOD THING TOO MUCH?
15:46 HOW MUCH SPACE DO THE 801 D4 SIGNATURES REALLY NEED?
17:14 OLDER 800 SERIES MODELS vs 801 D4 SIGNATURE
20:28 CAN YOU ENJOY HIFI WITHOUT ACOUSTIC TREATMENTS?
28:24 BUDGET-FRIENDLY SPEAKERS THAT GET CLOSE
35:00 THE 801 vs OTHER HIGH-END SPEAKERS
38:07 IS THE 801 YOUR FAVORITE SPEAKER?
📌 WHAT'S IN OUR LIVING ROOM
SONY 98” TV bit.ly/3Nd7LkL
COFFEE TABLE 🛍
OUR RUG bit.ly/3MOYHSU
EVERYTHING ELSE: bit.ly/shopwithAR
🛍 Tagged products in the video
💰VIDEO AND CHANNEL DISCLOSURES
FTC DISCLOSURE: This video IS NOT SPONSORED.
OUR REVIEW POLICY: We are never paid for our reviews or “our time.” Brands do not see a review before publication, and they have no say in its outcome.
AFFILIATE NOTICE: Some links above are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small percentage if you use one of our links. This is an easy way to support the channel and our work. Even better, doing so will NEVER affect the price you pay.
🗒️ ABOUT US
📍MEMBERSHIP: bit.ly/ARobMbr
📍INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/AndRobIG
📍BUSINESS INQUIRIES: bit.ly/andrewbiz
💬 QUESTIONS? Click THANKS above to highlight your question. It’s a great way to show your support for the channel & get the help you need.
🚫 NO Links, Self Promotion, or Personal Info. Please stay on topic and be respectful.
#bowerswilkins #hifispeakers #highendaudiophile

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

📌Considering the B&W D4 Signature? Find them here bit.ly/4aH9d8B 🔌Watch our REVIEW kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXvdm5ejrJilp8k to get caught up on today’s UNPLUGGED! 😀Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍Like button! 🙏 Please stay on topic and be respectful. 🚫No links, self-promotion, or personal info.

[@richardvannoy1198]

Some people would spend 60 or 70k on a car without blinking twice. Like you mentioned, everyone has (or should have) a passion that they’re willing to go wild with.

[@jackkennedy9475]

Have 802’s good speakers, bright in the high range probably due to material used but the speaker does draw you in and it’s time correct but not phase correct. After hearing a time and phase correct speaker I plan on keeping my 802’s for audio/video system but using time and phase correct with my primary stereo system.

[@mrpmj00]

Wisdom Audio p4i speakers (sound quality), Wilson Audio Chronosonic and Alexa for BIG size. I have the GoldenEar BRX (ribbon AMT tweeters) which comes pretty darn close to the Wisdom Audio (ribbon planar tweeters). streaming=Apple Music lossless

[@TheMirolab]

Why is it "cool" when someone buys a $20k motorcycle or a $70k sports car, but considered excessive to put that amount of money into an audio system? I can enjoy my audio system for many more hours than I'd enjoy a vehicle.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

BINGO. My system is almost never off, whereas my car sits parked 90% of the time. Car cost more, gets used less, and depreciates just as much (or more).

[@stevenoconnor5693]

@@andrewrobinsonreviewsgood you had a system that impacted you that much to be the standard.

[@stevenoconnor5693]

@@andrewrobinsonreviewstry the Ps audio floor standing speakers there are different tiers may make for a really good tiered review for a series of speakers that could be for many levels of consumer

[@stevenoconnor5693]

Nice review conversation keep these videos coming

[@RahzAlGhul]

I think it’s because you can’t buy a new car for under $2k but you can buy good speakers for under $2k and there is a law of diminishing returns for speakers much more than there is for a GT3 vs a Corolla. What our ears can hear is only so much difference vs vision vs what we feel in or get from a car.

[@OriginalDon7]

When it comes to room treatment, my philosophy is simple. Treat your room well, it’s part of the equation. Optimize the sound as best you can and focus on the real trouble areas. But perfect is the enemy of the good. My listening experience and my listening room is my sanctuary. I enjoy the aesthetic components just as much. It adds to my listening experience to have a comfortable couch that looks good; it adds to my listening experience to be surrounded by my large indoor plants; it adds to my listening experience to have a nice coffee table where I can have a nice cup of coffee and snacks while I listen. It’s a whole experience; and I will never allow my obsession with the perfect sound to come in the way of my love for feeling comfortable and at home in my oasis.

[@jayphotoart1941]

i am a regular viewer and I never comment. This time I just want to say Andrew, you gave me the confidence for enjoying my system. I also don’t have all the acoustic and all the “tricks” and “gadgets”. I used to listen to advices and made my room “crazy”. I just don’t want to be missing something to have worst sound. Now because of you. My mind is free! Thank you Andrew!

[@WardoUSA]

I don’t think I have ever seen Andrew laugh so casually and deeply about those B&W’s. Good stuff!

[@Norman-bone13]

I am loving these Unplugged discussions. Great forum for this type of discourse. I feel the trading of impressions back and forth is a great format. It is helpful in giving one a broader picture of the product being discussed. Thanks so much. I really enjoyed the review and Unplugged on the Wharfedale Super Dentons. 👍🏼🎶

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We appreciate you watching the shows; it means a lot.

[@jaymac774]

What a beautifully constructed video the fact I can watch a video about a set of speakers that cost more then my house and be thoroughly entertained and will quite frankly never own, shows the high level of execution and perspective that you place in your videos. And for that I thank you.

[@Caleb_Denison]

Key Andrew quote: “it even irks you when other people say ‘ well, ya know, you can do that for berba derpa der’” Truer words have never been spoken on KZbin, or anywhere else, for that matter.

[@Caleb_Denison]

I’ll add that KZbin’s automatic closed caption transcription system failed us on this very quote. It’s a shame, really.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@Caleb_Denison]

It gave up on the B in berba and never looked back.

[@Caleb_Denison]

Anyway, my job of making the most meaningful contribution to the conversation is done here. You’re all very welcome.

[@KristiWright]

@@Caleb_Denison He says that in real life all the time. I'd give anything for a simple "blah, blah, blah." :)

[@drumsac3004]

The vintage western electric stuff is sold by Deja Vu Audio in Virginia. He’s Vietnamese I believe. They are still in business. The best DAC you will ever hear is through them…called the Aldo Dac. Paired with their western electric tube amps, the sound is the most magical anyone will ever hear.

[@jmax5105]

Such a fun video to watch and I'm so happy for you both to be able to have these in your house! I've wanted / lusted after some 801 or 802s for years and years and years - but they are WAY out of my budget / price range - and I know that.... but man they're beautiful in every way. For me, I'm perfectly happy sitting in front of my Polk R700s (thanks for your reviews on those!!!) that fit into my budget and have the ability to put a smile on my face every time. They are no B&W 800 series, for sure, but they are what I could afford.... and taking that into consideration, I love what I have. It's still so fun to see these B&Ws though and STILL have those wishful thoughts. Keep up the great content. Thank you BOTH for all your work on this channel!

[@user-ml9jj7bw5o]

Bravo! Encore! Loved this! Cannot tell you how much I appreciate your no BS approach to this hobby. Please please please continue with the high end and budget reviews. Love both your comments and Andrew your experience and knowledge. You take this seriously and it shows. Plus you two are fun.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you, we really appreciate it. I believe there's room for everyone, every budget, and every need, and I really want our channel to reflect that.

[@user-ml9jj7bw5o]

You do succeed at that. And from what I see, this can be one tough crowd too. Great job as always.

[@rsolsjo]

You guys answered my question! Thank you. Was just sitting down for my Friday evening viewing and my name pops up. ❤

[@mike-pw8hi]

your videos were always great tbh, but your recent videos have become incredible

[@gnd144]

Your reviews are interesting and fun to watch. It has improve over the years, thank-you both.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching them over the years!

[@murraycampbell1548]

Hi from Vancouver! My first breath taking experience listening to a speaker in a store showroom was back in the 90’s with the Wilson Grand Slams. They were playing piano and sounded like one was in the room. The next time was about 10 years ago in a store showroom with the big YG Sonyas. They were certainly impressive. Cheers!

[@carminedesanto6746]

23:27 most people still haven’t put their speakers in the best position to perform. Absolutely correct Wilson takes the time to correctly place and set up the sound to work in a realistic room .

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Setup is 90-95% of one's experience.

[@dilshaddealwis6543]

When I got my B&W 802’s 26 years ago I was blown away. They are still enjoyed infinitely by my sister and we experience endless hours of listenning pleasure after all these years despite my moving on to Wilson Audio. B&W’s are an un-disputed value in my humble opinion.

[@fatdoi003]

💯 still enjoying my 801S2

[@alexhartman4447]

I see the price of Humble Pie has gone up. You're absolutely right in that sometimes you need to reset that bar for the lower 95% of the products that people CAN reasonably attain, and know that those "top 3" are still there to benchmark against. Much appreciated with the honesty and work put into this.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you! We appreciate you tuning in!

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Great video guys! Love this format. Mixing your take and exchange with Kristi and including viewers' takes and questions... It's an amazing format. Well done guys!

[@Boxkerp]

Every time you guys show those Mcintosh pieces I become like the fly that can't get away from the blue zapper "Don't go into the light!" "I can't help help it. It's so beautiful." I look at those things and the world around me just goes away.

[@randolphblack2554]

Good afternoon, Kristi and Andrew. You have the unenviable job of presenting reviews without caveats. I trust your honest presentations and I am not going to waste my time looking for hidden room treatments when such endeavors are futile. I base my knowledge of my listening room upon experience with how my speakers should sound to me. If there is an acoustic anomaly then I shall apply experience to rectify it. Keep up the good work and while I am happy with the way my system sounds I am happy enjoying your channel for what you provide. Thank you.

[@ForecastCallsForDom]

Continuing to enjoy the new format. I like the tight review videos and the new unplugged videos that have room to breath, allow for Kristy's feedback 😊 and an opportunity to respond to comments on the review video.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Awesome, thank you!

[@gpapa31]

IMHO the review of the year. Thank you for making it happen.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching it!

[@fonkenful]

So far, you mean; there’s a whole 6 months left, and scores of audiophile dragons yet to be slayed.😊

[@Prerich45]

@C Butti i used to paint, when I look at a painting, i look at it as a whole and then i examine minute details such as style, brush strokes, and technique. You can see the forest and admire the individual trees that make up that forest.😊

[@TheMirolab]

I love the older bulldog look too! As an owner of Matrix 801's, I really love the single 12" woofer aesthetic.

[@richardardern171]

Really appreciated the conversation in this video. It keeps on adding to my education:)

[@user-ej3ii8zm2b]

Good morning Andrew and Kristi. More great discussion. Very honored to be a 3x comment contributor to Unplugged. Hoping to be the Unplugged question GOAT LOL! Just to clarify my comment with regard to poor recordings, I wasn't implying artist record their music poorly intentionally, I'm referring to lots of records, typically older stuff such as 70's/80's rock, pop, etc that is frankly very poorly mastered but still music I listen to and enjoy. On a separate note I think you might find interesting is that according to David Price, who reviewed these speaker at B&W HQ, B&W used a Michi P5 and M8 mono blocks (1080W into 8 ohms/1800W into 4 ohms) as their reference system hooked up to them. Hoping those KEF Blades are just lost in the mail and show up someday for review! Thanks for the great work and looking forward to this Sunday's review.

[@chrisfletcher4726]

I have been watching this channel for the past few months and have really appreciated your honest reviews. It's awesome to see this set of B&W speakers reviewed. I have a set of DM604 S3's and its about time to pair them up with some decent amplification. I wasn't sure I needed to until watching more and more of this channel to see that B&W speakers need quality amplification. I am leaning towards Anthem Mr series but unsure

[@JCOTV]

It gave me goosebumps when you told that old speaker story.

[@DarrelJohnson]

Love the room treatment rant! Absolute perfection. Keep up the great work!

[@mybrandnewfunk]

Thanks for another awesome sincere review. I appreciate the various perspective from budget to hi end to sound, room treatment, etc. Such a wonderful well rounded chat. One day…😊

[@PhillipBurke-f1o]

Well done on a very comprehensive review & discussion on these high end speakers especially in your comparisons to high & low end price speakers, Plus Kristi adds her usual sparkle to it all like a missing diamond tweeter in an already great soundstage, Ye work well together and admire the combination

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevenm8429]

Love love love this review! thank you both. I have the klipsch 8000 F and love them and thank you for your videos .I'm a rock and roll old school guy lol .

[@tagtag-connected5263]

Great speakers. Standard 801D4s blew me away so can’t imagine the signatures. They look much better in person and could not believe the speakers didn’t have a sub. They cranked out near accurate bass. Price is subjective.

[@hificave]

I Totally get the HT with these. Its actually quite surprising the first time we experience a movie with just a high quality hifi 2 channel setup, it actually feels… real and so engaging thanks to the soundstage and insanely good tonal balance.

[@user-yr7ej5uk3y]

How would you compare the 801 D4 signature to the nautilus?And also do you think that the 801 D4 signature's diamond tweater is comparable to the tweater from Dali Kore?

[@olegariomartinez6807]

Thank you for such an honest review. I enjoy your reviews for that reason.

[@paulhovenga4138]

This is a video that hits on my experiences as well. Going from some very expensive floor-standing speakers to restoring some Altec Flamenco speakers, and wanting nothing from the previous, has been a rewarding and enlightening adventure. The Kef Blade though, is something you might be more proactive in getting a pair. If Blade 2, team them with some subs in your large space. I was more than impressed with them in a friends system. Nice work on the video, and your experience shines through! Bravo....

[@ericgardner5548]

It's only bright because the recorded material is bright, these speakers will reflect every good and bad in a recording, very revealing.

[@anthonyfacchini6485]

Great episode with lots of good info. Thank you. I’d love to have a pair of La Scalas. That’s my dream. But like you said, don’t necessarily need it as I’m ok with what I have in what my space allows. But I still hope for that day.

[@Harry-Giles]

Great questions in this one. It’s fun to compare these aspirational speakers. Would love for you to get some Beolab 50s or Wilsons.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️ GLAD TO SEE KRISTI ,SHARING HER OPINION AS ALWAYS OPEN AND HONEST 💚💚💚

[@markmcfeaters9116]

You both nailed it. This is the best review i have seen from you. I can relate, using the 800 series speakers myself. 4 sets. Though i use different amps and Processor. Etc... As far as room correction, I use NONE... My opinion is its a sales gimmick. I have 3 audio and theater rooms in my home. 1 room is set up with Klipsch, 2nd is set up with Kef. My extreme room is my B&W room... I have suggested for people I know to go to as many places as possible to listen to speakers and there audio set up. I have also suggested going to bars or night clubs to listen to what they use. Keep up the great reviews

[@mgbguy20]

Loved this video. Especially the section on room treatments.

[@Jonziebal]

Very cool unplugged. I will wait patiently forever for your Beolab 90 review.

[@BaileyWiggebutt]

Same here! I feel as if nobody is talking about them.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good afternoon ☕️ from Toronto. I was very intrigued with the OG review..nicely done This follow up is fabulous. I love these speakers..by I’m thinking they do require a very upscale source and power chain . Have a great weekend 🍻

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Upscale source....maybe. Definitely need a good amplifier! Thanks for joining us!

[@patrickl.654]

Nice video as always, I am surprised that you didn't mention the B&O 28 after your recent review.

[@aaronharmon04]

I have 801 D4s. They are tight. They are not at all too bright, at least not to my taste. I use room correction, but even with it turned off, they sound amazing.

[@jcappleman]

@andrewrobinsonreviews I just watched your review of the B&W Formation Duo and I was curious what your opinion is 5 years later after hearing and reviewing more B&W speakers. Do you still feel strongly about how much you loved the Formation Duo?

[@barneyrubble9309]

Guys, you NEED to get the full Steinway lyngdorf model S 2+2 system in for test.

[@MrBonger88]

That setup is insanely impressive

[@adamlink7561]

My thoughts are on room treatment, Kristi hit on the live music angle, if you see the same band in 3 different venues you will get 3 different sounds and probably none of them are bad enough to leave. I have 2 different rooms I can listen in my house and get 2 different sounds and I enjoy them both. If it sounded like crap I would change it. It makes sense that you would treat your room, it’s your job. I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of this.

[@briancampbell7712]

hey Andrew...what speaker do you have and use regularly in your system...is it any of what you pick as your top three in this video❓

[@hansoosterwal4073]

Thanks for easing on the topic of room treatment etc. It takes away some anxiety I always had here.

[@kenmace933]

Thanks Andrew & Kristi, what a vicarious experience that was! Interesting comment at the end regarding a reset or "palate cleanse" as a reviewer -- I've heard/read similar comments in the car industry where car reviewers get bogged down in the churn of new car reviews and it takes something like a Mazda MX5 (Miata) to recalibrate themselves.

[@fuzz_spl]

Great episode Andrew and Kristi. Such high production value on these episodes, one of the best out there in this space, imho. This episode makes me want to go back to my local dealer and spend some time listening to the D4 Signatures in their showroom. They're some chonky speakers in person, though (as beautiful as they are). Even if my wife would agree to spend the money on them, I think they'd be too imposing in our room space: 22ft x 19ft that opens to a kitchen / breakfast area. So, I know you made some comparisons in the videos and that "budget" is a loosely associated term here -- Do you have any recommendations that would be pretty close in comparison within a $10-$12k/pair budget?

[@LeezahB]

I’m here! Just finished watching the review! Sounds like an amazing experience to hear them. The “biggest” loudspeakers I have heard are the KEF Blades at Best Buy, and they were so impressive but a bit cold (glacial) for me!! But they were pretty incredible! I wonder how those would compare to these B&W D4 Signatures.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

So glad to see you, Leezah! Hope your Friday is off to a great start. I haven't heard the Blades yet, but I can imagine how they sound based on my experience with the R Series. I'm not sure if the look of the Blade is for me, but I still want to get a pair in for review.

[@LeezahB]

@@andrewrobinsonreviewsthat would be awesome!

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

Have dreamed of a top end set of B&W speakers with McIntosh amplification from 20+ years. Still dreaming. Enjoyed it.

[@markwilliford7471]

I agree with 95% of what you have said about these speakers based on my 802D4 ownership experience. I do believe a very large hard surface between the speakers does have an effect. If you’ve done a good job of sound treatment elsewhere, I agree, probably not intelligible. But going back to the question - why remove grills if you have a TV between them? This is more akin to your discussion regarding the diamond tweeters. Let the speakers deliver what they deliver. Besides, nobody is going to remove the diamond tweeter grills for listening, and this is the part of the frequency most likely to create an issue with regard to a large TV Screen. One last point on that front. The front of my 802D4 tweeters are 19 inches in front of my 55 inch TV. I believe that offset is very helpful as well since we know treble does not radiate backward to any large degree. Thanks for this excellent video. I have resubscribed.

[@wishbone1138]

The Beolab 90 is now $150K. Yes you read that right, this year saw a price hike that seriously broke my heart. I won’t go more into the price unless someone wants to discuss. This is in my top 3 speakers, but never heard them in my own space (who has except the few owners?). I’d love your review of the 50 or 90s. I’ve never cared for the 50s, the 21s would be my top choice at much less over them. How do you two feel about shows? Just went to my first one and saw some really cool stuff, not sure I heard anything that blew me away. Is that a space and limited time tuning issue?

[@aceofspades6667]

I wish Wilson would send you a pair of Sabrina X, Sasha, or the new Watt Puppy’s. I really enjoyed this follow up segment to add more context to the prior review. Very helpful discussion!

[@briancampbell7712]

It's nice to see this...one of the best videos I've seen on your channel...i'm a two channel guy🎶

[@ginap2112]

Thanks for the reply to the question, guys! I’m going to need more cash AND a bigger house 😆

[@jamesmichael900]

Great discussion! Happy 4th, everyone!

[@RahzAlGhul]

Great review one of your best yet

[@ilunga146]

The 801 Matrix was "My 801," in the sense you mean (around 10:00). I couldn't afford $5000 in 1997, so I bought the 805 Matrix instead. It made too many of my CDs sound horrible. Way too revealing in the upper midrange. After a series of changes, including having tinnitus starting in 1998, I'm a somewhat more mid-fi listener since then. I'd still love to hear those 801s you're listening to now. And I love both the design and the nifty blue color. LOVE THEM.

[@traingawker2121]

28:29 you’re about as genuine as they come. I appreciate your frankness and you don’t seem to push BS. I was won’t ever own the B&W 801’s, but it’s still interesting to listen about that extreme high end product. Thanks for all you and Kristi do. You bring good value to the people that take the time to listen to your thoughts. Thank You!!!

[@tombillard5264]

La Scalas were the one speaker that spooked me even over KZbin and kanto desktops with its realism in the vocals listening to sara mclachlan.

[@AggMeisTer28]

You mentioned using straight PCM. Do you set the receivers you review to "Straight," i.e., "pure direct," on Yamaha, and compare them to dedicated stereo amplifiers?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I play with a variety of settings, and it will vary based on the product. Some products need the signal set to strict PCM, whereas others are more flexible, so my settings vary.

[@BobbyTwoTimes]

The honestly is flowing. Atta boy, Andrew!

[@justincollins6077]

Thank you both so much for reviewing some higher end speakers on this channel. i.e. B&W 801 D4 signatures. These are probably considered pretty expensive to many viewers however, for me, this is the sweet spot for true high-end audio. I do concede that there are some manufacturers out there that can achieve the same sonic purity for less, but not at a 10th of their price. I would love to see you review other speakers of the same calibre from time to time. I own some Focal Scala' Utopia's and Martin Logan 13a and appreciate them both for their different characteristics. With speakers selling at over $1m rrp, the B&W 801 D4 signatures could almost be considered relatively affordable. For me, there is a point where some ultra hi end gear is more about bragging rights than it is musical enjoyment. Keep this content coming.

[@maxpower78-15]

I wanna echo something Kristi mentioned. My Klipsch RF7 llls arent in the same ballpark as these. But for me, they were pricey and special. A decent speaker can be totally adequate in a home theater. But my RF7s are truly special as the front channels of my theater. Couldnt believe how much better a “musical” speaker performed in my setup.

[@roccobruno8027]

If it's at all possible it would be nice to hear your opinion on Magnepan, Diptyque, Martin Logan electrostatic speakers...

[@evanodder6948]

The advantage to center speakers is that you don't have to be in ideal listening position. The disadvantage is that they aren't as good and they never truly match. My compromise is to use identical bookshelf speakers for fronts and center with a neutral amplifier for the center (front amp to preference). Maybe not so much of a compromise because unless you have a well designed room (or lucky), towers won't have optimum bass anyway

[@imaquis8368]

I’m considering getting a C2800 and Mc312 for my Kef R11 metas. You think they would pair well? Love the channel!

[@paulf.5261]

Just gotta say, I really appreciate that you were showing the speakers that you talked about. 🌝👍 Sometimes when you mention products, XM 183b ll, ive got no clue! So you may as well be speaking dolphin 🤔😂 Happy day guys 🌝🙏

[@netster]

24:22 I’m glad I watched this video. Every time I think about room treatment, it makes my brain hurt. I keep thinking the room is bad, and it takes away my enjoyment of movies and music.

[@markharris2798]

Great video! Wonder if there is some DIY stuff out there that is as equally awesome!

[@ericlubow4354]

I haven’t watched your reviews in a while. Do you still have your Cornwalls? Since much of your video concerns room treatments and their over-exaggerated benefits, have your Cornwalls improved since the changes? Have you placed them differently since your original reviews some time ago? Thanks.

[@user-xx2hj7xb6b]

Perceptive comment about people having, in some form, their own B&W D4 Signature speaker. So true, and it could be anything from a suit of clothes to a bicycle, car or that ultimate 1911 .45 handgun tricked out with all the bells and whistles. To splurge or not to splurge? That is the question that most of us ask at some point in our lives, and then we do, if only once.

[@tylerflores4761]

Damn!!! I was waiting to see the review on the Anthem Str, wouldve been nice to see 200 watts and room correction on these.

[@gatorcellman]

Have to say, you hit the jackpot with your wife! Enjoys sharing your passion with you and super cute! 😂

[@paulchristman4918]

Very well said, Andrew... Much better to have fully everything you need in a speaker. Then if you EQ anything, you are pulling back just a tad and not adding unwanted coloring.

[@vixapphire]

Hi! What about the SVS Pinnacles? They have the 10" woofers like 801, whereas the Titan has 8" like the 802. How do you find the Pinnacles? I'm very piqued by those and quite interested, esp. at the price. And to piggyback on the other guy's question, how would the Titan/Pinnacle compare to an older 801, i.e., those with the single 10" from the early days? How do the latter compare to these d4's?

[@michaeltaylor6738]

I found long ago that while I owned BW 801s with external xovers and all Krell suited my music well. I tried for once to connect my 300S to BW601s and would make you a believer that the match of amplification can be easlily missed. I am really thinking about trying the Titans with my MC402 and get back to toe tapping.... I wont go into my current speakers but they dont pull in all the time for return sessions and thats what this crazy hobby is all about. Doesnt matter the logo, look or price but the magic of "goose bumps".

[@robertgruber982]

You might be interested in listening to some of Devon Turnbull's systems. He's really into the Western Electric sound and builds some really amazing systems. Had the opportunity to listen to one of his creations at a gallery in New York that had set up a listening room and it was next level sound. He makes some consumer DIY speakers as well. Not really something to review but just to compare to your Western Electric magic moment.

[@zenfishbike]

I have an old Oppo 105 DVD player which just barely provides enough delay to my fronts to skip the center speaker. The front baffles are about 3ft off the wall. I have other speakers that need to be 4ft off the wall and won't function as a phantom center. Do newer processors allow for that?

[@raduchiorean2020]

Will you be able to get your hands on a pair of Wilson Chronosonic XVX and the Focal Grand Utopia? I would be curious to see what you think of them and how are they compared to the B&W 801.

[@charlesf2804]

This is my first view of one of your "Unplugged" videos. It was fun. I have a question though, regarding speaker placement, after hearing those Signatures need to be out from the front wall. I have a smallish room, 14 x 18.5', with an 11 ft. ceiling. My only placement option is to put speakers along the long wall, firing across the short dimension. I'm 9 ft from the speaker plane, and the back wall is right behind my head (literally). I think that's why I don't get the holographic soundstage that I heard when I auditioned my current speakers (Mirage M-3si, which are bipolar) in the store. In my room, would a speaker that's not ported be a better option than one that is ported, at least in theory?

[@hansolex594]

Did you try the Focal GRANDE UTOPIA ?

[@stanc2288]

Do you think the rotel 1592mkii would enough to drive a 4ohm speaker with 85 db sensitivity?

[@993isgawd]

All I can say is that I'm sort of glad that my hearing isn't nearly as good as it once was. As a result, chasing superb SQ isn't anywhere close to being a priority as it was in my younger years, and my retirement fund and its general future healthiness is extremely thankful for that. 👍😉

[@Wozzaatwozza]

I agree on your comments on recordings. Opinions are psycology, sound waves are physics, A friend has Martin Logan’s that when they shine, but some recordings I’ve heard and psychologically assigned values of fantastic, don’t sound fantastic on his system, according to “MY” psychology. I love the 801s, almost purchased a pair of the first release, then almost D1s but really had my heart on the previous tardis version with 15’ sub. Instead of buying speakers I bout a hot tub and KTM motorbike and an expensive 3 month holiday. Anyway, I purchased the Polk LS800 which were inspired by the 801 D4’s but less money. Thanks team ❤

[@davidshowman9296]

Is there that much difference between the signature and non-signature?

[@markk8803]

Hi Andrew, love your channel and maybe I missed this but why haven’t you reviewed Wilson speakers ? I’m new to HiFi, been to one show so I rely heavily on videos like yours.

[@pdj49]

Just curious, is there a reason that Kristi doesn't appear on camera? I think it would be much nicer to see her while she is talking.

[@P2Feener305]

Probably because she doesn’t do this for clout just to provide information.

[@MilGrip76]

Being on camera is a different level of accountability. She's a commenter, not a reviewer, for a reason, right?

[@cdavidhord]

I have a pair of 801 Series 80 and a pair of 801 Matrix (over 35 years old) and they need much more power that the current generations. You will not appreciate the tremendous dynamic range without power, at least on the older models. You can listen to the D4s, as well as all the speakers you mentioned in this video at the Audio Advice Live show in Raleigh, Aug 2-4. That show has been amazing the past two years!

[@KristiWright]

I just cannot support any company that has a goal of putting other shops out of biz not named Amazon.

[@HeyWaj10]

Is there any chance that any of the Vandersteen speakers are on your audition list? Would be curious to hear how they stack up, in yours and Kristi’s view!

[@ronboots8525]

love the section on the room acoustics. I think you are 99% right there!!

[@derbygreg]

Sitting here listening on my Kef Blades and thinking if you want soundstage and placement you need to try them

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Kefs, even the blade one meta, the magic happens between the speakers. All narrow dispersion speakers but the magic that happens between the speakers put harry potter to shame. Magical imaging. They dont expand soundstage beyond the sides like some other speakers, thats for sure. I have focals and they are nearly the exact opposite of kefs.

[@treyhorn5645]

That was great guys. Thank you...