B&W 705 Signature VS 805 D3 (*read description)

[@RandomUser20130101]

String bass: 0:01 705 Signature 3:50 805 D3 Voice: 0:10 705 Signature 4:00 805 D3 Cymbals: 1:30 705 Signature 5:20 805 D3 Guitar(?): 2:11 705 Signature 6:00 805 D3 Build: Boxy 705 Signature Curvaceous 805 D3 Manufactured in China 705 Signature UK 805 D3 Price $4000 USD per pair 705 Signature $6000 USD per pair 805 D3

[@toffe2ventil]

Thank you!

[@labalo5]

805 D3 still. So capable.

[@Ris-v4w]

@Sound Sommelier ping this guy's comment, we need it to be the first we see

[@guillermomartin8248]

Are the 705 S2 signature different than the 705s2? Or is just the wood finish?

[@toffe2ventil]

@@guillermomartin8248 Yes, the crossovers has better components. That's it...

[@andrewguscott76]

No comparison 805 D3 blow them away.

[@philthomas8351]

Listening through small kef speakers. The 805 D3 sounds like a tower speaker with excellent resolution.

[@danielshepherd2]

Thank you so much. Not just for the comparisons, but also the music selections. You're keeping the love affair alive with my old 804 Matrix!

[@Miguel8131981]

They both sound really great. They have a very similar sound obviously being both B&W speakers. However, the 805D3 seems a little more in your face with a huge soundstage while the 705 Signature seems a little more laid back with a more focused soundstage. I would be very happy with either one.

[@culle6522]

genau das gegenteil ist der fall,die 805 d3 spielt viel entspannter,einfach ruhiger während die 705 sehr nervös wirkt.

[@mgsboedmisodpc2]

I like the second one. The first was more forward and had more treble energy.

[@marvinlpassmorejr.8460]

I absolutely love what they did with the 705 signatures but they can’t measure to the wide imaging of the 805 D3!!!!Great song and speakers

[@fuvat]

805D3 has more inner detail and hard hitting, but 705 is more spacious and more natural to me

[@wenc8796]

The 705 seems brighter and a bit thinner, and the 805 just sounded fuller and smoother.

[@tomchan2559]

705 sounds like my 606.

[@valterspelar]

@@tomchan2559 Not in real life.

[@wernerjacq]

Madre mia! You made my day sound sommelier! 🙏 I will sample this many times. First impression, eyes closed: The 805 sound more refined. It’s in the subtleties that the song touches you. Especially in the end with the guitar strokes, you notice the refinement of the tweeter, but also the drums are more defined, maybe less musical than the 705 but more to my taste. Great choice of song to sample these. My purse is feeling the pressure allready...

[@mikechafe419]

Not even close. 805 all day.

[@HiltonTede]

Both are splendid, but the second one, has more bass extension, punch, and another refined details in mids and high. 🍀

[@artistadrtm]

Were youable to tell all that from a KZbin video? 🤣🤣

[@HiltonTede]

@@artistadrtm 😁🙈

[@paulozavala3232]

@@artistadrtm Yes its possible. I have my 707s2 hooked up and i could tell. I previously i have own the nautilus 805 and its how i remembered. The 700 series have less body and less bass and punch.

[@schlagboy]

805 D3 is a more balanced speaker to my ears. You get what you pay for. Unfortunately, they are out of my budget!

[@jamapaza]

705 sound good until you hear the 805. 805 clear, airy, better bass.

[@ts12232]

As a 705s2 owner. They are exceptional in my hearing and opinion. However, the 805d3 are another league. There are many that prefer the 805s to any of the larger 8xxd3 series. Simple 2 way design. Anyways, both are awesome, and really don’t have much competition at their respective price points. “Sans the internet direct companies”

[@davidrivera4289]

The 805 (second one in demo) has more open sound and precise bass. Both are good, but 805D3 is the winner. Thanks SSM

[@koipinliew3989]

That's correct i agree. The 805S sound more like a floorstander to me with a bigger and more powerful sound that filled up the whole room.

[@ZJS00]

I like the second pair better. Sounds more textured and more lively.

[@billarmstrong5568]

Great track! I had never heard that before so thank you👍 & the 805D3s sound about 15-20% better (to put it crudely) but the 705s prove you don't have to break the bank to get really good sound.

[@FM_0555]

I mean $4000 is no small price either I mean at this price it would be after a really good main system and a pretty much dialed second system is when I’d consider the 705 the 805’s is what I’d classify as a main system speaker

[@tawaunwilliams7002]

Lol..i think they sound 30 to 40 % i must say im very impressed with the 805d3 thats a helluva speaker

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

Just buy the 706 S2 (if you like the B&W sound) I'd put the saved money into a better Amp/DAC, a Subwoofer or two and other stuff, or buy some headphone gear

[@stevenoconnor5693]

I love my 705 s2.

[@tschoy9388]

@@stevenoconnor5693 Me too.

[@freekwo7772]

805 better, full body, air, fluency and relaxness but 705 very close. Good choice of amplification that can show the differences. As always, true hi fi master!

[@phono26]

Can tell the 805s are better but the 705s sound very similar for half the price. Great value and looks very good too.

[@hemantishwaran5741]

The B&W 705S is excellent but the 805 D3 is another category. Much fuller and deeper sound. It sounds more expensive and has a bigger stage.

[@telelaci2]

I agree. Bigger sound. It's the daddy. Although the boy is talented too.

[@paulsmith1981]

I listened to both the 805 and 804 side by side and chose the 805 because they were cheaper and actually sounded better to my ears. And they look far nicer.

[@btsr2553]

That's interessant. My little diamond favourite. But our choice, at the time, was the 804 D3 instead of the 805 D3. We almost had our eye on the 803 D3, the next level. We did an upgrade from a CM10. But the common sense, the head, won out. Whether we would make the exact same decision again today, who knows? We, that's my high fidelity wife and me. Yes, there should be such a thing, otherwise we would probably no longer be together like this.

[@yippie6862]

The 805 D3 is the better speaker. However, I prefer the easier on the ear tone of the 705 Signature. Seems smoother.

[@remiandrepedersen868]

You like the 705 best, but you think the 805 D3 is the best! I did not get that...

[@yippie6862]

@@remiandrepedersen868 The 805 has a brightness that I'm sensitive to. I'd be more comfortable listening to the 705 even though the 805 does many other things better than the 705.

[@simonwe]

@@yippie6862 To me, listening to this video with good headphones, I don't hear that the 805 D3's is any brighter than the 705s, it just sounds better

[@David-kf5gk]

Both sounds amazing. Thank You 🥃💯👍✌️.

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Can't wait to get a pair. People are saying they need some serious electronics to power them. Lovely speakers I'm a big fan of mid to high end b&w's they have a presence about the sound.

[@markmcfeaters9116]

Yes extra fire in the wire is needed to get to the potential they can achieve. I am supplying 225 watts to each bookshelves and I run 4 of them. And also running the towers with also 225 watts into each of them. It sounds amazing. The cleaner the better on amp and processor. My thd is down to .0003%

[@leonsam12]

$2500 vs. $10,000, I’m thinking of getting the 705s as I’am poor, I used to have Focal Aria 906s and I think the 705s would be a nice upgrade🤔

[@thierrybernot9369]

805 is twice the price of the 705 (here in France). So no comparison possible between these 2 great speakers. My heart (and my ears too) are going to the 805. It's been a long time since I've heard Lhasa, so Thank you.

[@stevenoconnor5693]

Some thing that nobody said and I never really considered but it also could’ve impacted the sound was the fact that the speaker stands themselves were changed out you don’t know if one was filled and one was left hollow it was never stated by the person that did this test but it is an interesting thought that maybe even the stands themselves had a level of impact because it wasn’t a completely neutral test in regards of the same stands etc.

[@mika2oo1]

I don’t know which is which but the later one sounded better to me.

[@gino3286]

images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--wFRPA0i0--/f_auto,t_large/v1556220281/msdtspqxci3kx4pgnp2a.jpg this is the later ... the 805D3

[@claptoned0]

805 D3, more natural, cohérent, balanced and refined . You could hear them very longer.

[@agrik1382]

Well, here from the first chords you can hear that 805 are playing in a completely different league. However, the 705 is clearly not warmed up.

[@GeoffParsons1469]

lol

[@HermesTrismegistes369]

The 705's need a fluffer 😁

[@dedskin1]

so speakers need to be warmed up , good to know . Thanks for the info

[@macmovieman1]

That 805 D3 might find a home here in my home. Damn.

[@zulkefliibrahim5792]

I prefer the sound of the first one.

[@martinmbokazi8372]

The price difference is £1800 which is huge BUT the performance is very close to each other

[@cafiveohsrockbandremix9254]

One couldn't go wrong with either of these speakers, but those 805's definitely have the edge in my opinion. Though it's really tough to say if they are worth $5K more than the 705's.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

I’d b happy with the 705

[@EUK007]

The second one has better dynamics and livelier details.

[@jakbenardete7707]

There is no comparison in this story. 805 came here and never left.

[@artistadrtm]

Dinosaurs

[@dennisstempher9684]

No contest... Though I have a suspicion that the 705 Signatures need a couple of hundred hours more break in time... After that they might edge a little bit closer to the 805s...

[@respondent5226]

705 s2 vs 705 signature which of these is the best for music

[@xiongallen3320]

I want to know how you shot the video, so good

[@gregorytrane7828]

The 805 D3 is the better choice. It's less fatiguing, more detailed, more accurate and refined.

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

0:01 and 03:49 The 805s are slightly louder in this video, which automatically gives them an edge. Besides that, they're far more robust-sounding, and with better decay than the 705. They're also smoother, while at the same time being more delineated and 3d than the 705, giving the performance more body (which to me translates to realism). I know this is just a youtube vid, but at least you still get a strong sense of the general differences between the two speakers.

[@lesmatthews459]

The 805's sound better - but not that much for double the price! I'll take the 705's for their price!!

[@HermesTrismegistes369]

If you added a sub to the 705's, you'd be good, or better actually. That bass presence would snuff the 800's

[@t.j.bennett6454]

And then you'd be selling your 705 because you got tired of the tweeter using your ears as a punching bag which you didn't know would happen because you chose to assess the sound over youtube. The 705 does come close but it's also has some pretty negative downsides. Aside from the muuuuch brighter tweeter, the crossover is not integrated very well

[@lesmatthews459]

@@t.j.bennett6454 Maybe not. I'm 70 yrs. old and my high frequency hearing is not that great.

[@daggero]

702S2 vs 804 D3 please 🙏🏻🤗

[@docsound4012]

Привет " стереофорумчанам" ✋🍺 B&W рулит!

[@stevenoconnor5693]

I love my 705 s2

[@skyengeh]

I don't see how one costs 2.5 times the other (in the UK) both great sounding bookshelf speakers. I'd go for the 705's without thinking I'm missing anything, just slightly different.

[@sarahX..]

really?? for us the D3 imaging and top end is leagues better whilst mildly better elsewhere

[@jslender]

I actually have both sets of speakers. Bought the 705 signature a few weeks ago on a whim and absolutely love them! While not better in every way, I enjoy them more than my old N804’s. I just don’t really care much for the looks of the 705 and always wanted a 805 or 804D3 speaker as a long term keeper. I picked up a used set of 805d3’s yesterday and they are more different than I expected. The 705S is mostly fun, punchy, ritmic and detailed. Sounds good on almost any type of music. The 805 sounds a little bit leaner in the bass, but reaches much deeper. The treble is much more open and can almost be too much at times. The soundstage is huge though and it’s definately the better speaker! The 805’s are also much better looking! However for they money, the 705s is simply an excellent speaker.

[@noeliniquez9608]

From your Experience ill be using them 70% movies and 30% music which one will be better?

[@juggrizelj971]

805 sound so natural and relaxed 🤗 Just give them db2 and job done 😊👌

[@assoaudio9100]

I prefer the 705 at half price than the 805 , ofc the 805 sound a bit better , but the price don't worth it if you can buy 4 x 705

[@guest3672]

705sig: 00:01 00:11 00:50 01:30 02:12 03:32 805dia: 03:50 04:01 04:40 05:19 06:01 07:21

[@FitraHomestead]

The second one sound much more substantial and meatier

[@ChicagoRob2]

You should hear vintage Matrix 805s. Dead-neutral and +/- 1.75dB across the range. They are actually somewhat laid-back with Class A amps.

[@rafalobo5308]

For me it takes just the first few seconds to realise the first one offers more detail. The vibration of the strings on the bass sounds much clearer in the first one.

[@patrakitkomolkiti9620]

I prefer the 2nd one, more energy and very good details

[@chasehatton3691]

Selling for $8k , the 805 D3 should and does have an edge over the smaller 705 Signature. Yet , the 705 seems more organic , is airier and more refined with clear precise imaging. Where the 805 excels is in a fuller and wider soundstage overall. The weak spot is a brighter treble which might lead to listener fatigue. I own the 705 Signature and all things considered , seems unnecessary to move up to the 805.

[@tommcmurdo6181]

Both sound fantastic, and I'd be happy with either. If you were to pair with an integrated at a lower price point, what would you suggest....I've been listening online to the new Denon A110/Marantz Ruby KI, Prima Luna Evo, Copland CSA100 or entry level Luxman/Accuphase. Would value your recommendations. Most of my listening material is jazz on vinyl.

[@eddietan161]

The 800 has better impact. The bass is faster, tighter & more forceful while the vocal remains clean & clear. But way above budget.

[@АлексСим-л5г]

Слов нет - 805 D3 звучит масштабнее. И бас более информативный. Супер.

[@stevenoconnor5693]

For the coat of a 705 you could get a good amplifier to enhance your experience further upbeat other parts of your gear for the coat of the 805

[@bkv04]

What is the difference between 705 and Signature 705? Just aesthetics?

[@toffe2ventil]

New crossovers with parts from 800 series. +FINISH

[@XÍNGẦU-x3s]

My room 4x5 metter, bw 705 signature or kef R3 better? Thanks

[@00bikeboy]

805s much more revealing. I like these battles. Would love to hear the 805s go up against Magico A1s.

[@daniannaci3258]

I did. The Magico A1 was more buttoned down, less dynamic. Grills are $400 and they weigh 48 lbs each. The beryllium tweeter is unprotected. And VERY inefficient at 84 dB. Then they went from $7200/pr to $8400/pr, still no protective grills included. And they’re kinda ugly. Nothing beats the diamond dome on the 805’s and at a true 89 dB, sound glorious, even on crummy recordings, on my 30 wpc (Class A) Luxman L-590 AxII.

[@mechdude1]

@@daniannaci3258 Great comments Dan👍🙂

[@hank8499]

I am curious if the Prima Luna was the Amp used in the video? Thanks

[@Wised1000]

Unfortunately SQ and price are not linear. The 805 is of course the hands down winner. Of course its not 2 times better but that's how the law of diminishing returns works. The same thing was true when I replaced my Ortofon Quintet black S with an Ortofon Cadenza black. The cadenza is better in every category but not 2.5x better. 1.5x tops😁. Same story applies here. The 800d3 series is meant to be reference level, not simply as a marketing name ploy but as a true "it doesn't get better than this" statement. I haven't heard anything better than my 803d3 regardless of price. The series all share the same sonic character with simply more sound spectrum capability as you move up in price. The headed models also add an extraordinary ability to provide an amazing sound stage not available in any other cone speaker. The heads also provide another advantage, sound balance and microdynamics are preserved at any volume level, the 805s lose a little sparkle at low volume. Its a function of the woofer also having to serve as a midrange. The new continium material however, is indeed a big step. The biggest difference between the 805d3 and the d2, which I also owned, is a much better representation of the mid and low frequencies.

[@arnehoffmeister9573]

That is worlds apart! The 805 is so much better in every aspect except for pricing :D

[@45billyva]

The stands may play a small role in bass clarity..

[@robertogarcia-qu9nb]

The BEST, 805. For me.

[@piotrs.2389]

Someone was listening / comparing head to head B&W 805 D3 and Wilson Audio TT ??

[@jamesmorse6486]

Your 805 D3s sound fantastic through my 705 S2s! :)

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

Not worth price difference, but I definitely hear the difference,

[@stevenoconnor5693]

I appreciate this video because though my bowers and Wilkins 606 can’t touch these it shows how good they are. The second one is better. Just a matter of is it’s it’s worth the price difference

[@ikealamp53]

I love my 606's too. Listen to the yt channel called Don's tunes. There's great songs on there

[@stevenoconnor5693]

@@ikealamp53 would you consider the 705 s2 a worthy upgrade to the 606?

[@ikealamp53]

@@stevenoconnor5693 that would be a major upgrade.

[@stevenoconnor5693]

@@ikealamp53 you were right thanks

[@tomchan2559]

I have 606 and planning to upgrade soon. Thank you for giving me the answer. Go Big or Go Home. My plan has just delayed for another few months.

[@ikealamp53]

I have the 606's too but this is another level music listening.

[@stevenoconnor5693]

I’ll stick with the 606 for quite a while.

[@stevenoconnor5693]

I run a set of 606 and a rear of 685 s2. Phantom center. Home theater. Does really well

[@mtkreger]

Would have been interesting for the audience to judge, based on a blind listening test...taking intentional and unintentional bias out of the mix. To my ears, it's not even close. While the 700 series speakers are very nice, the 800 series speakers have so much more texture. Her voice, on the 805s, is amazing. Admittedly so, I may be biased as I own the 805s. But, before I bought them, I did listen to both the 700s and 800s in person.

[@constantin58]

would you pick 705 S2 or KEF R3 if price is the same ?

[@Kentasdis1]

be it as you say ... from the recording it sounds better and more pleasant 805 D3 much more dynamic and fine...

[@taka5192]

Thank you for compereing accrately, from Japan. I'd like you to compere 707,706,705,704,703,702 thoroughly under the same condition, with the same source.

[@MegaSkiman]

Love your videos. Thanks.

[@Stormbeard0]

And how do these compare to other metal dome speakers like Focal Kanta & Sopra 1 ?? In this comparison i prefer the 805 (i fear the harsher brightness of the 705 ll give me listening fatigue) Also is brexit a thing to take into account if looking into a purchase (altough lots of b&w isn't manufactured in uk) ?

[@toffe2ventil]

Thank you very much for this! Much appriciated! 👍🏻😀 I think that they are close, the 705signature seems like a bargain now. Will give them a listen irl when the local shop gets in the demos. Br Kris

[@toffe2ventil]

In Sweden the 805D3 costs 7400USD and the 705Signature 3600USD

[@marcgabor9690]

They're close but the 705 sounds a little bit veiled in comparison. The 805 is not brighter but the texture of the instruments comes through more apparently.

[@karnareedee4394]

First many Thanks for letting out your passion & putting a great test to the floor, to challenge the audiophilians ,less is no more, more for me & my heart out to First wone! Open, little tonal shine (good on aged ears) little subdued vocals_nothing missing, well timed spaced percussion leather strokes, overall natural very enjoyable sound ,warmth_(a great track even testing emotional content) The2nd, more refined yet subdued tonal balance good, bass end not emotionally feeling up to the rhythm of the heart. Great Job, THANKS 👏

[@scodude12]

I like the 705 signature sound - presentation is clearer and price makes it an easy answer - look forward to hear the 805 D3 vs D4

[@martinmbokazi8372]

Sound Sommellier what is your final verdict on this shootout? Thank you

[@effendisudjono2593]

For me 705 have more real, thick and mid so clear sound.

[@kepinskidaniel1521]

Bas refleks skierowany do przodu niby to nie jest dobre rozwiązanie ale.... Przyznam że zawszę dźwięk jest trochę mocniejszy ale czy lepszy to już indywidualne wrażenia

[@CONVID-xy4ur]

The 805 doesnt sound overly bright as the 705 yet the 805 is more detail but not as harsh. Less fatigue

[@ВладимирМечтатель-з7я]

B&W 805 D3 - the best...!!!!!!!

[@nicoastylehifiman]

more impact and better consistency in the medium high register on the bw 805 d3. listened to on my elipson prestige 24f

[@sergedezaphix3130]

Les 805 D3 un vrai bonheur

[@am.stationsales5898]

nice speaker,! may i know this song name?

[@georgelien]

805 delivered depth while 705 sounded loud.

[@StragaSevera-ArLeg]

Очень классно записано!👍 Ещё давай!

[@remiandrepedersen868]

705👍

[@vivianvaldi7871]

Is there any possible hesitation ? Just through them against the strange 603. For those who bought these (there's more chance people getting a 603 than a 805 3D)

[@willh9650]

The 805 D3 sounds more natural and better sound stage. If I did not hear the two at once, the 705 sounds very good and it may sound better with tube amp.

[@davehwang6815]

What were the tracks/ CDs played? Thanks.

[@heimdal6666]

1.600€/pair vs 6.000€/pair.. Is the difference in sound worth the 4.200€ ?? The answer is obviously a massive NO when you hear the tiny differences between those beautiful speakers.

[@michelhaineault6654]

805d glorious sound

[@rodbrines8072]

Why are you not using Dac?

[@jfro5867]

Wish I had deeper pockets! Ha ha those speakers are nice but the 805 sound spectacular.