Sasha's Or 800 Diamonds? What Would You Choose?

[redm]

Originally Posted by DesW

B+W only made two great and one excellent speakers in their time

The original Nautilus Snails--which I've heard at length

The Silver Signatures --which I owned for 5years- superb transducers

And the truly excellent Matrix 800--which I've also heard at length

It's been downhill ever since

Des

It's my understanding that the Snails were more of an R&D project and that a lot of the snail tech made it into the 800 series diamond 2.

To each his own, I havent heard nearly as many speakers as you have, but I do love my 802d's and I wont hear otherwise

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by allen_bh

Have you even heard the Alexia's? No dealers have them on hand to audition so the only chance to hear them is at a show, which I don't really take any stock of. I've found that gear demonstrated at shows is not always what goes into production. Plus, you just can get a chance to hear them with equipment that you'll likely have. Further, the environment is typically never anywhere near appropriate (room setup, tons of people walking through, etc., etc.).

If I was going to spend $50K on a pair of Wilsons, I'd just get the Maxx's.

Paragon has their pair and have begun the break-in process for next weeks event. I am guessing they will be paired with the Momentum's, but the AR Ref 750's are another option. Since Dan D'agostino will showing his new pre-amp I am guessing it will be his gear with the Alexia's.

[DesW]

Originally Posted by redm

It's my understanding that the Snails were more of an R&D project and that a lot of the snail tech made it into the 800 series diamond 2.

To each his own, I havent heard nearly as many speakers as you have, but I do love my 802d's and I wont hear otherwise

Derek, Allow me to say I am indeed glad you are enjoying your B+W's

I only called it as I heard it--the fact your opinion turned into enjoyable ownership is a plus.

we all can diversify and agree to disagree--some of the time--ha

Yes indeed the Snails had proven a point with their design--now taken of course

to further effects by the same designer with Livid.

Good listening

Des

[kfr01]

At around $24k, I would look at the Vandersteen 5A Carbon, but I'm a bit hooked on the Vandersteen sound.

Between the big B&W and the Wilson Sasha, I'd vote for the Sasha.

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by DesW

Yes indeed the Snails had proven a point with their design--now taken of course to further effects by the same designer with Livid.

He was hoping to inspire envy, of course.

[Down Under]

Originally Posted by allen_bh

I bought the Sasha's last week. They'll be here the last week of December.

When set up with the right ancillaries the Sasha has a "listen all day" quality that very few speakers possess.You won't regret buying them,but you will have trouble tearing yourself away from them.

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by allen_bh

I bought the Sasha's last week. They'll be here the last week of December.

As someone who also selected the Sasha's...congrats

I use them with an Ayre KX-R preamp and ARC Ref 250s

One of the best combos I have heard anywhere

[DesW]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

He was hoping to inspire envy, of course.

Aha!--Envy like greed is good --no?

Des

[DesW]

Originally Posted by kfr01

At around $24k, I would look at the Vandersteen 5A Carbon, but I'm a bit hooked on the Vandersteen sound.

Between the big B&W and the Wilson Sasha, I'd vote for the Sasha.

Ditto+1 the Vandie 5A Carbons are superb--heard them at the Mirage in the BSG suite--likewise the Proac Carbons--its indeed a pity some of the "pretend"
transducer designers don't sit down and hear what a fine designed Speaker is capable of.

Pigs may fly

Des