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

[allen_bh]

I've heard both, liked both a ton. I got about a 2 hour demo session with both, but they were spread apart by months. However they were on identical gear (my personal WFS DAC2, my laptop and my lossless and hi-rez audio, and a pair of McIntosh MC601's -- very much what I'd be using when I bring a pair home).

Based on my recollection, I have an idea of which I liked better, however I thought I'd just see what everyone who's heard both think. I know Kal R. owns a pair of 800 D's, and several others own Sasha's. I would greatly appreciate it if those who've heard both would share their thoughts.

My initial thoughts were this:
1. The Sasha's had better low-end, sounded more well integrated (i.e. the cabinet seemed to have a more uniform sound). I'd almost call them smooth (but also accurate -- very hard to describe really). But the low-end was awesome.
2. The 800 Diamonds were more "accurate" in that the highs were more well defined, but from what would be 80 hz down they were muddy (could have been the room). The 800's had better off-axis listening (i.e. sweet spot was wider).

[mbovaird]

Allen - to be honest, I'm not a fan of either. I heard the Sasha's again last Saturday. But if I had to choose - probably the 800D. To my ears, my Salon 2's sound better than both - and with a pair of 601's, they would sing. I'm only selling them here on AA due to the fact that my 2301 tube amps can't drive them (and I can't give up my tube amps). Another alternative is a pair of SF Futura's. If you're interested, PM me. I have a friend selling his Futura's for about $19k.

But if you are totally torn between just those two, then the 800D gets my vote (but I suspect I'm in the minority though!). I actually liked the 802D better than the 800D. Just to further confuse the situation!

[joeinid]

I agree with Michael. I think he's spot on. I may like the new Alexia, but was not crazy about the Sasha. Sorry.

[Jerome W]

I did not like the Sashas at a demo in Paris but I am sure that the set up was faulty.
Wilson grew on me in an incredible way since I got the WP8.
I would go for the Sasha in a heart beat.
The 800D does not have the same excitement factor.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[allen_bh]

Appreciate the input thus far. I'm only interested in the specifics. So if you didn't like one of the two, what didn't you like about it? I'm not interested in adding anything else to the mix, as I'd prefer to stick with either the Wilson's or the B&W's - though I'm sure there are others that sound as good or better and I appreciate that fact.

[DesW]

+1 for the Sashas ( albeit with reservations due to lack of warmth)over the 800D's( too bright and edgy for this boyo!)

It might pay to wait for the Alexia to Audition --no?

Des

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by allen_bh

Appreciate the input thus far. I'm only interested in the specifics. So if you didn't like one of the two, what didn't you like about it? I'm not interested in adding anything else to the mix, as I'd prefer to stick with either the Wilson's or the B&W's - though I'm sure there are others that sound as good or better and I appreciate that fact.

Allen - go with your gut. You're the one who has to live with them, not us. Think about resale too, since my gut tells me you might be trading these in the future.

[allen_bh]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

Allen - go with your gut. You're the one who has to live with them, not us. Think about resale too, since my gut tells me you might be trading these in the future.

If I do, it certainly wont be for a pair of Revels

Ive already got a pair of 802's. To me, the 800's were much better; tighter, more detailed, and sounded "bigger".

You do make a good point about resale though. I seriously doubt that ill keep any speaker for longer than 7 years from now on (as long as i can afford to). Wilson will probably have 5 versions of the Sasha's in that time. B&W, probably two.

[allen_bh]

Originally Posted by DesW

+1 for the Sashas ( albeit with reservations due to lack of warmth)over the 800D's( too bright and edgy for this boyo!)

It might pay to wait for the Alexia to Audition --no?

Des

The Alexia's are double the price of the Sasha's. Not really in my budget.

[Volks]

800D's for sure.