Originally Posted by
theophile
Got to hear my first Diamond Domes today! Went to a nice setup in a 12x16x8ft treated audio salon room, high quality electronics pushing B&W 805 D3 2-way monitors. Music selections (12 CD's from my collections) consisted of solo vocalist, instrumentals, small group jazz ensembles, cathedral choirs w\pipe organ, acoustic guitars, jazz piano, orchestral sting ensembles and some musical test tracts from labels of ABS and Chesky Records.
In the first hour of listening (1 of 4), I couldn't decide if I liked the veiled midrange presence of the mid\woofer. The presentation was somewhat warm, but detailed. However for the B&W overall sound, the midrange was pleasant and upper bass responses tight and had good definition, but something there in a seamless timbre integration between the transducers (diamond and Mid\woofer) had me wondering if the x-over needed tweaking. This off integration seemed to also affect the sound stage, as it was tight and focused between the speakers (8ft apart), but no SC to the outside like my Sierra 1's. Depth was also pretty flat, with little presence beyond the listening wall versus the S1 that with the right recording, can show the full depth of the recording venue!
Eventually, I started to appreciate the extra detail, natural timbre and ease of presentation in the diamond tweeter as I was hearing nuances that weren't as perceivable in my S1 NrT's. I imagine this B&W diamond has similar clarity to the RAAL ribbon in its presence and effortless sonic character. It truly is intoxicating as I finally enjoyed the long listening session.
Dave, I'm sure the SEAS Diamond + Ascend know how will facilitate a "seamless audio integration" that could easily surpass what B&W is offering in a bookshelf high end monitor!!! Bringing it in well under that MSRP as a creative stunning performance virtuoso monitor will just be icing on the cake!!! :cool:
Ted