Sound United Acquires Bowers & Wilkins

[Robert Zohn]

Just announced early this morning, October 9, 2020!

My favorite audio brands are now under the excellent management of the Sound United Group.

Sound United is now the world’s largest privately held designer and supplier of premium audio solutions. Sound United operates a diverse portfolio of brands including Denon, Marantz, Classé, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, and Bowers & Wilkins.

[Twm1988]

Cool, that's interesting!

How do they compare in size to Harman International? Think Harman was bought out by Samsung a while ago weren't they?

[Robert Zohn]

We paired Bowers & Wilkins #803D3 Diamond floor standing speakers in Rosenut with Marantz #Model 30 integrated amp and the 30N streamer/SACD player on demo at Value Electronics



The audio G-Ds made this perfect match in audio heaven for all of us to love and enjoy music with every note and detail that we all deserve.

[Twm1988]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

The audio G-Ds made this perfect match in audio heaven for all of us to love and enjoy music with every note and detail that we all deserve.

For all of us with $40,000 to spare, lol It's a great set of speakers though, enjoyed them last time I heard them.

[Robert Zohn]

These Bowers & Wilkins #803 D3 Diamond floor standing speakers list price is $17,998 for the pair.

Marantz's new Model 30 Integrated power amp lists for $2,499 and the same price for Marantz's new 30N SACD Player/Network Smart Streamer.

So all the MSRP for all 4 pieces is under $23k. Still expensive, but it rivals far more expensive 2-channel reference systems.

We've been wowing our visitors with this well matched audio system and I can't stop singing, whistling, tapping my foot and swaying with the music.

[Twm1988]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

So all the MSRP for all 4 pieces is under $23k. Still expensive, but it rivals far more expensive 2-channel reference systems.

Ok, not quite as bad as I thought, lol! I think I heard the largest model 800 diamonds when I auditioned (just for fun).

Do you have any experience with the new 700 s2 series? How do they sound? I've been interested in trying some of the new B&W speakers and had my eyes on this series. Does it compare at all to the 800 Diamond's?

[Robert Zohn]

Love B&W's 700 S2 floor standing speakers. Do you live nearby our store?

[Twm1988]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Love B&W's 700 S2 floor standing speakers. Do you live nearby our store?

Sorry, no I'm up in western Canada.

I do have a B&W dealer near me, but at the price I'm looking to spend it would have to be a demo/display model, or I'll probably have to look on the used market. Wanted to try to get the HTM72S2 center channel first, and then a pair of the smaller bookshelf's for front L/R later. Got a few pieces of equipment to get rid of first as well, lol!

Good to hear you are impressed with the new 700 series, I heard they are very neutral and uncoloured, but still quite engaging/exciting/lively. I'm looking for that sort of presentation for HT use, I don't enjoy mellow, laidback speakers so much.

[RalphoR]

I'm really looking forward to the launch of the new Classe Delta series SSP next year. Hope it isn't delayed.

[Better in Blu]

Originally Posted by Twm1988

Sorry, no I'm up in western Canada.

I do have a B&W dealer near me, but at the price I'm looking to spend it would have to be a demo/display model, or I'll probably have to look on the used market. Wanted to try to get the HTM72S2 center channel first, and then a pair of the smaller bookshelf's for front L/R later. Got a few pieces of equipment to get rid of first as well, lol!

Good to hear you are impressed with the new 700 series, I heard they are very neutral and uncoloured, but still quite engaging/exciting/lively. I'm looking for that sort of presentation for HT use, I don't enjoy mellow, laidback speakers so much.

I recently purchased a pair of the 700 S2 series, and have the HTM71S2 as my center. Amazing sound

[Twm1988]

Originally Posted by Better in Blu

I recently purchased a pair of the 700 S2 series, and have the HTM71S2 as my center. Amazing sound

Cool! I just found a demo model of HTM72S2 center channel online... have it coming in a couple weeks, very excited to hear how it sounds!

What are you powering your speakers with? And did you break the speakers in at all yet?

[Better in Blu]

Originally Posted by Twm1988

Cool! I just found a demo model of HTM72S2 center channel online... have it coming in a couple weeks, very excited to hear how it sounds!

What are you powering your speakers with? And did you break the speakers in at all yet?

I have a Marantz receiver, SR 5015, and am just avoiding any sharp changes in volume on the S2 for a bit.

[Twm1988]

Originally Posted by Better in Blu

I have a Marantz receiver, SR 5015, and am just avoiding any sharp changes in volume on the S2 for a bit.

Nice! I have a Denon x3300 and an Anthem MRX520 I will be trying both on the new center channel and see which combo is best, after I rack up a bit of break-in on it.

[Better in Blu]

Cant go wrong with Denon. Have had a couple over the years.

[Twm1988]

Originally Posted by Better in Blu

Cant go wrong with Denon. Have had a couple over the years.

Yeah, I agree. I'm thinking the Denon's warmer presentation might be a better match with the B&W, as I've read many people find them very crisp in the treble... might cause a bit of sibilance issues with the Anthem, but I guess I'll see how it goes 700 s2 series are supposedly a bit of a departure from the usual B&W sound signature.

[Better in Blu]

Originally Posted by Twm1988

Yeah, I agree. I'm thinking the Denon's warmer presentation might be a better match with the B&W, as I've read many people find them very crisp in the treble... might cause a bit of sibilance issues with the Anthem, but I guess I'll see how it goes 700 s2 series are supposedly a bit of a departure from the usual B&W sound signature.

I had a pair of the bookshelf speakers for a while, and even though they sounded good, the S2's add more bass to the mix. You will love them.