B&W 800 Diamond D3 vs Marten Bird 2 Chord Dave BLU MK 2 Scaler SPM 1400 Bowers Wilkins High Eng HiFi
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ย. 2017
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We had a great Listening Session with the Amazing Marten Bird 2 Speakers and the Bowers and Wilkins 800 D3 Diamond.
If that wasnt enough we got to listen to the Chord Dave Dac with the Chord Blu MK2 M Scaler and the SPM 1400 Monoblock Amplifiers
I played the same Track Eric Clapton Layla (Live) through the system on both speakers so you can hear the differences.
Other Comparison Videos are here
• B&W 800 Diamond D3 vs ...
• B&W 800 Diamond D3 vs ...
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I was at Nintronics HiFi and AV Dealers in Hertfordshire
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Video Equipment Used
Camera - Sony AX53 4K Camcorder
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Microphone
Rode Stereo Video Mic Pro
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Lighting
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Thank you for this comparison!
Wonderful video. =)
Saved to my reference collection of online audio/video.
That Marten speakers and Amp is really really good wow impressive, of course B&W as always amazing also
Late to the party. Thanks for the review. Loving the sound and presentation personally on the Marten's from my limited listening position.
This is how to sell hi-fi! Well done & thanks for your efforts. Obviously it's limited by TH-cam, but the odd thing is how you can still actually get a feel for the sound. And it's fun, heaven help us all, fun, not brain surgery...
The hi-fi industry as a whole has been terrible at marketing itself, especially to the people who can actually afford it. I myself worked at a high-end retailer for many years and have recently been doing some reviewing for 6moons. Looking forward to your future videos.
(Incidentally, I loved the smoothness of the Martens but thought Eric's voice - as well as the backing singers - sounded just a tad more detailed with the B&Ws. Also surprised by how effective the on-board volume control of the DAVE is, no pre-amp required, as Phil once opined. Great stuff.)
Bill Armstrong Hi Bill thanks for your kind comments. If you watch all 3 of the demos you can tell the benefit of the Martens over more music styles. Thanks again really appreciate it. One thing I dont work for the dealer, I am just working with them. Thanks again.
Cool, that's what I thought.
I don't know if you tweet, but I post some hi-fi related stuff there, inc. a link to this video about 5 minutes ago!
My account is: @Bil_Arm
Bill Armstrong thanks Bill I really appreciate that. I do tweet and will follow you now I know you. My Twitter is Pursuit@PerfectSystem_
Great demo thank you, for me the Bowers and Wilkins are a much better sound with the Chord system!
The equipment from Chord is what does it for me, though I'd probably go home with the Marten's.
I'm listening through a DAC and headphones right now though, so that is probably what I'm hearing, BUT the Marten's looks the part.
Wow. I closed my eyes and just sat back..
This is absolutely one of the best tracks to test a system with. The acoustic characteristics is so distinct.
Many thank"s again, will let you know how I get on when everything comes next week. Speakers cables and jumpers, kind regards, Martyn Dublin. Ireland. Cheers again.
B&W is like a standing next to the stage, as you can hear it personally in a nice environment. Martin have that invisible filter which tells you that you are actually listening through the speakers.
I switched between the two speakers and the difference is really incredible. Totally different sound. I didn’t expect that. They are both fine speakers so it’s not the question which is the best but it’s all about personal preferences.
you have to hear these things in the flesh, I have a pair of 800 D2's and they bring a smile to my face every time i listen to music, it is simply stunning, hard to explain but with the right source and amp they as close to perfection as you can get :-) IMHO oh, PS, I have $60 cables, I tried some $500 cables on trial, no difference what so ever !! 10SWG and you are good to go !!
Great demo from the best Hi-Fi dealer ever thanks Adam and Roger.
I think that the Marten B 2, speakers have a better soundstage and ,more detail in the mid range... But you can't go wrong with either speaker I think you would get a life time of enjoyment with either...
B&W has more details for me and sound's much liver, but the Marten Bird is Smoother and Warm. I Like them both.
Good video and effort thank you
Demo starts at 2:35 and 10:05
1st Marten, 2nd B&W 800
(,':--))
Both speakers sound amazing. Martens have a little smoother sound and richer upper bass while Bowers and Wilkins have more details in high end
and definition in low and high mids .I read in one spec sheet that Bowers go as low as 13Hz, that is little bit lower than A an octave below lowest A on piano. For me there is a cold heat between the two.
Accuton medium !!! but both of them are great ...excellent démos as always !
Great video! Martens for me
LOL, This really makes my speakers sound awesome!
really interesting bold man , fantastic sound!
It's bald lol
I wonder how many wives have ever said “yes honey I would love those B&W speakers in our lounge room” 😂
Mine did, I kept her 😂
Hands down, the B&W won. The detail was hypnotic, so amazing.
Hard to say, the Martens seemed more comfortable, the B&Ws more detailed .I don't know how I can really tell the difference without being there being sat here with an iPad and hi-fi sennheiser headphones😎
@@Smood47 thanks,
I like the marten bird 2 speakers much more detailed then the b&w speakers but I would happily own both sets of speakers if I had the money
I know this is TH-cam but based on what I heard this model seemed to open up the sound in a way that made the performance more accessible. It might be different with other material but both models are impressive yet different.
The sound presence of the new 800-series, with the correct setup, is something every soundfanatic should experience. Never heard anything like it. You might not like them because its "to real" the first times you are listening. But spend 100 hours with them and suddenly anything else will not sound correct :)
Rune Stang yes everything will sound strange after time with the B&W's. They are a very metal sounding speaker, not natural or real but tuned that way. The more you listen, the more it hurts. They for sure lose This battle
Brad Knight sounds metal because the instruments are made out of metal?
Both of these have diamond tweeters btw
🤗. THANKS FOR SHARING 😍😍😍
I voted for B&W by just making an order for 800 ;-) In White! Much better for my tastes!
I would agree but I just can't stand the silver midrange turbine house. White B&W are fabulous but the silvers ruins the higher 800 series models.
The Martens sound so much better in real life. (more scary and intense) But this particular B&W is also pretty good compared to most B&W.
The B&W's is probably closer to how it was live.
Many thanks for this review awaiting your review of Dave \ Blu2
That would be a very good Review to do - I will see what I can do, its hard getting them for long enough from Nintronics as they are demoing them all the time. I will ask and see what I can do
So What do you think from your first observation, is this combination leap forward
Sadek Khalifa Hi Sadek do you mean dave and blu mk2 is it a step a leap forward from just the Dave??
Yes indeed and how it is compare to PS Audio DirectStream DAC
Sadek Khalifa wow thats a very interesting one. Dave sounds quite different to Directstream. My time with Dave in my system only a few days its very full guttsy big and bold sounding. The Directstream is ultra clean precise smooth and accurate sounding. I didnt get enough time to tweak with Dave or listen to it.
My only gripe is placing the 800s behind the Marten speakers. Reflections. I wish you would've moved them up. Great video.
May be worth reading my article on this special listening session for a behind the scenes look at that :) www.pursuitperfectsystem.com/special-listening-session.html
Marten.. and I say this as a 804s owner. Over the years b&w stayed strong in their build and sound quality...but their prices left the reality. Should I ever come to the conviction, that new speakers are needed...I look relaxed to many other good manufacturers. E.g. Dynaudio, Cabasse, Wilson Benesch...although last one is in deed too expensive. But damn good...Elac could be also an alternative...there are so many good firms.
Well done. Subbed.
Yeah I think the B&W much better to my ears cleanest and clear sound nice soundstage and beautiful to look at them
Hard to judge over TH-cam but I suspect I'd like the B&W more in person
Also tell me the recording CD used
I have compared the two speakers. The B&W is the clear winner for being a more balanced sounding pair of speakers and also the one that sounds closer to the real live sound of musical instruments and voices by exhibiting a more realistic timbre/tonality without the unrealistic brightness that some speakers exhibit giving a good impression at first listen but with accompanying hearing fatigue. I also observed that the B&W exhibited deeper, cleaner and more realistic low frequencies (bass). When I listen to the Marten Bird II speakers, I am hearing a pair of high-end speakers with good resolution but with a sound that is a tad brighter than real-life sound which explains why it sounds more impressive at first few minutes of hearing but at a longer listening session will give you some hearing fatigue . When I listen to the B&W 800 D3, I am hearing a sound much closer to the real sound of acoustic instruments with more balanced sound from low frequencies to high frequencies with very little coloration and the right brightness of a live music and less fatigue factor for a more enjoyable longer listening session. To conclude, listening to the Marten Bird II is hearing a pair of high-end speakers with good detail but with mid-high frequencies that sound a tad brighter than reality. On the other hand, listening to a pair of Bowers & Wilkins Diamond D3 is like hearing a real live music with right balance and brightness which reminds me of my experience listening to a live orchestra in a symphony hall. Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 is the better speaker. NOTE: My set of ears are trained and accustomed to the sound of live acoustic instruments and voices being performed in different acoustic venues and symphony halls. I remember how real solo instruments and voices, quartets, chambers, symphonic orchestras, choirs and marching bands should sound. I have also attended different rock and jazz concerts live in different venues. I know how live instruments and voices sound in real life as opposed to recorded music.
Martens sound smooth to me, B&Ws sound bright. Listening on B&W 804s via iPad and Apple Express, via Cyrus pre amp, X Powers and PSXRs. Which album is the Eric Clapton Layla (live) from. I’m searching Qobuz but can’t find it at the moment. Thanks.
Eric Clapton, "Unplugged"
I could be wrong but if the microphone was in the same position for both playbacks the narrower soundstage of the B&W speakers could account for the brighter sound as opposed to the Martins which were positioned wider.
i preferred the Martens, but bear in mind, the bowers probably need running in. Then do a re-test.
Have you heard about the new Chord digital power amps based on Dave technology?
The B&W is clearer, has the instruments spread out more and more distinctive. I can tell so easily. Its got this crispy clarity to its representation of the song.
Which recording of “Layla” by Eric Clapton is that?
Sounds like Paul Carrack on Hammond B3…
How does the Blu MK II compares to the M-Scaler, are they the same product with a cd transport on the Blu ?
In this system, along with prevailing conditions (The B&W sounded cold, i.e. like first time being played that day), the Marten sounded more like "being there". More atmosphere, more life. Kind of "warm and chewy". I own 804D3 and they need to be warmed-up to sound their best. They are the best speakers I've owned in 30 years.
I have a BW 802D and sometimes my amp doesnt bring out enough qualities of the speaker. What would you recommend? I have a Mark Levinson solid state.
@@DxModel219 I LOVE the BAT VK-255SE solid state amp. These usually go for around $4000 used.
Marten better bass, more even presentation across the frequency range, certainly a speaker that would not fatigue. BW more detail higher frequencies. I am sure both in isolation would sound beautiful. Great video 👍
I would have the b&w's they are the only speakers i would ever buy with my eyes and not my ears the also sound amazing,
I thought the voice was better on the Marten. But the B&Ws did a lot of other things well.
Great Video. What was the Drum & Bass track at the beginning of the Video 1:57 - 2:05, does anyone know please. Thanks.
The B&W were more like coming directly from a source than from a speaker demo -- the Martens didn't pull that off as well coming out of my JBL speakers.
Nice!
Thanks yes as far as I know they are the black ll, arriving next Tues or Wed 17th or 18th. I will also try to look at review
Martyn Darby black II are awesome if they are brand new give them at least a week of a lot of play before making a judgement. Also the additional speaker jumpers in the same cable are worth the small amount extra. the review is on my website but I have made videos as well. Nice System you will have there
Nintronics is without doubt the best hifi and AV store in the UK. They cannot do enough to help you.
Thanks for the video. I love these!
From Italy! Do you get sonus faber over there?
It’s hard to find?
No problem!.... the D3’s project a more direct and cleaner sound!
Can you tell me what Album this version of Layla live is on?
Yes please! I also wanna know please! Best version I‘ve ever heard. Thank you
I have a Bowers & Wilkins 21 speaker 1200w sound system in my car _ my wife gets very annoyed that I often sit in the car to listen to music. Obviously I have to keep the engine running, but then I can also have a back nmassage as well. I also have two G&W speakers in the house & use their headphones in the bedroom. The sound is so far the best I have come across in the last 55 years or experimenting with different sound systems - a bit expensive, but with it.😊
b & w's sound brighter, i prefer the other spkrs.
In comparison yes but the B&W's aren't considered "bright speakers". Just less so VS the Marten's. :) I wonder if Martens makes surround speakers...or are they just for 2-ch stereo listening? :) I've always been a fan of the B&W 800 series...all B&W speakers actually...always liked the sound on all series...if anything the cabinet on the 600 were kind of cheap..but then it was a more affordable series...for a different market...
Marten is clear Winner. Nice track and best recording Terry👍. Makes me think of should buy Marten. I have Luxman L 550AX ll , will my amp drive Martin Duo? I have no retailer to Demo in my place.
Hi. Thanks for the video. Are you using the dave as dac only? Because i think the dave is a great pre amp too. My plan is to buy the dave and use it as dac / pre amp connected to a chord spm 1400 to feed the kefs reference 3. Did you try the dave with your kefs?
In this video the Dave was being used as a Dac and Pre. I have had the Dave in my system for a couple of days, but it had to go back to Nintronics due to demand - they need it for demos all the time. I am due to get it back with the Blu Mk 2 Scaler so that review will be coming in the near future
Pursuit Perfect System Looking forward to that review. Thanks
The Martin sounds fantastic I think they make the voice sound better but the more accurate and real sounding speaker is the 803 B&W
In my opinion the B&W's sound a bit more lean and the MARTENS sound warmer and more fleshed out.
But there are some details in the upper octaves that the B&W speakers display more. Based on the microphone and listening on youtube, you can only hear so much. I'm sure both speakers presentation would be much more grand in person. I would have to listen in real life like Gabber said in order to make an informed decision. Having said that, I will give this one to the MARTENS based on the conditions that are currently set over youtube.
I prefer the Martens. More gentle, not stinging. The B&Ws seemed to pounce out at me a bit with too much twang. FWIW using a chord hugo tt here for my dac.
The B&W's are more "HIFi" the Martens get you closer to the real thing.... I've never really liked B&W sound... "look my tweeter" type of sound which ironically a lot of people go for but I find over hyped...
Ahh you slightly right but Bowers and Wilkins playing MUCH MUCH GREATER WITH SOME GOOD TUBES LIKE AUDIO RESEARCH, TRY THIS CONFIGURATION... HEAVEN 😇
Agreed!
I'm not sure which speakers are better, but strangely enough, both speakers sounded a lot like my $24 Dell Soundbar AC511. Can't figure out why that is.
maybe try listening on something better and you will get more out of it. Would you critically listen to music on the $24 sound bar likely not. any recording is the same it's only as good as what you play it back on.
This is far from my best recordings burn the principle is the same.
Typical dry B&W sonics, but then that's the Bowers and Wilkins signature sound isn't it. Qualities of supreme neutrality generally more appreciated in a studio setting. The Marten's were far more communicative musically. Treble was in a different class on the 800Ds
Marten comes up more enjoyable in this video but i heard the B&W at my local dealer with NAD Master Series electronics and they sounded amazing and not as aggressive as they sound with this set up. It is all about synergy and electronics here seem to favor Marten IMHO. Other than that B&W is by far the best speaker i have heard.
I have always love the sound of B&Ws , used to use mission in my early years. My dealer persuaded me to make the move and I haven't looked back since , first were the 683 then move up to cdm 9s and now using 804 d2 and just upgraded again to 804 d3 . To me the B&Ws seemed more natural , system set up arcam A49 coupled with arcam CDS 27 along with a new rega planar 3 turntable interconnects Nordost Heimdall xlr plus the wave . Speaker cables trying at the moment are tellurium q black , any thoughts here welcome . It's a modest system on a limited budget . Regards Mart ps B&W all the way and are better value for money.
Martyn Darby Nice System
If you are trying the Tellurium Q Black I assume they are the Black II. I have made a comparison video between the 2 of them you will find it in the channel.
I have then not directly but compared them to the Tellurium Q Black Diamond and reviewed both.
Great demo!!! And absolutely fantastic song from Mr. Clapton!!! One question... Is there a reason for the unequal speaker position, 800D3 on the inner side and Marten outer?AB BA... I thought it would be better AB AB. Nevertheless I really like the sound of marten, it sounds better, while switching around between the 2 speakers, it delivers more dynamics, but taking some time listening to the tracks, the 800s perform more life-like and the look is stunning as well... All in all It sounds best with Dali Epicon 8 and Accuphase like @home 😉👌
Great choice of amp brand! Speakers also fantastic! When do you plan to upgrade to Dynaudio Confidence? :)
I have listened to and lusted after these speakers for may years in all their iterations. They are without doubt among the worlds best. They win hands down for me even listening through a $40 set of PC speakers. It is immediately obvious on the voice as soon as Eric starts to sing. Go and listen to these speakers in a high end dealership. You are guaranteed an aural orgasm...... One day I hope to replace my humble B&W 804's with these beasts. I can always dream!
Ian Syme you probably have most of the b&w sound if you’ve got the 3-ways with Kevlar mid. Even the first 800 series from the 80’s are tuned similar imo.
Somewhere in between or 75-25 in favour of B&W would be interesting...B&W, although bright and clear, sound slightly unnatural/tinny?
The best is whichever you prefer.
The Martin's sound more smooth and warm to me the b&w seem more up front at the top end which seems nice at first but I imagine could get a bit graeting after a time.
Agree with this
They're both really really really good but I'm going to say the winners are the B&W's
I found Eric Clapton's voice is more natural and realistic on the Marten. The Marten's bass is better too. I prefer The Marten.
Actually would would only suggest to listen in real life. It will be entierly different.
Agree the Marten sounded slightly better, the B&W had to much bass I think, Marten's sounded more natural.
Any attempt to discern anything over TH-cam, even at entry level is laughable, much less equipment totaling probably $250k or more is laughable!
At least SOME commentary from what he experienced while listening would have been nice.
Not trying to be a downer but cmon!
Martens too soft for my taste... made me fall asleep. I prefer the B&W more livelier
I can’t find this music version on Tidal. Could you please inform the album’s name? Tks!
You wont find it on Tidal, I just grabbed it on the day from Roon - the only version thats been found to sound like is actually on You Tube - go figure
Pursuit Perfect System oh god... this music is so good! Thanks anyway. Congratulations for your channel!
For anyone interested, this version is from a concert called Eric Clapton - Planes, Trains and Eric. Probably they ripped the audio from the blue ray.
Are these like bluetooth speakers?
this is sound frequencies, an equalizer can get any audio frequencies. Bye the way, the same thing also applies to cables & amps. Maybe some bigger mono would have been better.
I liked the Marten's,,, pricing in for Speakers ?
Hi Rudy the price is sound the £25k mark but please do contact Nintronics for a more accurate price. Thanks
I am a B&W fan and onwer of the 603, but the Marten Bird 2 sounded better to me, at least for this song.
The Martens for me in this video via iPad less live sounding in comparison. B&W has more PRAT with a metallic tendency in the highs. My former N801 (non-diamond tweeter version) sounded smoother „up there“.
Hard to compare sound based on the video, but I'd rather take the curvaceous B&W than any rectangular box speaker, that's for sure.
Soundstage seems bit wider and natural with the Martens, b&w more in your face. Long term listening = Martens
Marten for me just personal taste both great sound 👍
Physically bigger transducers in bowers. Though v well engineered marten s drivers look slightly smaller for the cabinet width.
I chose 100 percent marten sound very smoothly and clear perfect combination of (bass mid high), B&W is 100 percent very good and very Cool design but the sound I give 95 percent.
Marten artistic sound, B&W hi-fi sound
Which Eric Clapton live album is this please?
Did you get an answer? I also wanna know. Thank you
@@mrpinkstuttgart Not yet, no.
The B&W to give the best must be connected in bi wiring and with adequate and obvious power that sound good or"bad" depending on the amplification
I like the Martens. Sound very close to the B&W's. But I think the 800's gives us a little more. For a little less money. The 800's seem to give Eric's voice a little more body. A little more weight overall. So, I guess, if some one likes the B&W sound but doesn't like the weight...
B&ws just sound more alive...
Were can I find that version of layla? Great comparison!
Jim maiy i have been looking for it as well and cant find it either. If you do find it will you share a link to it please. Thanks
Pursuit Perfect System I see, yes i will try to find it tomorrow again. Imo its easy the best version ever of layla. Would really like to test it myself. Thanks for the answer! Jimmy
Jim maiy just thought I wonder if shazam would find this version...?
Pursuit Perfect System i found the version here on yt but not on any hq streaming service etc
Jim maiy can you link the video please
Definately this laid back song fits better to the Martens, they sound much more natural and woody, but I suspect that the B&W is more versatile and will play hard rock and synth music better.
What record is that (i can hear it's Eric Clapton)
th-cam.com/video/pKwQlm-wldA/w-d-xo.html
What version of Layla is this, unable to find this particular version on Tidal, would appreciate a link if anyone has one.
EDIT: Found it "Planes, Trains and Eric " (DVD/Blu-ray)
Mr P
Was that in Tidal?
And Eric Clapton’s voice was like shouting through a old railway tunnel....( well he wasn’t the best of corners).... but in D3s you could he his voice more natural and cleaner!
neal morrison we have to remember he’s singing into a stage mic played through PA speakers :)
In the long run, Martens is more beautiful to listen than B & W. By the end I had chosen Focal in front of the two.
I'd love to try the Focal Kanta 3 at $15,000 against this $30,000 B&W 800... At RMAF I think I liked the Kanta better in my brief listening.
I hope these other focals wouldn’t have the tipped up treble that I saw in one of the Chorus models
these tests are so hard to give a clear winner. I run BW 804, so the BW in this test sounded better to me, but that might just be my preference since this is a familiar sound to me. I tend to favor McIntosh amps with BW.
hawkinsrod it was only intended as a bit of fun mate thanks for commenting :)
Marten for me