So I’ve decided it’s time to bring a new pair of speakers into my system. I’ve had the Perlisten S7t for 3 years now (which is quite an achievement for me….each piece of kit is lucky if it lasts 18 months in my system!) There is nothing whatsoever lacking from Perlisten’s (they’re probably the best speakers I’ve ever had) but I just like to change my system around - I’m not always looking to upgrade when I change something, I just enjoy getting a really balanced sounding system, when it just clicks and puts that smile on your face.
I picked up a 282 / HCDR (this is my 4th time having this pre!) a couple of months ago and was running with an Olive 250, but got a 300DR last week.
Anyway, back to speakers! I’ve always wanted a pair of 808’s, they have a fantastic manner of music delivery and they sound amazing every time I hear them (I had Kudos Super 10’s many years ago and I loved those).
My focus is on the 808’s but was just wondering what the feedback would be from owners and people who have experienced 808 in a similar setup to mine and if there’s any strong recommendations to alternatives……?
I have a pair of 808s and can’t fault them. My room is 7m x 5m and they sound great.
Before buying I’d heard them played on one or two different systems and they always produced a consistent, well balanced, detailed sound. I use mine with a full Naim 500 system.
One surprising thing I noted was the fact that my Witch Hat Phantom cable sounded considerably better than the Kudos cable when we tried them side by side in my system. Unfortunately Witch Hat have ceased trading.
Any other speakers in your price range that on paper meet your requirements and that you haven’t previously heard and rejected!
Speakers that come to mind that I think are similar ballpark price include ATC SCM200 passive, B&W Nautilus, KEF Blade One Meta, Sonus Faber Serafino and PMC MB2 SE. The PMCs are the only ones of these I’ve heard, and not having heard the 808s I can’t comment on differences but I can certainly recommend it as an excellent speaker, certainly the best I’ve ever heard.
That’s great to hear! I would love to add 552 at some point (I’ve never got on with the 252, tried it a few times at home, but felt I lost a bit enthusiasm in the sound).
Interesting to hear your comments on the Kudos cables, never heard them myself but they seem to be a bit hit or miss - I suppose it’s based on what cables you’re coming from. I’ve got my Siltech speaker cables which I found gave the best balance between foot tapping and SQ.
Seems that 808’s are difficult to beat at that price point. I love the look of the Sonus Fabers, I used to have active SCM50 (282 on pre) they’re fantastic speakers……heard active SCM200 at ATC and it sounded like there was a full scale orchestra in front of us - amazing speakers. I’m limited on speaker width so ATC’s are not really an option (808’s are pushing it!). If size wasn’t an issue, the new ATC EL50’s would be on my list - never heard a scale of soundstage like it!
I’ve never heard the 88 but personally I prefer the 606’s over the 707’s unless you have a very large room. I found 707’s are great and on par with the 606’s just with extra low end. If your room doesn’t need the extra low end drive, then the 606’s will give you a more balanced and dynamic sound.
Interesting - I only spent a bit of time with the 606 and 707s and that was some time ago, but I do recall preferring the 606s. None of the other Titans were anywhere near the 808s though.
Try something from Audiovector’s R range. I’ve heard their R8s against 808s using Naim amps and they were in a different league, albeit the price difference wasnt as wide as now
A few things about the 808’s i have found.
They work well in just about any room.
They are easy to drive, but certainly benefit from a beefy amplifier on the bass control side. A 500dr is about the minimum i would be happy using, but they sound even better if you can give it more.
The KS1 cable works very well with them as you would expect, as they were designed with these cables and are internal wired with it. You may find you like other cable more so, but the KS1 i have found gives a perfect balance.
I can’t really recommend them anymore than that, as i think they are fabulous.
@PerF
I use T88s in my 500 system in a large room and I enjoy them over any other speaker I have owned.
Would love to hear 808’s but not really available in the US and my days of big hifi spending are over.
Not sure what your system is or where you are located but if you could find a nice pair of T88s you would likely enjoy them. Mine are from the original batch made in 2010 and purchased from a respected member of this forum.
The 808’s are in a different league to the rest of their range, but at around 3 times the price of 505’s / 606’s you can excuse the difference in performance! I have been really impressed with the whole Titan range.
I’m looking forward to hearing the R5 but think they would be a sideways / backwards step from my Perlistens. R8’s would be a great option, but at that price, I’d only be able to afford a single speaker….hmmm should I buy left or right??