B&W 805S v Wilson Benesch Square One

[baldy38]

Has anyone demoed both these speakers? Any idea how they compare in terms of sound, which one does what best and so on?

I have a Rega Saturn and, currently, a Brio 3 amp, although I intend to upgrade that to something more appropriate once I can afford it.

I know What Hifi did a group test involving both speakers - I think it was the May 2007 issue. But I can't find a link to it anywhere.

 

[SHAXOS]

Hi! I demoed them both and there is very little in them in terms of sound. Just find the one you are happier with. I brougnt the 805S because they looked a lot better (imo) also i got them for cheaper than i would have had to pay for the WB. The 805S are superb speakers. The wilson benesch had better bass from what i remember but i found them a bit harsher than the bowers. But like i said demo them - they are both class.

 

[baldy38]

Great, thanks. Did you find anywhere you could back-to-back them? I can find dealers but none near me appear to have both. I live not far out of London in Buckinghamshire.

Any thoughts on how they would work with my system? Any issues about driving the Square Ones with a 50W amp (for the time being - although I don't imagine going much above 80W or so with any new one))?

 

[SHAXOS]

Hi, i couldnt find anywhere to demo them both i am afraid. They were both auditioned at separate places. I can say from experience that the 805S like a lot of power to get the best out of them. Im not sure about the WB but i demoed them with cyrus monox blocks and they sounded excellent. I think you should be fine with a gutsy 80w amp with lots of grunt with either speaker. I am taking delivery of a 550 watt per channel musical fidelity kw550 and xray v8 this week or early next. Ill let you know how i get on with my 805s, cant wait!...