The B&W 804 Diamond is a well-regarded, if sometimes polarizing, floorstanding speaker known for its detailed, airy soundstage, excellent clarity, and lifelike vocals, though its elevated upper-midrange and treble, and somewhat reticent bass, make it potentially bright or less suitable for bass-heavy music or large rooms without bass support. It is praised for excellent transient quickness, which can add a sense of life to music, and its diamond-dome tweeter provides clear high-frequency detail.
-
Detail and Clarity:
The speakers are known for their clarity and airy detail, particularly in the treble and upper midrange, which can bring recordings to life.
-
Lifelike Vocals:
Reviewers often highlight the lifelike quality of voices and the excellent stereo imaging, which creates a distinct presence between the speakers.
-
Transient Quickness:
The 804 Diamond offers an excellent sense of transient quickness, adding a vibrant and energetic quality to music.
-
Balanced for Smaller Rooms:
The slightly reticent bass may prevent room overload and could be a good fit for smaller to medium-sized rooms.
-
Sophisticated Design:
The speakers feature advanced driver technologies, like the Continuum cone for the midrange, and a revised cabinet with an aluminum top plate for improved rigidity and acoustics.
Considerations
-
BASS Response:Some reviewers describe the mid-bass as slightly reserved or “reticent”. While this can prevent room boom, it may not satisfy listeners of bass-heavy genres like power pop or rock.
-
Potential Brightness:The elevated upper midrange and treble can result in a “brighter” sound than some other speakers, and may emphasize digital distortions on certain recordings.
-
System Matching:While excellent for recordings with clean high frequencies, the speaker’s voicing may not be ideal for everyone.