Colin L
High-tech low-life
Im not so fussed about the home demo bit i imagine its a logistical nightmare with such hefty speakers, i would rather buy a used/exdemo set and try to sell them on if it doesn't work out. Just like youve done Phil.
Thanks for the detailed response Merlin, yes there are certainly a big difference in the FR of the above, and the 800 seems to deviate from neutrality by quite a bit!
If i'm down your way i will try and come and have a listen thank you. I did contact a few French sellers but unfortunately they never got back to me.
Space
You'd be mad not to home dem speakers of the capability of 800Ds or big JBLs. The room and the amps make such a huge impact on the sound not demming would be daft. the latest 800s are apparently much easier to drive than the earlier versions but you will still need a very capable amp to get the best from them. IMO they are at their best played louder. Why buy big beast like them and not use them loud.
The FR plot posted for the 800s seems to be a bit of an outlier. I think stereophile measured them much flatter through the mid to higher frequencies
Personally the big JBLs I've heard were a bit PA-like. I find that kind of presentation gets a bit tiresome after a while