B&W to Wilson Benesch?

[Lance348]

I am considering moving from B&W 804 D4s to Wilson Benesch Discovery 3Zero. Priorities are detail, imaging, and soundstage. Heavy bass and high volume not important. Anyone with relevant experience or opinions based on listening (I have read all the reviews, etc.) that they can share?

Amplification is Gryphon Diablo 120 (WB dealer assures me that is adequate) and source is Linn Akurate streaming DAC with Katalyst DAC upgrade. Listening is folk, rock, acoustic. In-home A-B comparison of is not possible.

Thanks for any informed input!

 

[JiminGa]

I loved my Wilson Benesch. Top notch in the areas you referenced

 

[Kofi Baffour]

Priorities are detail, imaging, and soundstage. Heavy bass and high volume not important.

Thanks for any informed input!

Well I have heard the 804 D4 and all the subjective qualities you're looking for they seem to embody that with authority so I don't get what other detail, imaging of soundstage you're gonna get from getting new speakers.

The Benesch doesn't have the low end depth but is comparable in detail retrieval and imaging precision. So I guess the best I can say is find a dealer that allows you to test at home

 

[heihei]

I also think WB speakers excel in the areas you highlight. I'd also add that they are pretty quick and have great flow to them, possibly due to the very simple cross-overs employed, with much of it done mechanically. The imaging is helped by the narrow baffles, as the speakers do a pretty good job of disappearing.
You'll clearly lose some bass going from a floorstander to standmount, but if you find you're missing it too much, you could add in a sub (WB make good ones, and if you can find a Torus 2nd hand, are good value), and potentially have the best of both worlds.
I don't have huge experience of B&W speakers, but from what I've heard and read, the WB's will present a more refined sound, driven by the attributes discussed above.