Experience:
For my ears, the setup I had before the upgrade to 805's was almost perfect for the price. I have tested many speakers with my setup to find a good solution, interchanging cables and source several times and nothing sounded close to DM303 even at double the price.
I listen to Jazz mostly, though for my reference I use Monster Blues CD. It has a good range of instrumental and vocal performances and is well recorded and mastered.
I feel that DM303 are the only speakers in the price range that allow for discussion of headroom, separation, sound stage, transparency, etc. Everything else, again, in this price range, is either "I can hear some things", or "I can't hear some things."
I loved the sound of these speakers for more than a year, but decided to try 805 (not the S) with my setup and unfortunately it spoiled my experience forever. Apparently 805 is the absolute perfect match for my setup, because even more expensive or newer models from B&W just don't sound as good here and surprisingly, DM303 is the closest in match even though they are almost $2,000 cheaper!
I think B&W did an excellent job producing a speaker for audio connoisseurs on a budget. It really is a great stepping stone for anyone wandering into an Audiophile territory. DM303's really let you enjoy music and don't break your bank at the same time. I recommend these to anyone looking for a serious system on a budget.
One more note: These speakers, as are many other great speakers, are sensitive to placement and room. To judge them accurately one would have to audition them for some time and play with positioning, cabling and amplification. It really can make a drastic difference and can make or break your experience.
Strengths: Pretty much the only bookshelf speaker that I tried worthy of listening to for a long time. Great imaging and wonderful mids for the price. I see many complain about the bass performance, however I find it to be very satisfactory when properly positioned (about a foot from the wall).
Weaknesses: None at this price.
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Summary: I must say this speaker is great speaker for the price.
I bought on sale for $199 pair brand new.
I did lots of research and I saw many good comments on dm303.
I listened to both 601 s3 and dm303 and I liked the way dm303 sounded better.
601 had better mid/voice and highs but 303 sounded more clear and sparkling.
dm303 sounded so lively compare to 601 which sounded more calm...
I bought this speaker for my office and I love how it performs.
Best speaker for the price.
Strengths: Everything except bass type of musics.
Crystal clear highs and accurate mid..
Weaknesses: None.
Similar Products Used: Infinity Overture 1.
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Summary: This is my very first B&W and I must say I am amazed with the sound quality.
I did lots of review for budget bookshelf speakers for my office but not skipping the sound quality. I narrowed down to B&W dm601 s3 and dm303. I tried both speakers before I bought and I liked dm303 better. dm601 s3 had better mid/voice and high tones but somehow sound was not lively and sparkling as dm303. Dm303 sounded little harsh on beginning but as I played everyday for last 2weeks, sound got much better.
It seemed like more I use it sound just keep getting better.
I must say this speaker is Great buy for office or small apartments.
Especially I bought for $199 per pair. ( new ) Can't beat it.
Strengths: Clarity.. Voice.. Accurate highs.. Finish..Price..
Great for Acoustic, pops, jazz, anything but the bass type of musics..
Weaknesses: None..for this price.
Similar Products Used: Infinity Overture 1
Yamaha Ns-637 3way speakers
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Summary: These are by far the best speakers I have ever heard in this prices range. Everything from vocals, bass, and details of every part of music is tight and crisp. For movies these bring out every detail. The best thing is these do not make sound muddy or make music bland.
Weaknesses: The only on that I can say is that they don't go super low. Then that is why these are Mni-Monitors not Floor standing Speakers. So other than that there are NO weaknesses as long as you purchase the matching sub ASW 300.
Similar Products Used: Cerwin Vega, Infinity, Polk, and Klipsch
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Summary: I bought these to be the rears on a home theater system that was based on a pair of B&W 602S2s that had been my stereo speakers.
The salesman had initially tried to talk me into a pair of 601s, but I was sceptical of the need for them as rears.
I am more than happy with the 303s. In fact if I had to do it all over again, I would choose a 303 series system for the whole home theater.
The 303s now do double duty as the rears on the home theater, as well as the stereo speakers on the system I have set up in my office. They are being driven by a Marantz PM7000 integrated amp. that puts out 95W per channel.
As primary speakers in a small room, I don't think you can beat the perfomance for anything close to this price. In fact I have compared them against my 602s, and other than bass, I think they are equal in sound quality, with the 303s actually having more accurate bass for as low as they go.
On well recorded music, the detail they produce, particularly in the upper range is amazing. The only weakness is in some detail on certain instruments like drums where on a better speaker you can hear the "wisp and rasp" of a snare drum tone, the 303s produce a single sound.
This is a minor issue that I only notice when listening against my B&W 705s; but they also cost five times the price.
In the end, if I had to listen to only these speakers the rest of my life, I would still be well pleased.
Strengths: Accurate tone. beautiful highs. Good soundstage. Great price\value.
Weaknesses: None at this price.
Similar Products Used: B&W 602
B&W 705
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