Straight from the tech expert at B&W: the sig 805 and new 805 are esentially the same with out the nice finish. Will they, I didn't think so, but yes. It sounds as though they have. I believe the crossover is slightly different as well.
Kill the old sig? I don't think that is the case. I don't know too many audiophiles that could care less about the quality of finish. They won't top the finish on the old signature. However, they will make a great speaker more affordable to people. I'm waiting for them to put the diamond tweeter (available in the 801,802, and 803 only) into the 805 and call it the new signature line. That will be worth the wait. Although, probably won't happen for a couple years.
Kill the old sig? I don't think that is the case. I don't know too many audiophiles that could care less about the quality of finish. They won't top the finish on the old signature. However, they will make a great speaker more affordable to people. I'm waiting for them to put the diamond tweeter (available in the 801,802, and 803 only) into the 805 and call it the new signature line. That will be worth the wait. Although, probably won't happen for a couple years.