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Unknown wood on B&W 802 series 80

I just scored a nice looking pair of B&W 802s at an auction the other day for $750 so I'm very excited to get them in my system whenever I find the time to pick up these 70 pound beasts. What struck me most about these 802s is that they came in this very interesting wood (veneer I'm assuming). I've done a little research into other 802s and even some random various wood types and so far have seen nothing like them. My best guess is Tigerwood or Ironwood but those seem very strange to finish speakers in. Are these a custom job that B&W or someone else did? Are they one of a kind? Or am I getting too excited and they're not that rare? This is my first forum post so thanks for reading!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/16PT2hvLchNjBXFA6
mikekasty
mikekasty OP
3 posts
 
Thank you all for the kind words and ideas, thank you especially Elliot for your tips about keeping them nice and actually getting your woodworker on this. As for the bass grills I'm pretty sure it's just the picture, I have several more pictures that I didn't include that showed the grills at the same level, also a few zoomed in pics. I can include some of those too if it'd please you all. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
OP
For $750 I think you did very well if no driver/ crossover issues.
Enjoy!
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
They are striking in appearance! I like it. B&W did use some exotic woods on some of their later 800 series speakers. I remember seeing pairs of them in Tiger's Eye veneer. Very beautiful. Probably is aftermarket, but notice nice touches to detail as rear plate/sticker ID badges are intact on back. As others have said if they are in good original working condition, you have scored a good find for $750. 
I'm jealous!....:-)
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
A friend of mine has a pair of Vandersteen Treos in worm wood. Similar in appearance to your B&W's. Worm wood is also very beautiful.
mikekasty OP
3 posts
 
Sorry for the delay, the universe did not want me to get these speakers up and running. Took a week to find the time to get them from the auction house, then I had to order banana plugs, then when everything was plugged in no sound came from the speakers, then a new pair of speaker wire and a little while of figuring out my Carver doesn't like banana plugs later, here I am. Even with my dinky Carver 6200 Receiver and not so fantastic wire they sound fantastic. I put on a Lee Ritenour "Direct Disk" and it came to life, especially at higher volumes. So as far as I can tell they work perfectly AND look great (matching pair too (: )
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