B&W does make some excellent speakers. But IMO, in order to get a decent sounding pair, you really have to go as high as the 802 and above. Anything below are unimpressive to my ears, as compared to the much less expensive Axioms, for example.
This is a bit twisted analogy, but B&W kind of reminds me of some of the big-name Californian wineries -- make a small quantity of excellent (but expensive) product to obtain a brand recognition and reputation, and then sell tons of cheap, mediocre products using the name.
