B&W 801 2or 3

It was a pair of B&W 801 III connected to a big Krell amp that got me hooked on the hobby.

I also own 802 III's, but I don't understand your criticism of the Nautilus series. They seem very well built. Although I have never heard the comparison, a couple of acquaintances have told me they chose the 802 over the 801, because they felt there was a "hole in the middle" due to the large bass driver in the 801. The 802 uses two 8-inch bass drivers. Despite criticisms about B&W, I find my 802's very competitive & revealing speakers. I think some people don't like them because they don't warm up the sound or plump up the midrange, and they reveal the faults of the other associated components. I know that I can hear very fine small details my Vandersteens never could, but the detail is not shoved in your face. It is just there to be heard deep into the mix. Of course, the addition of the Northcreek crossovers improved sonics so significantly that I think my speakers are halfway between a stock 802 III & a Nautilus 802.

Jjmali, apparently I was unusually ignorant when i bought my M802's -:), so didn't really comprehend the need for a lot of power until recently. I have a 240 wpc C-J MF2500A coming this week, which I'm hoping will "do it for me". I also agree with Kevziek about how revealing they are. Sometimes I feel like owning these speakers is like "wearing a hair shirt"--they are great, but you may go insane trying to upgrade your other components to a level that will make them sound their best. The plus side is, you learn a lot about other components you try as you will hear everything. I've also just bought a Cary pre-amp; I'm hoping the SS power of the MF2500A with the tube warmth of the Cary will make for a nice combo. Pls. e-mail me if you have any more insights. I also like to learn more about the Northcreek crossovers. thanks, steve

Thanks eveyone for answering my email question. I didn't really mean to smash the quality of the Natilus series of speakers. I just think that when a company is asking $8000 plus for the 802 Natilus and above then I would like a little nicer finish than the dark or light cherry that B&W is putting on there speakers. Monitor Audio at one time made the cabinets for B&W and has had access to some very rare and exoctic finishes. B&W now has there own factory doing there wood working finishes for them and they just don't have the beauty of the former say 801 or 802 Matrix two or three in especially the Rosewood finish which blows away the finish that B&W now offers. The Natilus 800 does offer the Tiger Eye and I belive a Birds Eye Maple that is very attractive but there again it should be for $20,000. As far as the new bullit head on top the 802,801,800 its very nice but its got a more contempary look and thats fine if thats what you like but I prefer a more traditional look when it comes to speakers in general. As far as sound goes I would think the new series is better but everyone has different opinions on this subject. I'am 47 years old and have been doing this for 30 years so I guess I'am a little old fashion and like the old stuff better in alot of ways. This subject was not intended to offend Natilus users or owners but is just my personal opinion and everyone has a right to his or hers. "Happy Listening"

I have a pair of 801 series 3 that I used to drive with a Rotel 200 watt RB-990BX. The setup sounded good, but shifted up to really great when I put in a pair of Bryston 7BST 500 watt monoblocks. The change for the better was immediately apparant in both detail and musical heft. I also installed the Northcreek crossover upgrades about a year ago and I am very pleased with the futher improvement in bass response, dynamics and sound staging that resulted. I prepared a lengthly .pdf with photos of the installation detailing my experience with the Northcreeks that I would be happy to email to any Audiogon member who wants to read it - just drop me an email through the Audiogon server.