hi,
"Chris/Jabo: There is a high probable that we will go with the B&W speakers b/c my wife likes the exterior designs. If we can fit the N804 in the room, would you recommend that the 300SEI mate with N804 or N805 OR the SLI80 would provide more synergy with either the 804,805.
Again, thanks in advance for your opinions.
Ken"
If you are going with B&W speakers then I would get the SLI-80 as the B&W's tend to soak up power.
I have a SLI-80 and love it, a great amp for the money. It lends itself to tube rolling, you can use KT-88s, 6550s, 6L6s or EL-34s as power tubes in the ultralinear or triode modes.
My present tube line up, nos RCA 5U4s, nos Tung Sol soild gray plate 6550's, Pope 6SN7s and Amperex PQ 6992s.
The best sounding new production power tube imo is the JJ KT88s.
good luck and good listening
Larry