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B&W N803 or Signature 805?

This is my 2nd posting as my first somehow didn't come out.

I am well aware that this is an unfair comparison with the N803 being a floorstand and the S805 as a standmound. However, if given the opportunity, which would you choose? I am looking to upgrade my Sonus Faber Grand Pianos to either one of the two mentioned as I preferred the B&W house sound more than the former.

I would be most grateful if anyone who had heard both speakers would chime in and give your opinions. I currently have deals on both speakers and a purchase would be imminent.
ryder
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
For me it's realy hard to imagin how to outperform Grand Pianos with B&W N803 or S805, but in comparison between N803 and 805 I liked better the monitors. Monitors beat with presentation, tightness and imaging.
ryder OP
1,687 posts
 
Thanks for responses. To put in another way, I preferred the B&W sound more than Sonus Fabers. I have owned the N805 and liked them much more than the Grand Pianos which are too warm for my listening preferences with a rolled off high frequency/treble.

The N805 is not too bad but was hoping to get more transparency, detail and dynamics with either both speakers mentioned.

Cheers.
jamesw20
270 posts
 
If you like the look/feel of SF, try the cremona auditors. I've owned both the sig 805 and the cremona and for stereo, the cremona is a factor better. For HT I like the s805.
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
any reason you purchased the grand pianos since you don't like the way they sound?
jason911919fb
1 posts
 
The N803 or 803S is a better all-around Speaker then the 805 unless your room is too small to accommodate a floor-stander. Stereophile Magazine gave the Nautilus 803 a "Class A Rating" back in 2001. This is a very good Speaker, and in my experience gives you much of what the larger 800 Series Speakers have to offer.
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