N805's vs N802's

True about power.You can use 40 watt tube of 100 watt SS with 805N now way you can do that above 804N.I sold Krell and B&W from'96 to 2001. (just before change to S/D series but not much difference on this issue).The 803/802's had close to 90 db stated efficiency at NOMINAL 8 ohm load.But during play a nasty impedance swing the B&W's could go down to a high 3 ohm load.They nee current.A good (not cheap receiver but I assume your not going to go below Rotel,Adcom.NAD etc and probably have better).I think in mid sized room having 200 watts is must.Never Always thought with original series that 803N was best value and now they have 803S (why anybody bough 804's I could never figure).But now you can get phenomenal 803D with better high end and as much bass do to extra driver as original 802.Was not a "deal" but well priced at $8K.Now at $9K or 803S at $6K well you'd be judge.Used 802N's are fine if you have space.But if using HQ sub in 5.1 I'd go 803S and if not 803D (used $5500-$6K) is a great speaker.IMHO.But 805 and REL is great combo.You get better imaging with it but 803/802 will give you much bigger deeper sound stage.
Cheers
Chazz

Yes, the N802's will require a lot of good clean high current power and also like to be bi-wired or shotgun wired to sound their best.

A lot of great advice given, read closely.

I once owned the Signature 805's, speakers I really liked. When the new diamond series came out I listened to the 803D and liked what I heard, which led me to order the 802D. While I am sure the 802D is a fine speaker, it needs to be in the right circumstances, as with all speakers; I simply must not of had the right envirnment as they didn't work to the level I feel they should have.

Tread carefully, Chazz gives a lot of good info., as well as Krell1's statement, "A lot depends on your room size.".

Everyone has given some great advice to keep in mind and I will add to that of a 100WPC of class A power would probably be a minimum to consider. I was just using my Krell 300i as a substitute while my 300S was @ Krell for service. While the 300i (150 wpc) plays them decently and never cut out or sacrificed good sound, the 300S will light them up. I was thinking of moving up to a 600 or 700 Krell amps but after hearing the small integrated, the 300S is really perfect for 100+db playback. Consider your listenening habits and material being played at realistic levels.