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Nautilus & S series

Hi all,

I am new to high-end system and currently shopping for a pair of B&W speakers. The model of choice is 803. There seems to be a nautilus 803 and 803s out there. These two look completely identical and I did not confuse it with earlier model N803 which is a lot more square looking.

Would it be a same model but a number change only after 803D came out at year 2005? Please let me know if whether they are indifferent or not? Thanks a million!!

jensenjunn
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
The nautilus 803 came out in 1997. The newer 803S came out I think in late 2004. The "S" series was a big upgrade over the older nautilus series in my opinion.

I am speaking from the perspective of the 805. B&W had the nautilus 805 at the same time they had the nautilus 803. They came the signature 805 which was a big upgrade over the nautilus. They 805S came after the signature 805, didn't offer the nicer finish of the signature 805, but sonically was much closer.

You'll notice that the 803S goes for more money. The 803D uses the diamond tweeter, the 803S does not.
jensenjunn OP
6 posts
 
So here is my question, does nautilus 803 (1997 model) looks the same as 803S (2004) model? If they look the same, how can I tell the difference?

Thanks!
audimiata
31 posts
 
The cabinets are identical(on the outside), but the tweeter housing is slightly different. The label near the speaker terminals will say 803S. Hope this helps.
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