2. speakers
  3. 127188-2137

Heard the B&W N804d3s ...

I've owned the original iteration of the N804s since I bought them new in '01. After 15 years, I thought perhaps it was time to upgrade to a newer model. So, I auditioned the new N804d3s at a local retailer. They sounded great, and are an improvement over the originals in the areas of bass slam and airiness. However, that step up to my ears is equivalent to about 10-15%. Not sure that that sort of improvement justifies the price ($9K for the d3s vs. $3,500 for the original N804s), although "upgradeitis" tempts me to pull the plug. Is it just me, or does the law of diminishing returns apply in this case? Your thoughts on this or the qualitiative differences between the old and new Nautilus lines would be most appreciated.

rlb61
rlb61 OP
742 posts
 
Quite frankly, I still dig the sound and looks of the N804s (which I think are designed nicer than the current model). Just wish it had a bit more bass.  Maybe a really good sub would do the trick.
rlb61 OP
742 posts
 
Mb1 audio ... to which speakers are you referring?
mb1audio
151 posts
 
" Mb1 audio ... to which speakers are you referring?"

I wasn't referring to any specific speaker. I don't know anything about your tastes, electronics, room, .... etc. Personally, I think Vandersteen makes the best speakers, but it would be wrong for me to just assume they're the best option for you. As it stands, you have a pair of speakers you already know and like. Its very easy to make a mistake in a situation like this. Maybe if you list more details and expectations, we can suggest some speakers for you to demo.

gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
Mb1, I agree with your comments. For $9K, rlb61 has more options than the B&W’s. I have always liked the sound of their speakers(B&W), though I have never bought them.
I also second the Vandy’s, but as mb1 pointed out, the OP needs to give some more detail should he want suggestions.
rlb61 OP
742 posts
 
Thanks, folks. My system is the N804s, a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista CD, BAT VK-3i preamp, Musical Fidelity A300cr power amp (225 wpc), and Magnum Dynalab MD-102 FM tuner. Cabling is Cardas Golden Reference. Old stuff, I know, but it has served me well and provided many hours of happy listening. As far as expectations, essentially I would like a bit more bass. I am happy with the speakers otherwise. Also, my listeningroom is treated with materials from GIK Acoustics ... the room is small, about 9x10 with 8' ceilings (typical converted bedroom).
More to discover