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B&W N802 vs FOCAL 937Be

I have the opportunity to buy either one of these Speakers for $4,500-used. Both are less than 2-yrs old and in excellent condition. On paper they seem very similar with the one major difference being the 937Be's high-freq. capabilities which go all the way up to 37Khz, while the N802's only go up to 22Khz. Both Speakers use a pair of 8" Woofers and the low-freq. are within 1hz of each other. I casually listened to the N802 a couple of years ago and briefly listened to the 936 (not 937Be) only once. From memory the N802 was a bit forward/midrange-centric and the 936 a bit laid back/very-smooth. These 2-models fit my room, amplifier, budget and have great asthetics + both are made by whom many consider to be the two top Speaker Manufacturers in the world.
Any other opinions out there on these two?
jamieklz873a
washline
202 posts
 
I've heard them both and like them both. I think the 937's approach the Diva Utopias pretty closely. The 802s are very nice as well. It's a tough call. I'd take the 937s because I prefer the Beryllium tweeter and I like the bass better on JM Lab speakers. But I think your decision really rests on your electronics and your listening preferences. Try to audition if possible.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Build quality on the B&Ws is better if that matters to you.

They are both big box speakers with different house flavors. They both have metal tweeters. Only you can decide which you like better after the audition.

Out of the two, I would probably take the B&Ws, but I would have to EQ the sound or something to try and tame the annoying tweeter.
courtvision21cbcc
32 posts
 
If you're going to spend about $4,500 and want to keep an open mind to other products, try looking into the Von Schweikert VR-4 JR or the Krell Resolution 2. The VR-4 JR will cost way cheaper than $4,500 on the used market, but would not be embarrassed by the B&W N802 and FOCAL 937Be. In fact based on my past auditions (I heard the B&W N802, but not the Focal), I think the JRs, if set up properly, will sound more like real live music than the B&W. Not saying the B&W is bad, as I almost bought a pair last year myself. But the VR-4 JRs just sounded more real and better to me. The Krell Res 2 which costs a little more closer to the $4500 range offers almost the same characteristics as the VR-4 JRs, but with subtle flavor differences, are pretty nice too. If your room is big, then the Krell Res2 might be a better choice, but if your room is not too big, the VR-4 JRs will do nicely and save you money. As always, see if you can audition them first before making any purchase....$4500 is no chump change, so be careful.

Good luck !
hellbit
1 posts
 
Hi which speaker did you choose? I bought a pair of electra 937be last week and was just curious of what you think of them?
dhc
6 posts
 
There is an easy tweak for the tweeter in the N802. There are 2 Vishay resistors in parallel on the High pass board. If you remove one or just cut the lead on one it drops the output about 2-1/2 dB and in most Non-anechoic rooms will sound much better and not loose detail or air.
They B&W's NEED power. I tried many amps with mine and the Bryston 14B SST2 was the one I liked best. These were one of the most life like speakers I have ever owned, but you have to have the amp to drive them or you will be disappointed.
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