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Are B&W Nautilus 804's too bright

I have a system with the B&W Nautilus 804's. Some of the components of my system are

McCormack HT5 amp (5 channel)
Anthem D2 processor w/ Arc
B&W Nautilus series 804 fronts, HT2 ctr, SCM surrounds
McCormack UDP1 disk player (the upgraded model)
Dennon 3800BDI blu ray player, HDTV,
Audioquest cabeling, etc.

I know that some people love B&W's but some people feel quite the opposite of that. I also understand these are not the 802 models or the S or D models.

What I want to understand is that quite a few posts say they are really just too bright with lean mids. But do they just need a good system behind them to show their potential? Plus a good sub since it is a big room? If so, what is the best equipment to maximize their abilities? I do appreciate the detail, but want to avoid harshness. I also do not want to advance a problem and simply cover it up.

There is a lot of knowledge and experience on this site, and I would like to learn more.
still_learning
koven
94 posts
 
I had Nautilus 805's and found them on the bright side as well, I think many feel the same and it's mainly due to the metal tweeter. Room acoustics and electronics also play a big part.

They are quite power hungry speakers, especially if you're trying to fill a large room. The Nautilus precedes the Signature, and then the Diamond. There are crossover upgrades in the newer versions that smooth out the highs a bit. However, like I said, I blame the metal tweeter. Have you looked into other speakers?
miner42
709 posts
 
I use mine with Rotel RC-1090/RB-1092 and a B&W ASW800 sub - all seems balanced to me but then B&W voices their speakers with Rotel/Classe equipment.
james63
534 posts
 
They are not too bright many people are just too old.... just kidding

Really play a drum set or ring hit a cow bell in your room and you will know what bright is .

Many people like a dark colored speaker and find balaned sound to be bright. I for one like a neutral speaker but would choose bright over dark any day.

With that being said I have found (I owned the 803,703) that B&Ws bass improves a good deal with added headroom from your amp. But you amp should really be good enough depending on your listening volume. All in all the 804 and down could use more bass in larger rooms.

It all comes down to personal taste. As long as you like your speakers it does not matter what people think.
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