B&W Nautilus 803's versus 804's and 802's

You could get a REL Storm III sub to fill in the bottom. Just keep in mind the N804 plus the REL is equal to the cost of the N803. Some folks like the 804 with the REL better than a N803 without a sub, so if you can give that combo a listen (or with the dealers most musical sub, then try it). Pick up the REL elsewhere later.

I second Sugarbie... the REL is quite "friendly" and is one of the few subs that I really like in this world. The Storm goes great with my Sig 30s which have little in the way of low bass.

Also keep in mind that the 801 and 802 are power hungry and like large amplifiers(especially the 801).

Room size dictates your choice.

The 803's will give you what you want, maybe you should buy the sub later. Those 804's and 3's will still need a strong amp, say 100W. or more per channel minimum. There is a real difference between the 4's and the 3's. I prefered the 805's to the 804's, but liked the 803's even more. Size and budget lead me to the 805's with a REL Strata III sub. What amplification do you have?

What is your opinion on the size of my listening room with the 803's. The actual room size in the basement is 19.5 ft wide by 16 ft deep. My listening is done in an area 11.5ft wide by 16ft deep along the long wall. The 804's currently are 10 ft in front of me with 2ft 4" behind my sofa. The ceiling height is 7ft 5" except for a boxed beam where the height is 6ft 11". The speakers are 2.5ft from the back wall. The left speaker is 2.5ft from the side wall. The right speaker is 8.5 ft from the side wall which leaves a lot of space on that side where a futon bed is and an end table. The speakers are almost 6.5 ft apart.

I found the 802's too big for the room. I feel i needed to sit back a lot further to enjoy the 802's. The midrange is very clear, there was more bottom end and wider soundstage than the 804's. However i prefer the 804's in my basement.

I'm using the MF Nu-vista m3 integrated with a Linn Ikemi cd player.