B&W Nautilus 803 & 804 Vs The World

This is the real question. Having owned N804's and then N805's and a Rel subwoofer, I can honestly say now that better is out there at a much cheaper price. I now own a VTF-2 HSU Subwoofer and a pair of Soliloquy 5.0s bookshelf speakers. They sound a little more refined and are built at a level the N series cannot compete with. Also note they are 1/4 the price of N805's. Don't get me wrong I liked the Nautilus speakers but in the long run do not consider them a value. Also one of their biggest downfalls (At least for me at home) was that they required serious amplification $$$ wise. Not worth the effort.

Tburk, I've had my N802's for just over a year and they are wonderful. They require a powerful and high quality amp for sure. I initially used them with a Bryston 4B ST which did not have enough power, the Bryston constantly clipped. I then upgraded to a Levinson 334 and that made all the difference in the world - a tremendous match. Thinking more is better, I then went to a 335. There was no benefit - the 334 and 335 sound the same. Your 334 is more than enough for the N802. It just goes to show that you can't go by the rated wattage - the 125 watt 334 kills the 250 watt Bryston. If you do go with the N802, give them plenty of time as they require a very long breakin period to sound their best.

Thanks JP - The 804's are so good in my room with the m/l 334, it's hard to imagine anything better. The bass in my room is plenty, even though it sounded a little weak when i auditioned them at the store. Also there is a good break-in time for the 804 as well, and now after 9 mo. they are the best things I have heard. I am very encouraged to upgrade now - thanks for the ideas. I had the impression that the 334 has what it takes, but was even considering upgrading the amp. I have a couple of months on the trade-in deal.

tburk,if you love the 804's stay with them. in audio as in life bigger is not better. balance rules. if your room is large go bigger, if not use your money on cables. i have a simple style. if you can achieve the sound you love with as few components as possible then do it! i found heaven with the mark levinson #383 intergrated giving the n804's and my ears all they can handle. my next venture is to find a one box cd player without a preamp or volume control. any opinions would be greatly appreciated. i am thinking electrocompaniet emc-1. peace and good listening.

Interesting concept. I have only a No. 39 directly into the 334. It's wonderful, and your idea of simplicity is a good one. Thanks for the ideas. I do have pretty good cables too - Synergy Research - though I have only compared them with one other set. I am considering adding a pre-amp to give me the flexibility of having a tuner and tape.