Differences between BW N804 and BW N805?

Side by side, I much preferred the 805. There IS a SMALL bit more bass with the 804, but the drivers seem much more integrated with the 805 vs the 804, because of the smaller distance between the drivers (2 on the 805 vs 3 on the 804).
I suspect that most other people that have heard the 2 side by side will say the same. The mid driver on the 804 is a very different driver than the mid/bass driver on the 805. I heard a more recessed or veiled midrange with the 804. I really wanted to like the 804 better, but ultimately, I think the best overall choice would be a used pair of 805s with 1 or 2 REL Strata III subs. They are supposed to mate beautifully with the B&W Nautilus speakers.

good luck

I disagree with Gthirteen.I sold B&W Matrix and the only ones I liked were 805's,802's and 801's.The problem with the matrix 804 at $2100 over the $1600 805's was that you got a bit more more bass for the $500 but the imaging wasn't as good (I also thought the 802 delivered the goods at $4K with much more bang for the buck than $3K for 803's).But now with the improvement and big price increase I think the 804's are a fine compact floor standing speaker.My only complaint with the 805 is the port.A bit "honky".Maybe if they put it on back.In any case but especially with the 805's get a set of Sound anchor stands.Bob Warzalla top mass loads the stands which may not be as pretty but sounds way better.Even with the floor stnding speakers.My freind had a pair of $5K 803N's and asked me what he could to improve his system.He kind of laughed when I told him with his wood floor (and even if he had cement) that the few inches but heavy mass stands under his would make all the difference in the world but when we put them in his jaw just dropped.Lastly if you are thinking 805's as you might want say a hi quality sub latter (which would blow away the 804's)I would also check out the Revel M20's at same price.Real nice speaker but different.With either of those and a fast pitch accurate sub like a Vanderteen 2Q or an REL Strata you would have better imaging and way more bass.A set of used B&W 805's at $1600 and a Vandersteen sub used for less than $800 plus a few hundred for the Sound Anchors would be one of the most cost efficient set ups out there and run hundreds less than 804's while eating them alive.If a freind want to replace his $1200 stereo and get a audiophile rig this last set or Magnepan 1.6's plus a good integrated tube amp like the Cary is the set up I tell freinds to get if they want most cost efficient TRULY hi end system.