Whats better Nautilus 802 or 801

I own the 802's. I've A/B'd them and personally, I like the 802 better. It's faster, tighter, and simply more articulate. It is also more forgiving with lowered powered amps, but responds well to the big boys when used. You have to have a huge room to enjoy the 801's. If not, look out! Your room will become loaded with LF, and that is definetly a bad thing. I think the folks at Bowers & Wilkins like the 802 better as well. They will soon be releasing a new Nautilus speaker that is more expensive than the 801 and guess what, it looks like a larger 802. I think its going to use dual 10" drivers instead of one large woofer as in the 801.

I agree with the above post. I bought 802s for the exact same reasons - tighter bass and more articulation. The decreased weight and size are also a plus, much nicer looking are the 802s. Have heard them with a 80W CJ tube amp and I ran them with a Levinson 333, no problem either way.

The size of room is the bigest factor.

Hands down, the 802series3 are the best Matrix speakers I've heard. 802's emits a hell of a lot more detail, produced superior imaging, and more articulate LF. Only draw back with 802's are the sweet spot is smaller compared to every other matrix speaker except the 805s. I might also add that the 802s are more analytical than 801s, which I personally prefer. If you want more bass, as the 801's provide, get yourself a subwoofer. However, I do like the cabinet on the 801 better because of the stubby looking box like base that makes this speaker look like a fat droid from starwars.

i heard the new N800 last week and it is something special. it reminds me of the silver signature which had been my favorite b&w speaker. it has 30% more interior volumne than the N802 but is slightly shorter. the signature version with some cosmetic upgrades is $20k list and the regular is $16k. the speakers disappear to a much greater degree than previous N-series speakers and the massive plinth attached to the bottom of the speaker seems to eliminate the boominess the N801 could have in many rooms. link to pictures below.

http://shows.soundstagelive.com/shows/avtour2001/frk_showstop_01.shtml