B&W 803 vs. 804

I have owned both speakers for over a year before I moved on to a pair of WATT/puppy 5.1's. The 803's offer a significant improvement over the 804's in terms of bass response, depth, and soundstage. My listening room is fairly large -- 18'x22' -- and warrants the bigger sound of the 803's. Aside from cost, the only reason to consider the 804's is if they are being placed in a relatively small listening area where a small footprint is desired. Nonetheless, it was the 803's, NOT the 804's, that ultimately drew me back to the excitement of high-end audio.

I agree with R1b61, but it's important to point out that there is more of a difference between the two than just drivers. The 803 has quite a bit larger cabinet. So in all fairness to B&W the woofer change is not the only reason for an increase in price.

Rlb61, one of the main differences between the N804 and N803 is not only driver size but speaker cabinet volume and that plays a significant role in their sonic differences. The N804s can sound great in smaller rooms but can get lost in larger spaces. A very important determining factor between the two speakers is what size room they are going to be placed in. I am partly biased because I opted to go for the N803 because I felt they offered a $1500 improvement in terms of scale and realism over the N804, which I still feel are fantastic speakers.

Blackie -

Your point is well-taken. My room is a typical condo livingroom/dining room deal 22x17x8 which, IMHO, is a big room. The 804s, with proper amplification, fill up the room and sound great. Don't get me wrong, the 803s are a fine speaker, I just didn't think there was a whole lot of value for the dollar or that much of a difference in sound quality. Had I not gone for the 804s, I would've gone foro the 802s ($$$ permitting) because I think they represent a significant upgrade.

There is nothing to add to the comparison between the current N803 vs. the N804. My question is since we are at audiogon, and have access to classifieds, and other resources. Does either of these speakers sound better than a used Matrix 801, or 802 which have been broken in by someone who invested heavily in a speaker, and usually took care of that investment. IMHO B&W has priced the speakers at a point where loyal listeners are forced to search for alternate answers. Thus bringing other manufacturers into play and questions like I have asked previously. I love the N803, and N804. But the prices have doused my loyalty, and enthusiasm.