I stuck with them for almost 3 years. Damn fine speakers.
I had them, at one point, in a system using a CJ PV 11, and a McCOrmack DNA.5 amp. Great imaging, Great all around, really.A truly refined speaker.
I would absolutely recommend this speaker, even though I found somethign that lights my fire a bit more. That particular speaker, the JM Reynaud Trente, is a very similar (looking, at least) design. ALso highly recommended- a more emotional speaker, with spooky presence, and a HUGE sound, compared to the slightly smaller stage of the 805.
GOod Luck. |
They will have to pry my N805's from my cold, dead hands. Enough said. |
I haven't heard the above mentioned JM Reynaud Trente, but from what I've read, I would look into those as well; plus Hatbeth Compact 7's. |
Yep, Them's Be Good For Music!
I recently saw someone on audiogon selling their N803 which where used for rear surrounds??? Hopefully most N805's are being used in a 5.1 Audio set-up, waste of a good speaker for HT.
If you go for the N805's your going to need a sub, may I recommend Rel. The two Britt's compliment each other very well.
The CDM-9NT is a Great sounding speaker also, which you could p/u for the same price as a pair of used 805's.
With the 9NT's you wouldn't need stands, nor a sub (initally). The 9's have the FST midrange of the N804-800 line-up, something the 805's lack.
As all in all, the N805's are Cdm-1nt's in Nautilus clothing. I would run them head to head w/ the cdm-1nt's if you need a stand-mounter, do to room constrictions???
Both are Stereophile B rated.
Honestly, not to talk in circles here? The 805's are grand for music, however till you hit the N803 level there's better deals in B&W CDM line. |
I agree with Sdcampbell. I own (4) N805s and love them. Mate them with a REL Strata III and for $3500.00 USD list, you'll be happy no matter what type of music you throw at them. There have been lots of posts on the N805s...the following is my post to the "Speakers to hang on for life" thread: This response takes this topic in a slightly different direction. Most of the responses are in the vein of "I really, really like speaker X and can't see myself upgrading." I see this topic really asking the question "What speaker would you never get rid of?" There is a difference.
Is the Nautilus 805 the *best* sounding speaker out there? Of course not. However, I will *never* get rid of my (4) Nautilus 805s because I will *always* have a use for them.
What audio enthusiast doesn't have a use for a great sounding, great looking monitor / bookshelf sized speaker? Even if they are not part of my primary system, they would be great in a den, a living room, bedroom, or even an office. They will work in a one-bedroom apartment as well as they would integrate into a room of a 12,000 sq ft mansion.
It's tough to deny the beauty and craftsmanship of the Nautilus 805s (especially in natural cherry). If you can help the wife get past the "microphone" on the top, you can probably integrate these speakers into the decor of most any room.
Some may not care for the signature B&W sound, but these speakers are undeniablly respectable. The measure well (as long as you are not a dog) and are nearly time aligned. They aren't too picky about placement, but given sufficient breathing room, can "disappear" into the music.
They are easy to drive, and work with high-powered solid state amps as well as tube setups (probably not SET, but I've never tried it). The 805s rolloff nicely such that integration with a sub (especially a REL Strata III) is a breeze.
My next speaker will probably be the Vandersteen 3A sigs + (2) 2Wq subs. However, I won't feel the same loyalty to that setup as I do for my 805 / Strata III combo. Why? One word - flexibility.
I look forward to my next upgrade, but I will not be selling my 805s to do so. For they are speakers I will hold onto for life. That being said, for a little less money, you owe it to yourself to check out the Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs. They do not have the same WAF, but they are magical. |
