B&W N805 vs Revel M20

The biwiring, as you said,is the only advantage you're going to get with the 805s. And it won't matter, soundwise, compared to the Revels anyway. I auditioned them against the M20s. Very quick audition for me. Does it really matter what I (or anyone) hear? Trust your ears. My ears, (I trust them all the time) said "buy the M 20s baby." If you like the 805s better; buy them. DO NOT buy the Revel stands. They suck big time. So do the 805 stands. If you're interested in killer speaker stands, read my review for the Sistrum Mini Monitor Platforms. It's in the archives. Funny, I just wrote it a few days ago. They're really worth the price. Check out their website after you read the review. I use them with my Revels. You'll freak. I can, also turn you on to a good place to purchase those babies (the Revels that is ).

I don't really care about biwiring as long as the M20 sound better. Biamping is another matter as it leaves you with a convenient or flexible options if you need more power (I would get a matching P35 for my A32). How are the M20s in terms of power needed? Would be 100Wpc @8ohms OK? I am leaning more and more towards the M20s, though, it seems that most people who have heard both the N805 and M20 prefer the later. I can arrange an audition with the Revel dist. in México.

warrenh, what is so bad about the standard Revel stands (aside from looking like a black flamingo). I am in México and it is more convenient if I get them here although I could buy them in the USA and then bring them here. Same with the speakers (what about that place to purchase)?

Thanks for the responses.

Both speakers need many hours of break-in. Many. If your dealer doesn't have 80 - 120 hours on either of these speakers, look for a dealer who does. I considered both of these speakers the last time I made a speaker purchase, and still when I listen to both of these, I easily chose one over the other.

However, Warrenh said it best - "Trust your ears."

Hey Gustavog,

I've owned the M-20s and they need power. I had them hooked up to a Krell KAV-500 with the very same 100 WPC and up to about medium sound levels they were only good. After that, at higher volume levels, the soundstage would collapse. The Krell could not handle the demands the M-20s put on it. Remember the M-20s are a 6-ohm load and are only 85 to 86 dbs of sensitivity. So they are relatively hard to drive. On the other hand, the '805s are an easier speaker to drive but I prfer the M-20s. Hope this helps. Happy hunting......John

Jrwr7, what are you using now to drive the M20s?