B&W N803 vs. Revel F30

Grant,

I have not heard the F30, but the B&W Nautilus 803 is excellent for your music needs. My brother has the same music needs as you and he used a pair of N803 for a few years driven by a Jeff Rowland amplifier. The N803 delivers a wide and deep soundstage with excellent imaging, accurate harmonics and timbre, and a clean midrange withe just a little bit more sweetness and warmth in the vocal midrange compared to a live concert. The well designed enclosure also gives it a box free sound.

At a used price of $3300 to $3500, the N803 is worth every penny. If you can spend $500 to $700 more, a pair of Wilson Watt 3 Puppy 2 is even better than the N803.

One note, if your amp doesn't have at least 150 watts, I wouldn't suggest the N803's. I use the N803's and they didn't live up to their reputation until I put 150 watts to them, ironically it is Jeff Rowland as listed above.

I would go with the B&W N803. First is the look and second is the sound. Although I haven't heard the Revel F30 yet. I am pretty happy with my N803 so far. Brianmgrarcom is right. At the begining, I ran the N803 with 110/channel, terrrible result until I bought the Mcintosh MC352 (350w/c). Huge different.

Why not save yourself a bundle and try a pair of Maggie 1.6's, if you have the space? Huge wide and deep soundstage, and simply amazing is the best way to describe their sound. I too like the N803's allot (haven't heard the Revels), but when you hear people speak of the magical Maggie sound, it's real.