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Has the B&W S805 actually changed from N805?

I visited a B&W dealer yesterday to check out the new S805 speakers. I told him I currently have the N805s in my 2 channel system. He advised me not to upgrade because the S805 are "unchanged" from the N805s except for the cabinet veneer finishes. I challenged him about this (based on my understanding) he asked the store manager for clarification and the manager agreed and supported the sales associate. While I appreciate his avoidance of a sales pitch for a commission, his info seems inconsistent with the B&W web site and many comments from people here on Audiogon. Many previous posts here have stated the significant audible improvement of the sigs over the nautilus, please advise. Thanks in advance guys.
mijknarf
glai's avatar
glai
446 posts
 
Own both S&N 805s. S has upgraded tweeter for smoother and more extended high. The magnet of the woofer has increased in surface area for deeper base. The crossover is changed from 4th order to 1st order. According many European mags., the s805s are one of the best B&Ws. Listen to both and u'll see. Other standmount at this price: JMLab micro-utopia BE, Dynaudio 25th anniv..
mijknarf OP
266 posts
 
Help me understand the difference between 1st order and 4th order crossover. It seems to me that the better speakers contain a 1st order crossover, why?
snickelfritz
42 posts
 
Each "order" represents 6db/octave roll-off.
ie: 1st order crossovers have a more gradual blending between the drivers than 2nd, 3rd or 4th order crossovers.
This purportedly results in better phase response, but increases the amount of power sent to the tweeters.

Lower order crossovers can also be more susceptible to "lobing" effects and cancellations off-axis.
mijknarf OP
266 posts
 
Snickelfritz: How 'bout in English! Now I know how my wife feels when I try to explain to her what a DAC is!! Just kidding...thanks for the explaination Snickelfritz.
jamesw20
270 posts
 
Looking to upgrade to nautilus for ht and 2 channel. I would like to have s805 for fronts but due to cost constraints would need n805 for surrounds. My real question is regarding the center. The sig center is available in tigers eye only, or can I also purchase it in the red bird's eye? Anyone know how an htm 2 would blend with the s805? I use 5 channel for a good deal of my music and don't want crappy sound due to different drivers.

Thanks,

JWH
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