B&W CDM 9NT vs 804's

When I picked up my CDM9's the 1000 bucks(+ or -) wasn't worth the upgrade to the N804's. The speakers sounded somewhat similar. I second Rsbeck's suggestion for the N803's. Those were markedly better.

I would also suggest that if you can't afford the move to N803's take a listen to the N805's, I prefer 805's over the 804's.

I prefer the 804s over the CDM 9NT ... the CDM's bass is particularly boomy and the Nautilus tweeter, IMHO, is a marked improvement in all areas. The price difference is worth it. However, I found little difference between the 804s and the 803s - certainly not enough to justify an extra $1,500. The real step up is from the 804s to the 802s.

Everybody hears a little differently, I guess. Rlb61 has commented on the "boomy" nature of the CDM9's. I, along with most of the comments I've read regarding these speakers, disagree with that assessment. If anything, the knock on the CDM9's is that the bass is somewhat reserved. I've had to fiddle around w/ my system to improve the quantity of bass, not tame it. Anyway, the divergent opinions regarding the N80x's vs. the CDM9's should provide impetus to go out and listen, then decide for yourself.

CDM 9 have more bass, tweeter is less smooth, and overall sound is less refined. N803 is better for bigger room, N804 for smaller room.
Get some used 802's for the $5,000, forget the N803. I agree with RLB61 the 802'3 with the bowling ball midrange is where the big improvement lies.