Confused about 800 series speakers

[beanboy]

I'm looking at a pair of 800 Nautilus speakers that are local to me.

They are 8 years old. And are $9500.

Couple questions:
Is this a good deal? What would be a fair price?
Would you choose these or 802 diamonds?

Thanks for the help!
Parker

[Masterlu]

Parker... I can't comment much on the B&W speakers, as I never owned them. My gut says it's much too high for speakers that old.

BTW; I know you are new to the forum, but we don't post links to ebay or Agon here, thanks. :o

[Chicago]

I am not sure this will answer your question but the original cost for N800 was $16,000. I believe there have been two generations since these - the D and Diamond (some call them D2). The current models of 800 speakers, used and in pristine condition go for about 75% of MSRP. Your seller is asking for about 60% of the original price.

I would look at how much the speakers have changed between the current models and the Nautilus era. I know the diamond tweeter is new and the crossovers, drivers and internal cabinet design has changed for at least some of the 800 models. I am not sure when the kevlar midrange, or rohacell cones for the bass came on board.

My take would be the more changes that have taken place between todays models and these the more the price should reflect this. Is a 15% difference enough for all the changes, I guess that is up to you.

I will say that many folks thought the 802D was better than the N800 and a used pair of 802D will run $7,000 to $7,500. Go and listen to them and let your ears be the judge. $9,500 will buy a lot of speaker brand new so you might also listen to the current models, or other manufacturers.

I have 803 Diamonds and I love them. They are about $10,000 new and $7,500 used. I liked them better than the N802 that I also auditioned, but I have never heard the N800.

Good Listening,
Mike

[Masterlu]

Thanks for chiming in Mike!

[2fastdriving]

If I had that budget I would look at the 803 diamond or the 804+JL sub. I believe those will give you better mids and highs compared to the old 800. But I am going by my experience with the diamond series (owned 804 and 802) and only heresay on the nautilus.

Another good choice would be the aerial 7t which I've never heard but would love to. Everyone seems to love that.

[beanboy]

Anyone have thoughts on the old 800 vs a new diamond 802?

[Masterlu]

The Aerial 7T is an Awesome speaker at a terrific price point.

[2fastdriving]

The Aerial 7T is an Awesome speaker at a terrific price point.

See what I mean? Lol

I had the 802 diamond and while I can't compare it to the older 800 for you, I can confidently say it is extremely good for its price. I had to spend twice as much to beat it. I believe that it would better the old 800 in all but a few hz of bass response. Just my 2 cents.

[enzo66]

I think that a right price for 800 N should be between 5500 $ and 7500 $ if kept in perfect conditions and with the original boxes.
.... I'd choose 800 N with the tweeter of the 802 diamond.....
Ciao, Enzo

[djwhog]

my 2 cents is that at that age even in good shape you may have some start to woofer surround fatigue or deterioration too. I like Ivan's option at that price :)

[Still-One]

beanboy

In my opinion each newer iteration of the 800 series has provided a nice jump in sound quality over the previous. I still believe that the 802D's were/are one of the best bargains in high end audio. With the move to the latest Diamond Series B&W has again raised the bar with improved crossovers which is especially noticeable in the mid range.

You won't find many bargains on the latest Diamonds but you regularly see 800D & 802D's up for sale.

[Higgens]

I concur that the new generation diamond tweeters are a big step up from prior drivers. I owned the nautilus version that I bought new in 1999. Over time, as I aged and preferences changed, I found the nautilus to be fatiguing over long listening sessions. Each subsequent generation - the S, the D, and the Diamond had noticeable improvements. So for this line of speakers, newer is better, IMHO.

[Briz Vegaas]

I asked this question of my B&W dealer back when the 802d was new. He had both side by side and liked the 802d best, by a nose. At the price you would say yes to 800 signatures., but they were a limited run with the Birdseye finish.

My 804s are 7 years old, frankly they are as good as new. It depends on use and care I guess. Of course they are now rear speakers with little use in the past 12 months. My ht is used so rarely now. Movies are not what they used to be.

[Grasshopper]

I love my signature 800's! I definitely prefer the bigger drivers to the 802's (d's or diamonds). I'd guess the n800's are pretty sweet..ymmv of course.

[American Explorer]

Hi beanboy,
IMO $9500 is too high for the 8 year old B&W 800N's. I have seen used 802 Diamonds with their wonderful midrange and diamond tweeter units for about the same price on Audiogon. For the price, you could also get a pair of new B&W 803 Diamonds, which I believe sound nearly comparable to the 802 Diamonds. The B&W 804's and Aerial 7T's are fine speakers, but to my ears are lacking in the bottom end without a sub. AE