Thoughts on 804 Nautilus

[62caddy]

Interested in hearing opinions of the B&W 804 Nautilus.

Any notes, comments, impressions would be very helpful. Would be used primarily for classical at low to moderate listening levels with MC 2125.

Thanks for your help.

[elbig]

I think they are very good speakers. I have some earlier 804's that I drive with a Bryston 3B ST which I think has about the same power as the 2125 into 8 ohms. They sound very clean and easy to listen to especially at moderate levels. My 804's lack a little bass but the Nautilus is better in that regard. I am certain the Nautilus and 2125 would sound even better. To me that is a winning combo.

[Anthony]

The 804D are a fine sounding speaker, suit the smooth style McIntosh amplification very well and are easy on the eyes.
Anthony

Originally Posted by 62caddy

Interested in hearing opinions of the B&W 804 Nautilus.

Any notes, comments, impressions would be very helpful. Would be used primarily for classical at low to moderate listening levels with MC 2125.

Thanks for your help.

[Briz Vegaas]

N804 is the model before mine, the 804s.

Although these speakers look almost identical they do differ in crossover design, tweeter construction etc, just as the 804D is also different again.

Even still there is a family resemblance in the compact stiff cabinet and similar drivers.

I believe the 2125 is a 125 watter and is an older model. Its very similar in specs to the amp that our local dealer uses (Electrocompaniet). You should get good results if you like the Mcintosh sound. The 804 will also sound better with bigger and better amps if thats where you want to head, although its not compulsory. I only say that as I have been doing the audiophile thing to mine since I purchased them new back in 2006. The sound now is not even vaguely similar as they have responded to each change I have fed them.

With the N804 it would be hard to go far wrong as they would sell for the same money you bought them for if you did not take a shine to them.

[miner]

In my every day system I use N804 with Rotel equipment. I also use an ASW800 sub with the N804 - they blend together very well. Many feel the B&W N804 are harsh due to metal dome tweeter but as with any speaker source equipment makes a big statement onthe sound. I truly enjoy listening to my N804s still. No regret with buying them. At the time they were the most expnseive speaker I had ever spent money on. Can't say that now.

[rumnyc]

I have owned these speakers for 8 years and just sold them last week and upgraded to 802 diamonds. The speakers are fantastic and hold value really well. It's pretty much risk free to get a 2nd hand pair and try for 6 months to recover 100pc of cost to try them although of you like the b&w +Mac sound I don't think you will sell. With good amps I thought the bass was fine and mids and highs were sublime.

[chessman]

rumnyc, welcome aboard!

[rumnyc]

Originally Posted by chessman

rumnyc, welcome aboard!

Thanks!

I just sold my N804 last week and am in the process of breaking in a new pair of 802D2

[chessman]

Originally Posted by rumnyc

Thanks!

I just sold my N804 last week and am in the process of breaking in a new pair of 802D2

We will need a full report.

[HTSteve]

62caddy,

I owned N804's before my current 802D's. The N804's then became my rear speakers in that setup.

I very much liked my N804's. They are quite good when driven well. Your 2125 would be very nice with them. The details of B&W with the smoothness of Mac. I have that today and enjoy it very much.

As others have noted, B&W holds value well. So this seems a pretty low risk move to me.


Hope this helps.