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Heard the B&W N804d3s ...

I've owned the original iteration of the N804s since I bought them new in '01. After 15 years, I thought perhaps it was time to upgrade to a newer model. So, I auditioned the new N804d3s at a local retailer. They sounded great, and are an improvement over the originals in the areas of bass slam and airiness. However, that step up to my ears is equivalent to about 10-15%. Not sure that that sort of improvement justifies the price ($9K for the d3s vs. $3,500 for the original N804s), although "upgradeitis" tempts me to pull the plug. Is it just me, or does the law of diminishing returns apply in this case? Your thoughts on this or the qualitiative differences between the old and new Nautilus lines would be most appreciated.

rlb61
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gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
Mb1, I agree with your comments. For $9K, rlb61 has more options than the B&W’s. I have always liked the sound of their speakers(B&W), though I have never bought them.
I also second the Vandy’s, but as mb1 pointed out, the OP needs to give some more detail should he want suggestions.
rlb61 OP
362 posts
 
Thanks, folks. My system is the N804s, a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista CD, BAT VK-3i preamp, Musical Fidelity A300cr power amp (225 wpc), and Magnum Dynalab MD-102 FM tuner. Cabling is Cardas Golden Reference. Old stuff, I know, but it has served me well and provided many hours of happy listening. As far as expectations, essentially I would like a bit more bass. I am happy with the speakers otherwise. Also, my listeningroom is treated with materials from GIK Acoustics ... the room is small, about 9x10 with 8' ceilings (typical converted bedroom).
joey_v
455 posts
 
My thoughts?

 It is unfair to compare a speaker that is that a store demo to a speaker that you had for years at home that you have tweaked. 

 Your system is not the system at the store.  You have listening biases that you prefer in the store system might not appeal to your listening by us. 

 I find the new D3 to be highly transparent, meaning that it takes the shape and form of the system that you have in front of it. 

 I have the 802 D3. I had the 802D2 prior to the 802 D3 and had I not heard them side-by-side I would not have appreciated such a big difference.  
joey_v
455 posts
 
 Also bass is dependent on speaker positioning and the speakers relationship within the room. There's only so much you can get out of 2 mid size drivers.
mr_hosehead
200 posts
 
rib61 - You have some fine speakers already.  If you're really just looking for a bass boost then HSU, SVS, REL, et. al. might be able to help for maybe ~20% (or less...) of what that whole D3 "upgrade" would cost you.  If nothing else, you'll get to play around with what will likely be a very fine subwoofer unit.  And if, in the absolute worst case, you decide you just don't want that new toy then you should be able to sell it off for a decent price.
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