AudiogoN Forums: B&W Nautilus 800 vs 802D

B&W Nautilus 800 vs 802D

I have noticed that the 802D's have started to come down in price and it's not unusual to find a pair of 800's at the same asking price here in Audiogon. I am shopping around and would like to know what other Audiogoners think about these two speakers? I have listend to the 802D's and liked them but not the 800's. I like the looks of the 800 but than again the weight of the 800's might be an issue. I will be loooking to match them up with McIntosh equipment. Specifically a MC-402 and C46.
Side Note: B&W is interesting because so many people have opinions on the speakers. I have owned the 805's, 803's, and 802's. I agree that these speaker's aren't perfect but for the price and sound, I think there really good. I personally have only heard one speaker that blows the 802D's out of the water and that was the Wilson's Maxx, but people forget that speaker's like Wilson and JM Focal Utopia costs thousands more.
I also think B&W works universally well with most audio products on the market. Some speakers you have to be careful what equipment you match them up with. Just my thoughts of B&W.

Musicaudio (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

04-27-06

Responses (1-17 of 17)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

04-27-06 From the comments i have read, i would take the 802d's over ... Brianmgrarcom

04-27-06: Mrchips
There is no comparison. The N800's are tremendous in all aspects. The 802D's are in essence N802's with a mod diamond tweeter which in fact is harsher and not as natural sounding.

The Nautilus 800 was the flagship of B&W. The new series with the diamond tweeter is partly to have something different sounding and newer model = pick up sales.

The 802D is like a 2006 Porsche Boxter. The N800 is the Real Porsche like a 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo.

Hey, 802D is an excellent speaker, but lacks bass and midbass definition.

The N800 , with the right setup smokes the 802D.

There is a reason why the $16K-$20K N800 /Signature 800 exact speaker except for a more exotic cabinet finish. The N802 retailed for $8K and now bumped to $12K.

B&W wants more business at that price point. And now the 800D goes over $24K.

Now a N800 vs 800D is more of a closer comparison. And it's a matter of taste. In essence if you want more natural highs go for the N800. If you want a sharper intrical high go for the 800D.

Don't compare N800 verse 802D; very different leagues and price points.
Mrchips (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

04-27-06 I hate getting into these discussions, but, mrchips, your in ... Brianmgrarcom

04-27-06 Anyone that thinks the signature 800 is the same as the naut ... S7horton

04-27-06 The 800 Jaybo

04-27-06 I usually avoid these subjective discussions but after readi ... Jppenn

04-27-06 First of all i currently own both the n800 and signature 800 ... Mrchips

04-27-06 Mrchips, a couple things..1) i had never heard before that t ... Brianmgrarcom

04-27-06 Thanks for the responses. it's interesting that when people ... Musicaudio

04-27-06 Put it this way everyone; whatever b&w speaker you may choos ... Mrchips

04-28-06 Mr. chips, you are correct. accept for aesthics, the 800 si ... Drrdiamond

04-28-06 This was a very healthy dialog. i like hearing about these i ... Mike1000

04-28-06 I played with the 802n for over 6 years. i heard the 802d, a ... Leonx

04-28-06 The 800 has so much more authority in the whole freq. spectr ... Leonx

04-28-06 I have not heard the 802d but i cannot understand where all ... Velo62

04-28-06 All i can say is ... i heard the 800's and i started a savin ... Horseface

04-28-06 When i bought the 802n i had the change to buy for a very sm ... Leonx