B&W N803 versus Dynaudio Contour 3.4

I got the N803s and the smaller HTM (can't remember if they're HTM1 or HTM2) for a HT setup. I liked the Dynaudios too. But for me the B&Ws were more subtle sounding, less metalic. Plus my wife liked the look of them and they don't have a flat top to put nick nacks on. Plus my brother-in-law runs B&Ws (Matrix) and he was a pro musician. Either way I think you're looking at awesome speakers, but I would second another poster in saying that used N802s are up another fairly clear notch in the sonic spectrum.

First let's recognize that the Dynaudios are outstanding speakers. So are B&W Nautilus speakers (which doesn't say anything about the value proposition offered by either manufacturer). When I auditioned both speakers they were in different systems. I heard what I heard. I had to make a choice. And some part of my decision wasn't based on pure sound quality either. I confess, for example, that a flat-topped speaker was asking for unnecessary ornamentation ! Hell at Christmas the B&Ws have stuff hanging from the tweeters. C'est la vie.

You know we're in 'violent agreement'. But auditioning within the context of the same system/room isn't practical within the lofty heights of higher-end audio, especially 'cause I live miles away from any decent AV store. In fact your comment brings to mind something that was happening in UK when I left. Folks there had the bright idea that speakers in a listening room influenced the sound even if they're just sitting there passively. Hence for true auditions the poor guys used to wheel in and out speakers. Incidentally when I auditioned the speakers I made sure any external sub-woofer was not on because I didn't want that to influence my decision. In the end I've lucked-out 'cause I bought good equipment (better than I need or deserve) that seems to work well together - Bryston SP1, Pass Labs X5, N803s. I, too, love my N803s. As does my wife, especially at Christmas. She's not so happy about some aspects of the electronics, what with blue lights and remotes and stuff though. No where safe to put stuff, 'cause they get kind of hot.