B&W Nautilus 800 vs 802D

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.

First of all I currently own both the N800 and Signature 800, they are the same exact speaker other than cabinetry.

I have one pair at my Jersey shore house and the other at my main estate.

*Here is the little passage quoted from Stereophile's June 2002 review of the Signature 800.

"Under the skin, the Signature 800 and its plain vanilla (!) Nautilus version ($16,000/pair) are identical, so the foregoing description—and, indeed, all the following comments about performance—should apply equally to the less expensive, non-Signature version".

And here is the link:
http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/600/

Now believe what you want I really could give too sh__ what you think. Hey it's your opinion. I speak the facts.

The N800 was the only speaker in the (Nautilus line) to have exact same specs as a Signature series in this case Signature 800. The N801, N802,... were different than the Signature series. The N800 was released much later out of the Nautilus series. My Nautilus 800 was made in 2004 and while rest of the Nautilus line was discontinued. The Signature 800 and N800 are the only two identical ; other than cabinetry.

The N801, N802... are Not in the same class as an N800.
How many N800's do you see for sale. The rare time I've seen one N800 it sold for $9500 first day it was advertised.

The 802D is a fine speaker but not in the league of a N800.

Diamond series other than a "Different" tweeter did do some mod with the X-over to give a faster response. But again it's a matter of taste when you are listening to a 800D verse N800 /and or Signature 800.

I personally would not buy a 802D over a N800. It's a step down if you do so. And again N800 vs 800D is a fair comparison. A matter of taste between these exceptional speakers.

Say no more.

Put it this way everyone; whatever B&W speaker you may choose or own such as B&W 802D, N800, Signature 800, 800D ... etc. All are fine choices; you can't lose.

I will be listening to a little Art Blakey jammin on drums tonight.

ENJOY.