Paradigm 100 v.3 – B&W 804 dilemma… please help


I was almost set to buy Paradigm 100 v.3 after auditioning them (well I auditioned 60’s and just assumed that the 100s will be better) last week but auditioned some B&W 804’s speakers today and now I am CONFUSED!

The B&W 804’s sounded really good. Clear and smooth but was powered by an 80 watt amp whereas the Paradigms were powered by a 200 watt Sunfire amp. Thus, I need to ask for advice from you experts again. How good are the Paradigm 100 v.3 compared to B&W 804? Has anyone auditioned for these two speakers and which one did you end up getting… why? I read somewhere that the Paradigm 100 v.3 are as good as the high end B&W Nautilus line. Is this true?

Additional question… what system would be better for 70% movies 30% movies system
1) Paradigm 100’s and studio cc + 20 side surrounds + studio cc rear
2) B&W 804 fronts and nautilus HTM 2 center + B&W CM or 600 series bookshelf speakers for my surrounds and rear.

Finally… for people who are familiar with B&W. How big is the difference between 804 and CDM 9NT?

Thanks
doodleboytoyb266

Showing 1 response by nrenter

For the same money (USD), I personally preferred the sound of the B&W Nautilus 805 + a REL Strata III sub over the Nautilus 804.

B&W N804 ($3500 USD) = $3500
B&W N805 ($2000 USD) + REL Strata III ($1500 USD) = $3500

FWIW, I drive (4) N805, (1) HTM-2, and a REL Strata III with a Rotel RMB-1095 / RSP-1066 setup.