Buy open box 804 or wait for new model?

[shep]

I am trying to decide whether to pick up a pair of N804s before they are all gone, or wait for the new 804s to be on sale some day. Not a great choice since the stock in local stores (in Maryland) are down to only open-box, and the price is still a bit high. Just how much better are these new 804s going to be with the rohocell driver cones and tweaked crossovers? Is it worth the wait? I don't expect to be able to afford the new model until next summer. My fallback position, in replacing my tired 20 year old speakers (Polk 7c) is to try for a deal on fresh 805s and upgrade to the upgraded 804s in a year or two. Running them on a Rotel RB-1070 and listening mostly to jazz/classical.

[sikoniko]

B&W speakers dont generally go on sale. It is likely you may have to wait until the series 3 models come out to see a series 2 go on sale.

[shep]

Ah, well then I better not share the name of the dealer... the authorized dealer where I shop has an annual sale, normally 10-15% off at most. A few months ago, I missed the chance to get 20% off brand new dark cherry 804s. Now they only have open-box black at what is now their closeout price (same 20%). Given that many of the open box models left look a little overly used - loose tweeters, etc. - I am either going to need to bargain the price down, wait a long time, or settle for the 805s so that I can retire my Polks. At least the dealer will allow a trade up when I am ready...

So, I guess the question is, will the new 804s really be worth the wait?

Many thanks

[junior77blue]

Yeah, 10-15% off retail is typical for NEW speakers from B&W. You should be able to get ~30-35% for demo models.

Not sure what your budget is, but new 804s will jump to $4000 retail.

Will they be better?...more than likely they will.

I thought the same thing, but got a good deal on demo 804s and the new 804s are out of my budget range of $2500.

[shep]

good points. I just wish my dealer had a more reasonable starting price for used speakers, and perhaps if they were in better condition as well. It is a local chain, so I may start calling their other stores to find some 804s in the area I can live with (matched pair, minimal wear and tear, etc.)

[springer49]

Shep, I have a connection where I can get brand new 804's shipped to you for $2950, mine are on the way. let me know.

[shep]

local dealer in Ohio? Could be interested if they have the dark cherry. My main incentive to buy local is that I can trade up later on.

[springer49]

the dealer is actually in Ct. I buy from a guy who gets a deal from him. I just ordered the dark cherry myself.

[shep]

my family is in CT, and I will be there next week. let's talk.

[springer49]

shep, sorry I just found the receipt. The dealer is in New Hampshire. Send me your e-mail address and I will send it along to my contact. He will help you out.

[springer49]

Shep, I just heard back from my source. If you send me your e-mail he said he would like to help you out.

[shep]

Went back to my dealer in Maryland to check again if they could find any 804s. Prices he gave were about $2800 (floor model) and $3500/list (new - if they can be found in the distribution channel). I was surprised, given the fact that these speakers are discontinued..

[springer49]

Do you want me to follow up with my source?

[sikoniko]

The dealers are still having to pay full price for the current line, so they can't discount them any more than usual. Only demo stock...

[shep]

Springer49: check your messages. I sent my contact info to you yesterday.

[topher]

Also in the market for N804s and a HTM1

Looking for sources to get into the nautalus line without breaking the bank. Local dealer will not deal (retail).

Thanks

[springer49]

send me a private message and I will pass it along

[shep]

Bit the bullet and bought a pair of open box black 804s today at my local dealer for $2800. Decided that being able to trade up later at my local dealer was worth more than getting exactly what I wanted. The speakers are in good shape (will be replacing damaged grills under warranty) and sound better than new, as they are already broken in. Now, I wonder what the next generation 804s will sound like...

Thanks to all for your help while I wrestled with this decision.

[Parsonsk]

hey guys - i have a similar question about the 804's. when i asked my dealer about the new 800's vs the existing ones he instantly offered me 25% off the demos and a new rotel RB-1080.
But my concern is not how much better the new ones are going to be but how much i can get the existing ones for????
In canada they run $5k for new. Now if i can get 30% or 35% off (ohhh that sounds nice) then lets talk otherwise i'll be looking at new 700's. It's more justifying the money not the availability of it
i wish i could win the lotto

[junior77blue]

I paid $2350+tax = $2500 for demo 804s

[shep]

You got a good price. I did not do as well, but I did buy nearly the last pair that the company had, and they have been selling like hotcakes. I am thinking of these speakers as a resting place for my $2800 until next year, when I can apply it toward the new 804s.