New 804S to puny?

[gunny]

Finally, after sitting boxed in my foyer for a year, I just unpacked and installed the Parasound A51 amp and C2 controller that I bought just about one year ago. Believe me when I say that having these boxes lying around adjacent to the living area for a year adds a whole new meaning to WAF testing, even though the decision to purchase last year was joint. So, since the house can now be entered through the front door, and the stuff is getting set up, you ask "what's the problem?"

This is the problem.....


This amp is a freaking MONSTER!

While I'm quite sure that it will aptly drive the new 804S, HTM-3, and DS8S still on order, I took one look at the massive girth on the A-51, and the warmth exuding from its chassis after powering it up, and soon started wondering if I'm doing it justice with these "entry level" 800 series speakers.

What is the current record for the quickest known case of upgradeitis? I may have just broken it, considering I have not yet received or even heard the speakers I purchased.

Any Nautilus owners input would be appreciated as to whether the $1500 upgrade to the 803's would make enough difference in a cathedraled 17x23 non-dedicated room to warrant the expense, or will the 804's sing to me just fine? HT and music listening spilt about 50/50, and I will supplement with a B&W ASW-800 sub.

Thanks in advance. I just hate to waste ANY of this amp.

[sikoniko]

If you can afford it, the 803's are definately a step up...

[Mark_C.]

I've never regretted going with the 804, although I don't have cathedral ceilings in my 10 x 15 listening area. I feel that the 804s coupled with a good sub (I'm using a Rel Storm III) ourperform the 803s by themselves. Whether you feel the 803s are $1,500 better than the 804s is something only your ears and wallet can tell you.

[martino]

I just got back from my dealer. Only had time to listen to 804s..They sounded awsome! Clean, Fast..just beautiful.
I guess if one can afford the dif. btwn 804s and 803s..???
In this hobby history is if waffling btwn the bigger / smaller item..should always go bigger to stay satisfied (temporarily anyway).

Cheers

Martino

[caleb]

Why don’t you try listening to your setup for a while and make your own mind up?

Asking for other people’s opinions when you have to do the listening can only take you so far… You need your own comparison to be really sure…

CALEB

[gunny]

I just got 'em home yesterday. While at the dealer, had a chance to listen to the 802 diamonds. In order to listen to them, I'd have to open the boxes. Instead, I'm calling the dealer to negotiate a trade for the 802D's. Awesome sound!

Thanks for your input.