Upgrade HT to B&W 804S or ParadigmS4

[Elmac]

Hello Everyone,
Thinking on upgrading my speakers from:
CDM 9NT and HTM7
to
804s with HTM3's
or
Paradigm S4 with C3
Can anyone give me some input?
Is it worth it to move up from 9nt to 804?
What kind of improvement will I hear?
Has anyone compare B&W to paradigm?
Thank you for all your help

[Elmac]

Any one

[chuck1801]

I auditioned the S8 and S2 when I was looking into upgrading my Studio 100 v2s. The S8 and S2 were of course very good but I did not think they offered enough of an improvement over the 100s to justify the expense. When the 802D was released I went to listen to them and they were IMO far better than any of the Paradigm speakers, of course they are twice the price of the S8. I got the 802Ds in July '05. I really don't have anything to add to Kal Rubinson's lengthy description in the Dec. '05 Stereophile. The S8 by comparison IMO just could not compete with the fullness of sound from the B&Ws, the detail, transparency, the feeling that the music is right in front of you etc. The S8/S2 are of course excellent speakers but I just like the 802Ds better. Much the same can be said IMO for the 804S that are my rear channel speakers. I listened to them as a stereo pair for a long time. I bought a pair to be used as a stereo pair also. The only other speakers I listened to that I thought were worth upgrading to were the JMLab Micro Utopia Be, but they are a standmount the same price as the S8. You should of course listen to them yourself.

[Elmac]

Thank you Chuck for input on Paradigms,

I will visit my dealer on Wednesday to review both
Will keep you all posted

How would any one compare

CDM 9NT
to
804s

This upgrade will cost abit, just would like to hear some of your opinions
THX

[Briz vegas]

I just did 705 (think NT1) and Rel Strata 5 to 804(with same sub). Big difference and well worth it.

In your case, technically you are keeping your FST midrange, improving your cabinet, driver integration, tweeter and bass drivers. Its alot on paper. Only your ears will tell you if it is a magic combo. Others might say you would get better improvement for your dollar by changing your electronics. I did not consider 703 (NT9) because I wanted to improve all aspects, particularly the tweeter which is far nicer on the 804. eg a high pitched "ping" on my 705 became a bell chime on the 804. Really fab highs on the 800s.

Happy comparing !

[Elmac]

I just did 705 (think NT1) and Rel Strata 5 to 804(with same sub). Big difference and well worth it.



Happy comparing !

Briz,
What did you get for your centre is it htm4s or something else?
How does it fit in with 804s.
Are you still using HTM7 how does it much with 804s
THX