How good was the N802 ?

[Edgeyboy]

I have a pair of circa 2001 N804 (not S model).

I have an option to upgrade to either a new pair of 803S or a S/H pair of circa 2003 802 (not D model).

I have tried the 803S - fuller sound, bigger soundstage than the 804.

I can't try the 802 as they are S/H. Any thoughts ? How do they compare to the 803S even though they are 4 years old ?

Any opinions appreciated.

[akhter]

With appropriate amps, N802 imho will blow away the new 803S.

[Edgeyboy]

Would a Classe CAP2100 be adequate ?

[Kal Rubinson]

Would a Classe CAP2100 be adequate ?

Marginal but adequate unless your room is very large/dead or you insist on wall-banging.

Kal

[KEF]

I can't try the 802 as they are S/H. Any thoughts ? How do they compare to the 803S even though they are 4 years old ?

I have personally owned the N804s, the 803Ss and the 802Ds - IMO, the N802 is a better all around speaker than both the 803S and the 803D (I know, I know).

The N802 is a very capable speaker with outstanding imaging - do a search, when the D series first came out I did a side by side with the 803D and the N802s, you can read my thoughts from that time.

Regards,
KEF

[Dave999]

I have a pair of N802s and have been very happy with them.

[Cambs12]

Hi Dave,

What amps and speaker cables do you use?,and how far from surrounding walls are they positioned?

[caleb]

Hi Dave,

What amps and speaker cables do you use?,and how far from surrounding walls are they positioned?

CAMBS12 - the 802s do benefit from a good space around them.

I had mine 1.2 metres from the back and side walls and they really did sound good.

When I got my 800Ds I moved them 1.5 from the side and 1.3 from the back walls.

[Dave999]

Cambs, I am using a Classe CAV 180 amp. The speakers are approx two feet from the side and rear walls. The cables are M 2.4 bi-wire cables. I am upgrading the amplifier, cables and speakers to 800Ds, MIT cables and the CA M400 monoblock amps. However, I have been happy with the existing set up.

[Gremal]

As an owner of the N802s for 8 years, I assure you these are among the finest speakers. The notion that they need tons of power is simply wrong. Think quality not necessarily quantity. The N802s are actually more efficient than the 802D.

[jlr_1304]

I have a pair of circa 2001 N804 (not S model).

I have an option to upgrade to either a new pair of 803S or a S/H pair of circa 2003 802 (not D model).

I have tried the 803S - fuller sound, bigger soundstage than the 804.

I can't try the 802 as they are S/H. Any thoughts ? How do they compare to the 803S even though they are 4 years old ?

Any opinions appreciated.

What is your room size ?

[Edgeyboy]

About 5 x 5m with a bay window. Ceiling height is 3m.