N804's or CM9's, input please!

[Whitman]

I have a chance to get a pair of N804's for a very good price. I was originally going to buy a new pair of CM9's. Which you you recommend, new CM9's or the N804's? For now I will be driving these with a Rotel RB-991, 2x200 8Ω.

All input is appreciated.

[aweil]

All things being equal I would say the N804's, but if there is a significant price difference, the CM9 would look quite attractive.

[ShadowZA]

As a past N804 owner, my opinion is that the 800 series is tops. I have not listened to the current CM series and so I cannot give my opinion. I would be biased towards the N804 though. Best would be for you to go and listen to them with a critical ear. Good luck and keep us posted. :T

[linuxtx]

I have had the N804s driven by an RB991 at first, and now an RB993 (3 channel version of the 991). I highly recommend this combination, it is a great setup.

[Horacio]

I'll try to help, but take my words for what they are worth as I haven't heard these two specific models, BUT I did own CM4 (previous line) and I do own 804s (current line). For me the 804s are a HUGE upgrade throughout the audible spectrum compared to the CM4.

I would suggest listening to the N804 with your amp first, as I originally drove them with Rotel RB1080 and to me the 804s were too revealing for that amp and decided to switch amps.

Either way, it seems to me both are very nice speakers.

Enjoy the chase!

[Whitman]

The CM9's after tax will be close 1.5x the cost of the 804n's. I hope this clarifies things.

[audioqueso]

N804.

[htsteve]

The CM9's after tax will be close 1.5x the cost of the 804n's. I hope this clarifies things.

I've owned the predecessor to the 700 series and the N804. Big improvement with the N804. I would expect the CM9 to close the gap, but not overtake an N804.

The 800 series is the top line B&W has, with the best engineering and technologies. And the fact that the N804 is substantially less expensive makes me think the N804 is the best choice.


Hope this helps.