Were the original n804 speakers more difficult to drive than the 804S?

[mdavis]

Am about to bite the bullet on used 703's but an opportunity just came up for a pair of N804 for just a few hundred dollars more, which I'm seriously considering now. Either way, I'd be using my Cambridge Audio 640A V2 to drive whichever speaker I get. I wonder if the N804 would be more difficult / demanding to drive than it's newer counterpart (excluding the 804D of course, which is woefully out of my price rage no matter what deals I could hope to find)?

[pazu]

Hi Davies.

I don't know if 804N were more difficult to drive than 804S.

But I know the 804S is sure better than old 804N.

So, in my opinion, you should to search for a pair of 804S...

[mdavis]

Thanks, Pazu. I'm able to get a N804 for just $300 more than the 703 I'm looking it, whereas an 804S, once found, would likely be a good $800 more or beyond. I figure that if the N804 outperforms that 703, it's still a great deal to consider.

[mdavis]

Just learned that the n804 has a sensitivity of 89db while the 804s is rated at 90db. Would that make a notable real-world difference?

[dan87951]

No not at all. The N804's are pretty easy to drive. If you have never heard them before I hope you like very bright speakers. In my opinion the N804 is probably the 800 worst floor stander I have ever heard. THe 804S was a huge improvement over the n804.

[Pedro]

Well I still think the nautilus series is harder to drive than old Diamond or S (for some models). In regard to N804 I must agree they are the most horrible sounding B&W speaker. Very thin and lack bass. The 804S is really a good improvement, just got a balanced sound with good bass.

For the old N series check it out N803. It should still be the best for the buck from that series

[miner]

I find nothing wrong with the N804 used with the right equipment - just like any speaker.

[KRC]

The other thing to consider is that the 703 is no slouch either. You are considering older models of the 804 or you can get a 703. At this level of speakers you are not comparing 600 series to 800. As an owner of a pair of 703's so of course I am biased, but get the 703's and the update your amplifier, or improve your cables (and no I do not want to start a cable war just a suggestion with the savings of funds) to give it more juice.

Kevin

[goe2112]

Is the N804 really that bad? I've been enjoying them for 10 years. Is there a significant difference between the N and S? Or is it just personal hearing taste. I'm just curious. I read these post infrequently, this one caught my eye especially the words horrible and worst describing the N804's. Did I buy an AMC Gremlin??

[dan87951]

Trust me I had both in my listening room for a few months when the 804S came out new and the new 804S embarrassed the N804 series hands down. Didn't hear much of a difference between the 803S and N803 though.. You don't have to be a audiophile to hear these improvements over the 804's though. Shoot my CM9's that I had blew away our old N804s in every category (imaging, bass, soundstange, smoothness). In its defense the N804 is going on 13+ years old (introduced in 99'). In my opinion the 804S should have been what B&W released from the get go!

[bnieman]

The other thing to consider is that the 703 is no slouch either. You are considering older models of the 804 or you can get a 703. At this level of speakers you are not comparing 600 series to 800. As an owner of a pair of 703's so of course I am biased, but get the 703's and the update your amplifier, or improve your cables (and no I do not want to start a cable war just a suggestion with the savings of funds) to give it more juice.

Kevin

+1 The 703 is an outstanding speaker. If you can find a pair, I would jump on them.

[miner]

The achilles heel of the N804 is the metal dome tweeter. That can be tamed with proper source equipment - separates. My N804s are not going anywhere. They replaced some Polk RT20p and I never looked back.