5 x B&W 805 - Concern about CNTR SPKR

[hamiltong]

Would anyone be concerned with using all Nautilus 805 speakers for a 5.1 system as opposed to four Nautilus 805 and an HTM center speaker?

During my years of upgrading B&W speakers (300, 600, CDM NT series - mixing bookshelf, floorstanding, etc - all within the same range), I'll be honest in saying that, the most memorable surround experience I had was with five 602 speakers.

I currently have two CDM NT 7's and CDM 3 NT 1's and looking to upgrade to the Nautilus line.

-greg

[Scarp]

Actually, using 5 identical speakers will give the best integration, when also using the same cables and amplification for all of those speakers.

A demo was given by B&W a while ago with 5 B&W 800 models and that was quit impressive.

The only problem is that they cannot guarantee that your one extra speaker will match color wise. But I think they do sell them seperate.

Another problem is offcourse that 805's are not magnetically shielded, so I do not recommend putting them on a TV. However if you are using a projector this should not be a problem.

Another problem is the height of the center. You should put all 5 speakers on the same level, this could be problem when using an 805 as a center. The HTM2 or HTM1 can be a bit lower an pointing upwards.

[sikoniko]

I had the 805's and the htm2 center, and from my experience, the sound field is seemless. The htm2 basically is an 805. It may have a little more volume, but I would recommend the htm2 instead of trying to use an 805 as a center. you won't be disappointed. Make sure you get a good sub or two though. I felt like this setup was great, but lacked the fullness that you get from a floor standing speaker.

I have tried to purchase 1 speaker before, and the dealers have run into issues of getting just 1 also. They were going to check B-stock, but when they buy, they have to buy in pairs. That is odd to me because they do not price them in pairs.

[SomaJoe]

I'm using 4 805's and 1 HTM2 and have been very pleased. If you can place the 5th 805 correctly, I think that will be a winner over the HTM2, particularly for multi channel audio; my front is not entirely seamless, but I haven't gotten a proper stand for my HTM2 so I can raise it for audio, and lower it but tilt it upwards for movies.




Joe's HT

[zpkingfw]

I have an all N805 set up and I must say it is amazing, sonics are seamless. To the contrary, the N805 are magnetically shielded, I have my center channel placed above my HDTV. I considered the HTM2 but I listen to lots of multichannel SACD's and wanted absolutely seamless integration of all channels, after listening to a friends set up of the same type I was sold. You can't lose either way, I've been very pleased with my set up.

[Mark_C.]

I have the 805s with the HTM2 across the front for our HT. The HTM2 mating with the 805s truly is seemless. Great front end!

[Scarp]

I do think you really should consider the practical issues with using a 805 as center:

• * Positioning is more critical. It should really be on the same height as the others. It radiates a little less wide, so your sweet spot is small.
  * Getting hold of one 805 isn't that easy. Some dealers don't want to do it.
  * They cannot guarantee that the wood finish is the same.

Besides that, the HTM2 will integrate also fine within an 805 setup.

[Nicholas Renter]

Before I dumped all of my HT gear, I had 4 N805s and an HTM-2. I can assure you the the sound across the front sound stage was seamless. However, it wasn't always that way. It took nearly 3 years to break in the HTM-2 becasue of the little attention it received. Once it did break in, the sound was seamless. Until then, there was a definate difference.