B&W Nautilus vs. KEF Reference

 

New member
Username: Anderson

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2004
I am in the market for a pair of floor standing speakers ($3000-$5000 range). I have auditioned B&W Nautilus 803, Nautilus 804, and KEF Reference 203. I liked all of them, although they sounded different (B&W seemed warm, whereas KEF seemed detailed). I listen to jazz vocals and some classic rock. I plan to pair these speakers with B&K AVR507 receiver (haven't purchased yet).

Any suggestions on these speakers?
Also, what other speakers/brands should I consider?

Appreciate your help!
 

New member
Username: Jonmoon

Post Number: 37
Registered: 12-2003
You might think outside the box, as it were, and look at ELS speakers such as Martin Logan and Magnepan.

Here are a couple of sites where these speakers are discussed:

www.audioasylum.com/forums/MUG/bbs.html
www.martinloganowners.com/forum/

Good luck!
 

New member
Username: Johnnyness

Post Number: 29
Registered: 12-2003
In that range, you should also consider the JM Labs speakers... the Electra series are incredible.
 

New member
Username: Edison

Post Number: 334
Registered: 12-2003
Might want to go with better receiver to mate with speakers of that quality. i would buy used at www.audiogon.com This way, you will end up with more quality, and when you want to upgrade, you don't lose a lot reselling them.

Most items of that level are well taken care of, and the audiogon is more reliable than ebay, although now then they do have disputes.
 

New member
Username: Anderson

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2004
James Lee,

What are some of the "better receivers" to mate with B&W Nautilus 804?
 

Silver Member
Username: Edison

Post Number: 341
Registered: 12-2003
If you are getting the system for music as well as movies, you might want to go with an upscale stereo receiver. It's harder to get quality sound out of surround receivers that do music well.

B&W are revealing speakers - will sound bad if there is a weak link in your system. Some speakers are more forgiving, these sound good with good components, and bad with others - choosing the components well is vital with these.

This will sound pretty good -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3076142679&category=3280

This will work for movies too - I find 2 good speakers to be enough - perhaps add a sub.

This setup will sound good with music.

If you don't mind used, you get more quality and better resell value - for when you want to upgrade in the future. Look in www.audiogon.com and www.videogon.com for used good deals.
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