i agree with craig that they were better than the salons but i would also point out that they are somewhat bass shy for this price range. they are -3db at 32hz and -6db at 25hz. compared to other contenders in this price range such as the watt/puppy 6, sonus fabre amati, and the avalon eidolons the b&w n800 are about 1/2 an octave short. in a subwoofer based system this is not an issue. but for $20k it should be full range.
the n801 (-3db at 29hz and -6db at 23hz) was criticized for having boomey bass in many rooms so b&w reduced the bass output on the n800. there are other changes/improvements in the n800 but the bass extension is significant.
all these speakers are excellent. it comes down to personal taste. although i prefer my watt/puppy 6s to the n800 you may not.
the n801 (-3db at 29hz and -6db at 23hz) was criticized for having boomey bass in many rooms so b&w reduced the bass output on the n800. there are other changes/improvements in the n800 but the bass extension is significant.
all these speakers are excellent. it comes down to personal taste. although i prefer my watt/puppy 6s to the n800 you may not.