Dunlavy SC-IV v B&W Nautilus 802's

I would personally pick the SC-IV over the N802. DAL are amp friendly while the N802 are power hungry and need to playde very loud. I heard the N801 and 802 powered w/ Levinson stuff and when played at moderate levels, the soundstage collapsedl like an earthquake just happened. Furthermore, the N802 does not convey music as will the SC-IV does. All the N801 & 802 just plays loud. Nothing but loud. The SC-IV handles well regardless being played loud or at low levels. Imaging, soundstage, image HEIGHT and coherency of the sound is first rate with the SC-IV. If you want huge soundstage and life like performances, then look no further than the SC-IV and the IVa speakers. Scrap those British boxes!!!!!

Enormous high Q mediocrity vs more compact mediocrity. Why bother?

I may suggest that the best speaker is the one that is most pleasing to its listener, you. Also which one that performs best with the electronics you have it matched with. In the comparative price range you are discussing, I might suggest you audition the Dynaudio Contour 3.3's. I have owned Wilson Watt Puppies, Beverage Model V's, Vandersteen Model Iv's, just to name a few. Currently I own a pair of Duntech Sovereigns. That is without question my first choice. If you are experiencing some brightness, I might suggest a different interconnect. I have been an XLO fan for years, but they are bright in some applications. I currently am using the Magnan Signature XLR. I hope these suggestions help, Good Luck.

I may suggest that the best speaker is the one that is most pleasing to its listener, you. Also which one that performs best with the electronics you have it matched with. In the comparative price range you are discussing, I might suggest you audition the Dynaudio Contour 3.3's. I have owned Wilson Watt Puppies, Beverage Model V's, Vandersteen Model Iv's, just to name a few. Currently I own a pair of Duntech Sovereigns. That is without question my first choice. If you are experiencing some brightness, I might suggest a different interconnect. I have been an XLO fan for years, but they are bright in some applications. I currently am using the Magnan Signature XLR. I hope these suggestions help, Good Luck.

I own the 802's and am going to the DunlavyIVa's or possibly the V's. I have a large room and the 802's seem to be lost. The Dunlavy's throw a huge sounstage and very deep bass compared to the 802's.

I too just sold a Pair of SCIV's that I owned since 97' with crossover rev. 3. The Nautilus 801's are much better in all respects sonically. Especially Realism!!! The Dunlavy's are detail & resolution limited due to the drivers and cabinetry. The image focus & spatial deliniation is also much better on the B&W's assuming a proper set-up with both systems. The technology that went into the total system design of the Nautilus 801 & 802 is far ahead of the competition. Being fed with a proper signal in the right listening environment the 801's in particular will emulate a live performance.

I previously owned a pair of SCIV's and now own Nautilus 801's. If your room is not well damped (i.e. u have echo flutter problems), then the Dunlavy's might sound a little bright. The B&W's have a very smooth treble response and should not sound bright unless your front end is bright. But the most surprising difference between these speakers is that the B&W's image better than the Dunlavy's. Personaly I would take the 802's over the SCIVa's, there a lot nicer looking too! Although you can't go wrong either way. FYI, when I was looking at the SCIV's a couple a years back I also listened to the Pro-AC 2.5's and all they did sound good, the Dunlavy's trounced them in every aspect of performance so it's quite obvious that Mimorino has never listened to either the 4a or the 802 (at least not properly setup).

Scrap both of these speakers, and try proac 2.5. My opinion is they kick the crap out of these two, and if you can afford the 3.8 it won't even be a contest.

I have heard both extensively. The B&W's are far better and friendlier speakers to position and imo to listen to. I would not consider the B&W's bright if driven with a good amp. The Dunlavy's are accurate but on the dull side. Just my opinion of course.