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Thoughts on replacing an ageing pair of B&W N804s

I tried bumping an old question from 2 yrs back but think better to start a new thread.

I've been using the N804 for over 12 years with an Accuphase E-407 integrated amp (Class A/B, 180W/ch @ 8 ohm). I feel its lacks detail, bass and doesn't feel very immersive/involving.

Recently I demo-ed the Franco Serblin Accordo and it's a fantastic (monitor?) speaker but too pricy for my budget & needs a subwoofer to fill in the bass. I also tried the 803D, 804D, SF Cremona-M, & Dali (forgot the model). The rest of them didn't really do much for me.

FInally on a different floor and different setup (and sadly different music track too) I demo-ed the 805Di. Whilst not as good as the Accordo (lacked separation and soundstage by comparison), I felt the 805Di actually performed quite well, more so than its 803D/804D bigger brothers.

So here comes the question. I -think- the 805Di extended deeper and tighter in bass, had more detail, and felt more immersive than my N804. However not being able to compare side-by-side, I don't know if it's setup, or if the 805Di speakers themselves truly big improvement over my ageing N804s.

In Tokyo there's no "1-week" demo concept nor returns. Once you've bought, it's yours and will have to sell at a loss. I do not intend to change my Accuphase E-407 integrated amp.

Is there truly a big improvement between the N804 to 805Di or was it just placebo in my mind?
anakchan

Showing 1 response by krell_man

krell_man
827 posts
 

Like you, I had a pair of B&W Silver Signatures for nine years. I decided to replace mine, not because I wasn't happy with them, simply because I wanted something new.

This was at the same time that B&W came out with their first diamond series of speakers. I listened to a pair of 803D speakers three different times. I would never have considered replacing my Silver Signatures with the 803Ds, the music coming out of those speakers just wasn't anywhere close to the Silver Signatures.

The Silver Signatures were the original 805s, but custom made to commemorate John Bowers. I can see the 805Di speakers outperforming your old N804 speakers.

I'd also suggest that you listen to some Dynaudio speakers, especially the C1. The Magnepan 1.7 and 3.7 speakers are also worth a listen, but you need a big room for them. The Quad 2805 and 2905 are also worth a listen. You also might try a Thiel 2.4 or 2.7 if you have a large room like you'd need for the Magnepans.

Chuck
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