B&W 801 Nautilus speakers

Mike Byrne · 9 Sep 2018 at 13:06

My system is as follows: Gyrodeck with Orbe platter origin live illustrious arm, Lyra Delos cartridge Trichord Dino phono amp Pre is Cyrus 7 with Cyrus psu. Power is 4 Cyrus mono x bi amping Gershman Avant Ggarde floor standers, these are a Canadian 3 way. I am thinking of getting B&W 801 Nautilus second hand but, I am wondering if my four cyrus mono blocks would have enough power to drive them. (I have heard they need serious power) My Gershman speakers have performed well over the years but I have moved into a converted chapel and need bigger speakers to fill the space. Any thoughts on my considered change from your more informed forum members would be much appreciated. Are there other speakers I may try that will give me a much fuller sound with nice highs and solid bass?

Mike Byrne · 9 Sep 2018 at 14:35

At the moment the room is massive but I am in the process of converting the chapel. The listening room will be around 30ft x 30 ft ceiling is around 16 ft high.

Mike Byrne · 9 Sep 2018 at 15:10

The Gershmans do have a fairly good bass response for their size but I feel that the increase in size of the room requires a bit more bass. Its not for aesthetic reasons at all. All though the Gershmans are a 3 way floor stander they are small and don't give out enough bass The woofer is around 8 inch which I feel is too small to fill the new room.

Mike Byrne · 9 Sep 2018 at 15:49

Hi thanks for the great advice. The floor will be concrete and have a slate finish when converted. I don't know from your experience that it would make much of a difference. I know they are an old speaker model but what in your opinion would do the job for a similar price point? By the way do think the cyrus amps would be fine in driving the 801s? From my set up can you spot any weakness at present or, when I make the conversion to the overall performance of my setup.

Mike Byrne · 9 Sep 2018 at 16:27

I think I read that the Spender A9s lack bass think it was in What hi-fi? What do think about speakers from Wilson? I just think that something like A9s would still not be room filling. I did have Spender 8s and thought the mids were fantastic. But the Gershmans had them beat overall. I would be looking to spend £ 3000 on a seconhand pair of speakers. When I sell my Gershmans. Any other suggestions

Mike Byrne · 9 Sep 2018 at 16:56

I meant the American Wilson speakers my mistake. Not many people have heard the Avant Garde's they do go low. Positioning is difficult with them need to be at least 3ft away from back wall. I would be looking for a much more beefier sound. its poss the 801s are more analytical and maybe less musical I will wait to hear them. I will try to audition other speakers but its difficult as I live in rural north wales.

Mike Byrne · 9 Sep 2018 at 18:10

Who are the usual suspects.....?

Mike Byrne · 13 Sep 2018 at 14:08

Thank you fore the great advice guys. I wonder has anybody on the fourm heard the Avant gardes in the way of comparison with all the speaker suggestions?
I think after reading all the advice more cash will need to be found to get a newer rather than vintage pair of speakers. I wouldn't be getting a new pair till after the conversion and after the sale of my Gershmans as this would free up more funds. The wilsons and later B&w D2s sound good to me. Any thoughts on what Wilsons to go for? All being well the fund may go to 4 to 5 grand second hand. Iam sure the Cyrus mono blocks would be fine for the present. Room treatment would come later.

Mike Byrne · 13 Sep 2018 at 19:10

Thank you Goredwings19 all sound advice how does the 802 d2 compare with price comparable wilson audio speakers? Are the wilson a easer to drive and place in the room?