I fell in love with these speakers at first sight. I purchased a pair with cherry veneer after seeing them in black as well. These speakers were purchased as an upgrade to my present speakers which are B&W Matrix 805's (which I also love). The tweeter protruding from the top of the cabinet, coupled with the speakers elliptical cabinet, make it seem more like a piece of art work than a high end audio transducer. This speaker is the smallest of Bowers and Wilkins 800 series. However, it incorporates many of the same characteristics of its bigger siblings including a woven kevlar driver as well as B&W's "flowport" system. The speakers are connected to a Bryston 4BST which produces twice the maximum recommended power for these speakers (250 WPC of pure Canadian power). However, these speakers had no problem dealing with the Bryston. I also have a Anthem AVM-20 and a Sony SACD 777ES as the source unit. All connected using monster cabling. In addition to the Nautilus 805's I have an B&W 800 ASW active subwoofer and a pair of B&W 600i's as surrounds. The 805's sound incredibly alive. B&W as always has the midrange perfect. The soundstage is incredibly detailed, making it very easy to pinpoint instruments. Using Kodo's Mondo Head SACD for reference, I was able to hear sonic details which were not apparent using my old Matrix 805's. The Nautilus 805's bass response was much improved over that of the Matrix 805's. However, I did find it necessary to turn on the 800ASW while listening to everything other than Classical music. These speakers have been broken in for approximately 100 hours and they just seem to sound better as time goes by. If you don't have a subwoofer, consider one of the Nautilus 805's bigger brothers such as the Nautilus 803. Also, spend the extra $500 or so on the stands and these speakers will not disappoint!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1800