Quote Originally Posted by manlystanley
Hello AA,
They are used original Nautilus 803's. They look very similar to the current 803S and 803D's. I've heard that the big difference in sound is with the 803D's. I've read all kinds of reviews. Some people love the 803N's and don't like the newer models as much. Then others say there's a huge difference between the 803S's and 803D's. Other's say all three models sound nearly the same.

I've noticed that the bass is MUCH more defined on the 803N's. My reference piece is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing the overture to 1812. With my 684's it came across muddy and many words I could not understand. With these speakers, much clearer.

This model (803N's) was first sold in 2000. he said that he bought them in 2004, but the serial number are 1041 and 1042. So, I'm a little concerned that they might be older then 2004. He's selling because he bought 803D's. Also, he is a classical music lover and lives in a small town house, so he has not driven them hard.

I have them on a weeks trial basis for $2,300. Worse come to worse, I'll try out really high end stuff for a week for free. If these new cables really help, I'll bring them back and say that I'll take them if he helps me purchase room conditioners. But, as they are now, they are just too bright. Also, the lowest they have ever sold on audiogon is $2,200.

They look almost new. A few dents, but nothing really to speak off. The only real problem is that on one speaker two spikes does fit well. Which means that you need to use the hard wood pad instead. Not sure what that would do to there resell value? Since I have hard wood floors, it's find with me.

I listened to them all day yesterday: 6:00 AM till 5:00 PM. There OK, but too bright. With the monoprice audio cables, they changed to being too dull. But, I need to listen some more, I'm starting to wonder if I'm also hearing a lack of cohesion between the mid range and tweeter. On some male voices, the tweeter really stands out and sounds harsh. This is really exemplified by Wille Nelson. But, I've heard it on other male Voices as well.

So what have I learned? Well, I've got real problem with my system / room acoustics. Really revealing speakers go super bright. The magnepan's were much. much more bright then the 803N's, but both are bright.

Best Regards,
Stan

IF I where you, I'd get some good audio cable and get rid of the monopriced cable. I had a pair and my system was very harsh and bright...I mean really made the speaker brighter than what it really was. Its the monoprice cable. For the level of speaker you are auditioning you need a cable that can handle that speaker to get a good handle on what it really sounds like in your own home. Do yourself a favor and borrow some cable before you return them...maybe a warm cable if the character of the speaker is bright.


frenchmon