B&W Nautilus 802 - Award Winning Flagship Greatness

The Nautilus 802 incorporates two bass drivers which allowed the engineers to design a narrower cabinet whilst maintaining the excellent performance of the Nautilus 802. The 802 has received excellent reviews from the Hi-Fi press for both aesthetics and sound quality. The cabinet incorporates the unique Matrix bracing system, which reduces resonances and movement within the cabinet. The FlowportTM directly fires down onto the plinth for maximum dispersion and heart stopping bass response. Tweeter on top: B&W's Tweeter on top technology ensures that the sound remains focused and time-sensitive and that the stereo-image is presented with unparalleled three dimensional accuracy. Kevlar®: B&W developed and patented the method of using Kevlar® for loudspeaker cones to reduce unwanted standing waves. DuPont originally created Kevlar® for use in bulletproof vests. Flowport: Golf ball aerodynamics theory points the way towards lower distortion reflex ports. Dimples improve the way the air flows over the surface of any object. In the case of reflex ports, they offer a significant improvement over simply flaring the port ends in reducing air flow turbulence at each end of the port; so you get less chuffing noise and less compression at high sound levels. Matrix: The basic construction of nearly all loudspeakers is exactly the same - panels of wood-based materials, bonded to form a rectangular box. B&W studied and evaluated how each aspect of cabinet behaviour and the efficiency of various materials and construction methods affects sound. Key Features & Specialities: Tweeter on top: B&W's Tweeter on top technology ensures that the sound remains focused and time-sensitive and that the stereo-image is presented with unparalleled three-dimensional accuracy. Kevlar®: B&W developed and patented the method of using Kevlar® for loudspeaker cones to reduce unwanted standing waves. DuPont originally created Kevlar® for use in bulletproof vests.  Flowport™: Golf ball aerodynamics theory points the way towards lower distortion reflex ports. Dimples improve the way the air flows over the surface of any object. In the case of reflex ports, they offer a significant improvement over simply flaring the port ends in reducing air flow turbulence at each end of the port; so you get less chuffing noise and less compression at high sound levels. Matrix™: The basic construction of nearly all loudspeakers is exactly the same -panels of wood-based materials, bonded to form a rectangular box. B&W studied and evaluated how each aspect of cabinet behaviour and the efficiency of various materials and construction methods affects sound. Awards: Product of the Year Hi-Fi Grand Prix Award 1999 USA 1999 Golden Note Award Winner, Best Loudspeaker Design, The Academy USA 1999 Product of the Year, Media Totaal Award ‘99 Multi Media Totaal Netherlands European High End Audio of the Year 1999-2000 EISA Awards Specs: Description: 3-way vented-box system, 4-speaker, Bass Reflex System, Floor Type Drive units:  1 x 25mm metal dome high-frequency 1 x 150mm woven Kevlar® cone FST midrange 2 x 200mm paper/Kevlar® cone bass Frequency response: 39Hz – 20kHz ± 2dB on reference axis Sensitivity: 91dB spl (2.83V, 1m) Nominal impedance: 8W (min 3.0W) Crossover frequency: 350 Hz, 4 kHz Power handling: 50W - 500W into 8 ohm on unclipped programme Recommended power amplifier output: 50W ~ 500W (at 8 Ω) Dimensions: Height: 1106mm Width: 385mm Depth: 548mm Finishes: Cabinet: Real wood veneers, Black Ash, Cherrywood, Red Stained Cherrywood Grilles: Black cloth Weight: 70kg So it's almost impossible for any audio enthusiast to not immediately recognize the iconic shape and sound signature of the Nautilus 802. The swooping lines and bulbous round mid chamber w/tweeter perched on top might be the most recognizable speaker profile in the industry. We've experienced the 802 system many times and with a variety of amplification. Today here at the shop, they are positively slaying with big Threshold monoblocks - oof!! Have used a big Plinius, Hiato too at 300watts x 2. This might be the perfect amp for these power hungry British gentleman. Plinius has a warm enveloping sound that tames the highly resolving tweeters and makes this one of the most satisfying big speakers available at any price. The spectacular cherry finish shows a couple of nicks but NOTHING that should be a deal breaker at $5,999.00 of wear. Comes with B&W rolling castor kit (a BIG+). Been gone through and tested by our in-house speaker techs and they play magnificently; they are good to go! Demos are always encouraged here at the Andover shop. B&W Nautilus 802 in exceptional cherry finish: $5999.00 plus shipping and sales tax when applicable * Pilot Freight must be secured to ship these or talk to us about our personalized East Coast delivery service