Originally posted by Mundis:
I'm purchasing either the B&W 805 bookshelf or the 804 floorstanding speakers for my family room...
I have a pair of B&W N803's (mains) and am very happy with them. I run them with the 950/770 combo (in a bi-amp configuration). I have listened to N805's and love them too, but there are some limitations to these smaller speakers...
While many like the simplicity of the N805's two-way design, it can not use the FST midrange driver that the three-way speakers can. In my opinion, the FST is the one of the best transducers made at any price. Play some good female vocalists and compare them before you decide. Some B&W dealers have an upgrade policy that will let you buy-up without penalty within the first 6 months to a year.
A friend of mine has the CDM9NT's, which are the predecessor of the 703's, and they also use Outlaw amplification. Both have the FST. Great speakers and a great value. You can get CDM9NT's on E-bay for less than $2000/pr.
Good luck...
Allan