B&W Owner's Thread - Page 107

I agree with the posts above. 683 is better than 684 for floorstanders, while 685 is better than 686 for front bookshelf. If you decide 683, get the HTM61 for better match. Period.

For the subs and surrounds, it boils down to personal preference. Some choose B&W for subs since they find it musical and wants an all B&W set. But some movie enthusiasts choose other brands since for the same price, there are other subs that goes lower than B&W in terms of bass. It's not critical to choose subs of the same brand unlike choosing the front and center which must be of the same brand and series for seamless integration. So it's B&W musical subs vs. other brand movie subs that go very low... no right or wrong choice.

For the surrounds, decide first if you want dipole (DS3) or bookshelf (685 or 686). If you can afford DS3, have a big room to fill, have side walls to hang them, and want movie-like experience, go for DS3. But if you prefer accurate and localized sounds, don't want to spend much on surrounds and have no walls to hang DS3, then bookshelves are the way to go. Next step is choose between 685 and 686. If you'll use it strictly for surrounds only, choose 686. But if you have plans to use it for main someday, choose 685. Besides 685 are easier to resell than 686 in my opinion only. The difference in sound coming out of 685 and 686 when used as surrounds are not that noticeable... but it's a different story if you'll use it as main. The consensus here is 685 is a better bookshelf speaker than 686. So at the end of the day, there's no right or wrong choice...it's a matter of preference and tastes. Even B&W, in its 800 series manual, acknowledges the conflicting opinions about the choice of surround speakers which is the reason why they manufacture many types so that consumers may choose which one suit their taste: DS8 (dipole/monopole on wall), 805S (monopole on stands) and SCM8 (monopole on wall). You may want to check this out: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=898287

Remember, despite the opinions of many here, there's no right or wrong choice. It's all a matter of personal preference. Good luck mate!

Accoroding to a B&W expert's advice,
"As the CM Centre 2 utilises the FST it is better voice matched to the CM7's, saying that the original CM Centre can still certainly be considered."
CMC-2 seems to be the way to go with CM7.
Thanks

I can spend up from $3000 to $6500 (prefer the lower end of course)
So far in my research I found:
Dali Helicon 800 $6500 (pair)
Klipsch Reference Series RF-83 $2498 each
Anthony Gallo Acoustics Nucleus Reference 3.1 $2,995 (pair)
Legacy Audio Classic HD $3990 to $4400 (pair)
Earthquake Platine Noiree 7.1 $2697 (pair)
Martin Logan Vintage $4995 (pair)

I do not know much about speakers - all I know is I want a really nice sound. I want a powerful speaker system. I have 18ft ceilings. Large home. I walk around alot so the sound needs to be spread out. I like base - I assume I need a subwoofer. My receiver is the Elite Pioneer SC-07. I will play music (mostly jazz, christian, R&B) and use it for my theatre room that has a TV Pioneer Elite 141. I am deferring to you experts out there. Can someone please help me? Do you know which of these speakers are the better quality ones for my situation. Are the speakers listed above good speakers? are there any gotchas? Any speakers you recommend? Do you know anything about the customer service or reputation of the manufacturer? Best places to buy speakers? I've looked on the internet and I keep coming up with old information (back in 2006, etc). Do recommend any additional accessories for my system - i.e. subwoofers.

I recommend that you start a new thread rather than posting this in the B&W owner's thread. It's not really on topic for this thread, and you'll get more responses that way.

Yeah this is a B&W centric group...we like B&W and we like to talk about B&W and if you want advice on speakers...B&W it is. So I shall politely ignore the other speakers you are considering and make some B&W observations. Why? Because everyone on this thread has, at one time or another, considered one or more of your choices and elected to go with B&W. I am sure there are other threads where they considered B&W and decided to get one of the choices you mention...but we, in this thread, well we're not too concerned with those unfortunate individuals.

In your price range, you can go to the top of the line of the 6 series in either 5.1 or 7.1 surround...no problem. In a two channel setup, you are looking at the top of the line 7 series (703) or a middle of the road 8 series (803s).

Take the time to listen to some of these choices and you will agree that they are some righteous choices. Your home has some unique challenges to be sure. From my experience I have listened to 20 year old B&W speakers in a prior home with 18ft ceilings and they sounded very good to me.

Happy hunting.

Guys,

I need some help here, my last HT setup was 603, CC6 and 601 running with Yamaha RX-Z1.

Now i have 704, HTM7 and 705. I tryied go with Denon 4308, but i didn't like at all.

I am thinking to get separates, Marantz Pre/Pro AV8003 with Amp. Sunfire Grand Cinema 5x 200W, another option is to get the power Marantz MM8003, rated 140W/ch (have enough power ?) or go with the new Yamaha RX-Z7 (waiting reviews).

Where i live, don't have any place to hear and test these options.

Could someone post some opinion with a good receiver ($2600) or separates ($5500) to use with B&W line 700 ?

Finally yesterday I had chance to try B&W speaker set of front 683, surround 685, center HTM62 and sub ASW700 (unfortunately at the moment they dont have 610XP which I really looking for). First I tried them with HK355. I must say that the experience was horrible. With movie I think its overall performance is good but with a concert CD (I tried with Eagles Hotel California in Hell Freezes Over DVD, one of the best acustic concert recording that I have listened), its sound is very flat, no deep subs, and I didn't feel the music well. Then they changed the AVR with Yamaha RX-V 663. I must say that the thing that I listened was very much different then HK. Although the sub was not the one really that it should be, still the sound, deepness, feeling all were OK. I felt like I was at the concert. But still I am looking for try the system with 686 rear and ASW610XP sub. Any experience? By the way, although Yamaha 663 is good enough for me with stereo also the dealer recommended 863 instead, what do you think? I also want to know any experience Marantz 8xxx series with 683? Finally how many of you think that 685 is too much for the rears?

I think 686 would be totally fine for the rears and I think you should go with the HTM61 center, it's a better sonic match for the 683s, while the HTM62 is more for the 685s/684s.

Hi guys,

Pretty much decided on the following 5.1 system:

B&W 683's for fronts
B&W HTM61 for center
B&W 685 for rears (dealer recommended)
B&W ASW610 sub

Denon AVR 2808 for processing and to power the rears, sub and center.
Rotel RB1080 to power the fronts.

What do you guys think of this setup? Any room for improvement?

I have a couple of questions.

685's or 686's for rears? Last few posts in this thread have said there is not much of a difference between the two, so would it be adequate to go for 686's for the rear? Split will be 65% HT, 35% music.

Is the Rotel to power the fronts and Denon for the rest ideal? Or would it be better go for a multi channel Rotel power amp? Any potential issues with going for this set up?

Denon 2808, any better options in the same price range?

And last but not least, I generally like a good amount of bass in my music and movies, any other options other than the ASW610? I've heard many a times this is the weak link in the 683 setup.

Thanks for the help.

You can look into an all Emotiva setup. Their new pre/pro is slated to be out in December, the UMC-1 which if I remember correctly should sell for $699. Then for amp choices from them, you have several choices depending on what you want to do. The XPA-5 goes for $799 with 200W/channel. The UPA-7 goes for $649 with 7 channels at 125W/channel. The MPS-2 goes for $1699 with 7 channels at 200W/channel. Or if you're sticking with strictly 5 channels, you can do a XPA-3 ($649 with 200W/channel) and XPA-2 ($799 with 250W/channel) combo.

Don't do that!

I have put the RB1080 with Denon 4308 to power my B&W 704 and it doesn't improve nothing.

I also test the RB1080 with a pre Rotel RC1070 and it was so FANTASTIC!!!

The problem lies in Denon.

So your saying better to go with a Rotel pre-pro or receiver?

Is there really that big of a difference, I have been led to believe it shouldn't be that much of a difference, since Denon is adequate and the juice is coming from the Rotel.

I just purchased a pair of 803D's and a HTM3s. Most have advice I have read is that these speakers enjoy a lot of power so I would like some input on amplifiers. I will be using my Pioneer SC-07 for the pre and am really thinking I would like to use a something in Class D because I like the idea of size and lower power use. I want to keep my budget under $2600.
Options I am currently looking at:
Wyred for Sound
D-Sonic
Rotel RMB 1575

Non Class D:
Emotiva

Why didn't you go with at least an HTM2D?

You really need to listen for yourself, but I'm of the opinion that the pre can make a big difference. Bigger than the amplification (provided the amp isn't being overdriven).

However, not everyone shares that viewpoint - so, I would strongly recommend comparing different pre-processors if you can. You might find that you don't hear a difference, but in to me, the difference can be very significant.

I got a very good deal on this setup but I will be keeping an eye out a used HTM2D and I am sure I will move up if I find one.

hey there b&w lovers-

Although I've been a def-tech (boo! hiss!) "guy" for years now, I've always been an "out of closet" fan of B&W, and have been seriously pining over a jump to the dark side lately (ha).
Truthfully, I've been biding my time, as my original plan was to hold out till I could get into the 7 series or perhaps even the 8, but I've heard and read so many fantastic things on the 683's, that when this opportunity to pick up a pair of like-new, 2 month-olds locally for $900 popped up, I think I started unconsciously salivating. Now, I'm not going to ask for a "comparison" per se between Def Tec and B&W- we all know it's about as apples to oranges as you can get. That said, my only reservation over their brief integration is to follow.

Thankfully, I have a buyer for 5/7.1th's of my current Def Tec system (the fronts, center, and rears).
Now, I'm finishing up school and short on funds for a bit, so my plan was to grab the 683's, add a HTM-61(right, NOT the 62?), keep my Def Tec supercube 1 for the lows, and the pair of Def Tec studio 350's (5 1/4 co-polymer and 1" dome alum tweeter) for the rears of a 5.1 set-up. Then, down the line, add a pair of 686's (or 685's?) to the sides to complete a 7.1 and THEN eventually add another pair (of 686's or 685's) for the rears and use the 350's in another room).

Questions for those who may have some experience with both lines:

1. How will the def-tec 350's integrate with the B&W's? I figure they at least have alum dome tweets and similar sized mid-range drivers. Now, I know this doesn't mean everything, but I figured it didn't hurt either. Obviously the most important trio will be all B&W (across the front). Even so, while it's a semi-temporary set-up, I don't want a sonic mess on my hands for a few months.

2. I think I'd like to keep the Def Tec sub around for a LONG time. I love it; it's musical, muscular and has great attack- PLUS I got it for less than half MSRP, NEW.
Can anyone speak to its integration with the 683's? I'm not anticipating having any issues, as I think it will compliment them splendidly.

Ok, session over. Thanks for your time, guys. Eventually I'll be one amongst ya- hopefully it's sooner than later!

take care,
James

Nice looking speakers - the 800s. I'm not sure if they are better than the Dali 800 Helicon's though... I have to find a dealer that has them in the store so I can physically see them and try them. I am on a business trip in NC/Raleigh - however I live in Jackson NJ

Hey, nothing wrong with Def Tec. I don't own any, but a good friend had some and I thought they sounded very good. On the other hand, he *loved* my B&W's (703s) and really wanted to move from Def Tech to B&W

As to your questions: No problems with the sub - it will integrate just fine. As to the 350's for surrounds, I would suggest that it depends on how picky you are. Many people are quite happy with mis-matched surrounds and it may not be a big deal at all. In fact, almost all of us have some degree of mis-match, even though we've stuck with the same line of speakers.

Even though I'm a big fan of B&W, I do strongly urge you to spend some time auditioning before you make the move. Not everyone loves them, and I'd hate for you to make a purchase and be disappointed. But if you like the 683s, I think it's a very sensible route to do what you are planning - get the front 3 matching as best as you can, hang on to your sub (it will work perfectly with the B&W's) and maybe down the road update your surrounds.

Good luck in your quest!

Hello all.

I am all over the place atm lol. I have a Def Tech setup in place right now (LR Mythos 10, CMythos 3, Rear LR Mythos 2, GemXL Rear Center, Dual SCII's). I wanted to upgrade, and auditioned quite a few speakers. I heard Viennas Mozarts, and really liked them. So I went ahead and purchased the Baby Grands. Needless to say, I made a mistake. Once I got these home, they didn't fair very well. They are great musically, but that have no extension whatsover with the higher frequencies. It's almost as if they just give up during a loud crash with glass breaking, metal scrunching etc. Gladly, I am passing them on with no problem.

So, I have my DT setup in place for the time being.

I've wanted B&W's as long as I can remember. I am looking at the 703's with a HTM7. They are in fact used, but from what I know so far, they have been well maintained.

Is the 700's series a decent line (I will have a chance to audition them, but wanted some insight before I do)to start off with? Will it be that much of an improvement over my current setup? Will I have to replace my subs as well? If so, what subs should I be looking into? What surround should I look into?

I will be powering them with a couple of Outlaw M2200's, and a Denon 3808ci. I may add another later on to power to the center.

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

Edit: Forgot to mention, my setup is mainly HT use, with alittle music mixed in here and there, which is why I liked the DT's so much.

Exactly. I'm not guaranteeing anything yet, but I I've heard a few pairs of B&W's in the past and I've always walked away HIGHLY impressed- I'm counting on a similar reaction upon this audition...we'll see!

Fanaticalism- seems we're in the same boat, stp. I've seen you in the Def Tec area. Good luck to you.

James

I've been looking into the 703's myself. Look absolutely rock-solid and the real veneers would score big points with the "other" resident at my address.

Choices. Choices.

James

One thing - you might want to wait until the CM9's hit the stores. Apparently they will be priced about the same as the 703s and may leapfrog them in sound quality.

For all I know, this expansion of the CM line could spell the end of the 700 series, but there's no official word on that. I will say that the 703 is a very dynamic performer, but it is definitely a speaker that is "forward" rather than laid back.

The 703s are a great speaker in my opinion, very musical and a great deal of "punch" and dynamics. The bad news is that the HTM7 really doesn't keep up with the 703s.

As much as I love the 703, I don't know that this would be the best combo for you given that home theater is your priority. You might actually prefer the sound of a 683 anchored HT because you can get a better matching center.

There are some people who have the combo you are looking at and are satisfied with it, but there are more who find the HTM7 weak when paired with the 703.

Can anyone speak to my "deal" of the 2 month old 683's for $900? If I like them, I'm assuming this is a great bargain. I just wish I could get them in a real veneer, as I'm (and a certain someone) just are not nuts about the vinyl-deal. Not a deal breaker, but the 703's just look so damn good.

Wgriel- thanks for the tip on the CM's, but I can only budget the 703's used, and this almost certainly exempts the new CM's.(?) Wow, the 703's seem to get unbelievable acclaim from my research...crazy to think they could be on the way out.

BTW- does anyone have any clue how much (if even possible) it would cost to have a pair of 683's clad in a real veneer? -I'm sure SOMEONE has done it!

I'd probably be willing to pay 3-$400, but that probably wouldn't "cover" it. heh?

thanks again,
James

First, that's a superb price on the 683s! If you can handle the appearance and like the sound, you're set!

It's purely speculation regarding the 703s, but the 700 series hasn't been updated in a long time (longer than any other B&W series). It's also a possibility that a new 700 series could be in the works, though I've heard nothing along that line.

One thing about the expansion of the CM line - it could lead to a bit more 700 series speakers hitting the used market. That might be a good way for you to go. On that line, I wonder if some CM7 owners will be selling them to step up to the CM9? That's another possible route if you don't like the 683s.

I agree that the vinyl wrap isn't nearly as nice as a wood veneer, and the 703 (and 704) are gorgeous speakers. When I got mine I was blown away by the meticulous fit and finish, and the bookmatch cherry veneer is stunning. It's darkened slightly over time and looks better to me now than when I took them out of the box. They really do look like a piece of fine furniture and fit in nicely in almost any decor.

Cool. Yeah, about the CM7: looks like it could give me the best of both worlds perhaps...fidelity and the veneers? How would we liken it to the 683's? Just "different", or could reasonable people agree that the 683 (or CM for that matter) offers, overall, a "better" sound?

james

For those of you with large projection screens and bright projectors: was wondering if the reflective rounded surface is distracting from your visual experience at all as the heads to seem to be quite reflective. If so, are there any solutions to that problem other than wrapping those beauties in black GOM?

I've been thinking about pairing a pairing my Yamaha RX-V1800 with a Rotel amp to power my CM7s. Anyone else try something similar? I was hoping for a noticeable difference in quality.

Any thoughts on the CDM 7NT's? Have a chance to pick up a pair in perfect shape for around $800. Am I better off considering the 683, 703, or CM 7's?
thanks,
James