B&W Owner's Thread - Page 150

Thanks for the info about the amplification. Now I feel confident that the B&W's can be driven with the Krell showcase 7. Also since I only use a 5 channel setup I guess I can biamp the fronts if necessary.

Also can anyone tell me where I could get a god prices on the B&W speakers.

Well, I'm willing to bet that God gets a helluva great price on his B&W purchases. But if you're searching for a "good" deal, you might want to look for close outs at your local dealer. B&W does not allow internet sale of their product and the typical discount off of MSRP is limited to around 10% typically for current generation product. Depending on what you are looking for, you might find older floor models like the 700 series or the XT4 (which are both being replaced) at substantial discounts. Used might be a good way to go as well but B&W speakers seem to hold their resale value quite well.

looking at a pair of 683's to start off my first real system. just want to make sure that an sc-05 receiver would work well with em or if i need to get something else.

peruse www.audiogon.com and be patient

Newbie seeks to upgrade system. Hello all, I'm in the process of upgrading my system (just replaced my HSU Research bookshelf speakers with B&Ws and added a Rotel RMB 1095 to my Onkyo 805). I'd like to make further upgrades and am looking for suggestions. I'd like to realize the greatest improvement to 2-channel sound for less than $2000.

My system at the moment:
804S Fronts
CMC2 Center
CM1 Rears
Onkyo 805 (serving as pre-pro)
Rotel RMB 1095 amplifier
Onkyo DX C390 Multi-disc CD player

I'm wondering whether a CD player (like the cambridge audio 840), an outboard DAC (like the Benchmark DAC USB connected to my macbook), a 2 channel pre-pro (like the parasound 2100) or an upgraded pre-pro (like a new rotel or a used classe) would improve my 2 channel performance the most. Thanks for any suggestions (oh, and I'm posting in this forum so that people don't criticize my choice of speakers - i've gathered that B&W isn't terribly popular around here).

I would forget about the electronics, and focus on things that are going to yield the largest improvements. I would shoot for the HTM2 center.

As to B&W not being popular, well, isn't really the case, it is just that you have about 4 posters who are extremely active, and shoot down anything that isn't ID, or considered "overpriced".

Assuming you haven't done so, I'd say treating your room's acoustics.
Either that or (seeing as you didn't list one) getting a subwoofer. Either choice would be money well spent.
IMHO getting a new pre/pro or a new CD player or a DAC is NOT going to make your system sound $2000 better.




Yeah, it's called envy...

Good suggestions. As to the subwoofer - forgot about that. I've got a HSU VTF- MKII and am pretty happy with it. The CMC2 sounds fine to me, so I'll probably stick with that and I'm much more interested in 2-channel sound. Room treatment will have to wait, unfortunately, as I'm in a temporary situation. Will improved electronics not result in superior sound? Thanks again for any thoughts.

Since you just went from the CM9 to 804S, that was a major step, and you have a dedicated amp. I know you've said the CMC2 sounds fine with the 804S, so you're not looking to change that out...yet.

At this point I would say either get a higher end CD player, DAC, or Processor, like you sugested. If you get a better Processor, you can just use it for D/A from the CD player. I have an Adcom 5 Disc CD player that's about 10 years old, but I use the RCA/Coax Digital Out to my Outlaw 990 processor and have it work as the DAC. Before I got the 990, I was using a CAL Audio Tube DAC. If you buy a new processor, just make sure the DAC in it is better than the one your using.

IMHO, it'd be a waste of money.
Look, ultimately, it's your money. Spend it how you want. Buy a new DAC or blow it on hookers and coke, I don't care. BUT if you ask my opinion (and you did) save your dough.
You have a very decent set-up. You'd have to spend a lot more than 2 grand to get better performance. And even then it'd be incremental.

Save your money 'til you can afford a pair of 802Ds (I know I am). Now that would be an improvement!

Ha, ha. Well said. Definitely food for thought. Thanks.

If you're just dying to spend money, a blu-ray would definitely be worth it.
Unless, you already have one and didn't list it.

Otherwise, I agree with saving your money as previously mentioned.

Hi all...
recently picked up a set of 600s3's for a small 2.1 setup. used for both home theatre and music (i'm not into surround sound... call me old-school?).
to my ears these little gems are one of the most transparent units i've ever heard.
now looking for a sub to pair with them...
have read a lot of comments on this thread about the 600 series subs falling short of the mark and suggestions to look outside B&W for the bottom end.

would appreciate any suggestions for powered subs to mate with the 600s3's.
small room (roughly 13x13)
would like to stay under $400

thanks in advance! cheers...

I use the SVS pb 10. It is a little over $400. I run it with the 685's and my room size is 16x11x8.

yes, the 600 S3s are a sweet little speaker that often got overlooked. I've got a pair in my kitchen and they really are musical and transparent.


If you can swing a touch more than $400.00, get this sub while it's on sale!

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html

Here's one that's $399

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfmcompact.html

I have the next larger unit
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1plus.html

I have to disagree just a little bit that improved electronics are a waste of money. I recently purchased a Denon 3808CI to replace my aging Denon 2802. Did it make a difference? You better believe it did! Was it worth the upgrade? You better believe it was! Nothing else was changed in my system, just the AVR. Would it be a $2000 improvement? I don't know, but since you can find the 3808 in the 1K range now, it was definitely worth it to me..

Now, I'm confused I guess I'll demo an outboard DAC, higher end CD player, HTM3S, two-channel preamp, bluray player and then go from there. If something blows me away, I'll buy it, otherwise, I'll wait until I can spend more than 2K. Thanks for the thoughts.

Anyone know if the are replacement bases available for the LM-1s. They are notorious for breaking at the adjustment bolt. I've seen several speakers with boken stands on ebay. I purchased a pair, but one arrived with a broken stand. The buyer wouldn't honor his insurance claim. I could have given them back, but got an excellent deal on the auction.

I agree with the blu ray suggestion! Especially if you can snag a multi-tasker that also plays sa-cd's. With the difference between 2K and the blu...you can upgrade you music collection.

I upgraded my whole set up...and the cd's that sounded great 10 years ago...

pretty stinky.

Don't forget...it's not just the speakers, the pre-pro, and the amp...it's what you play on it too. I forgot that lesson.

Are you suggesting that I look for re-masters of older CDs that I own, or try to purchase SACD versions instead? I do like the idea of the multi-player - Oppo has a blu ray player w/ SACD capability coming out fairly soon that looks promising.

I just bought a pair of N802, and now I need to find a proper amplifier to match them. Currently I have a Pioneer Lx-81, but I have been told that the speakers need a better power amplifier.
So I am looking for an amplifier up to US$ 7,000, and based on some magazine reviews, I have come up with these alternatives: Mcintosh 252, Classe CA-2200 or Bryston 6B SST. Can anybody help me with information about which would be the best match ?
Another question: the LX-81 can work well as the pre-amplifier of the system?
I like to listen to jazz, rock and acoustic music.
My room is 6m X 4m.
Thanks in advance

thanks for the suggestions on powered subs to pair with my 600s3's.
any comments from the group regarding how they would compare to the following units:
Polk PSW110
Boston Acoustics CS sub 10
Polk PSW111
Polk DSW Pro400
Velodyne Impact 10

sorry for all the questions. thanks in advance for your opinions. cheers...

I am thinking of getting B&W 703 but haven't heard them so I wonder if someone could compare them to the cm7 or maybe cm9.

I've only heard the cm7's once. They were set up with a Denon CD-player and a Denon PMA-1500AE which I think was maybe a bit to small for the speakers. There also was a kind of a grey blur somewhere in the midrange, but I have no idea what that was caused by. The upper midrange and treble sounded really clear and smoth and the bass was pretty tight. No deep bass whatsoever.

What I liked about the cm's was that even though it all sounded a bit sterile, dry and low resolution from lower midrange and down, especially on hard rock music(denon? cold amp??), they still sounded warm and natural, almost fat, and had a very tight and relaxed "style". I've heard Denon 1500R on 603S3 alot of times and that too sounded a bit murky yet quite clear in the upper mids and treble region, but that amp had no controll over the bass so if those two amps are anything like each other the 603's must be a hell of a load or the cm's have a completely different way of making 70W sound. Less volume and soundstage but tighter and more relaxed and natural. This may be normal in more expensive speakers for all I know but I don't have much listening experience with speakers over 1500 USD. Please comment!

I found that the cm7's potentially should sound quite snappy with a bigger more dynamic amp. They are however to small for me even with subs I think. I'd like a bigger soundstage and have been told that the 703's should deliver more in that department. What I would like to know is if the 703's will give me the same relaxed, tight and snappy sound with the right amp(s) or will the cm9's be a better choice? Haven't heard the cm9's either, reckon they sound somewhat like the cm7's only bigger??)
I have a Densen DM-10 and a DM-30 for biamping. Whatever I end up with, the speakers might be cut off somwhere between 80-150Hz as I plan on trying out a powered sub&midbass system. (Two HSU MBM12 and two HSU VTF-3 MK3) Thanks for all inputs

Both. Look for re-masters, and keep an eye out for either cd's and/or sacd's when you get wind of some killer album/song.

I'm a fan of choice...don't just limit yourself to cd's or cd's. You have a solid set up right here, right now. How to augment? Add a Blu Ray, one that also plays sacd's, maybe even spring for a turn table...then you have a choice of blu ray movies, cd's, sacd's, vinyl (what's old is new again).

Choice. It's a good thing!

I've only compared the 703 to the CM7 (the CM9 wasn't released when I did my shopping). I swapped back and forth quite a few times using the same source and electronics.

I'd say that you really do need to compare these speakers yourself because they are quite different.

The 703 throws a much bigger soundstage than the CM7 and images better (maybe due to the tweeter on top?). I also thought the midrange on the 703 was a bit cleaner, and the 703s are much more dynamic. However, the 703 is also more forward: in a reflective room, it might be too much and something like the CM9 might be a bit more laid back (if it's anything like the CM7).

I bought 703s and I love them and have no regrets, but there are a couple of things to consider:

- The 700 series is at an end (if that sort of thing matters to you).
- if you want to do multi-channel, I'd suggest that you are better off with the CMs because they offer better center channel options.

If you want an excellent 2 channel setup, the 703s are a gem (my opinion, of course). But, as alluded to above, they can be a bit aggressive in a reflective room. You really have to listen for yourself to see if it's what you like.

I'm afraid that I haven't heard any of the subs above: based on reputation alone, I'd probably go for the Velodyne before the others (Polk and Boston aren't known to be champions in the sub department).

However, that's pure speculation on my part.

Hello people,

I have been looking to upgrade the speakers in my HT/family room. It is 20' x 20' with a vaulted ceiling running from left side to right side that approaches 14' at its height. There is a 4' wide x 7' high opening to the rest of the house on one side.

I currently have definitive tech BP2000 mains, def tech pro monitor 100 surrounds, a definitive center channel (can't remember which one) and a mirage bps 150 subwoofer. I have tried, unsuccessfully to find a dealer within a reasonable drive to listen to a PSB Synchrony One setup to replace the deftechs. I heard a Synchrony Two setup and was very impressed, but it did not have the overall guts to fill a room as big as mine.

It made me think back to my college days where I heard a pair of B&W 805s driven by a very small Conrad Johnson tube amp. It was breathtaking. I have a B&W dealer within a reasonable drive. Could four 805's paired with a JL 113 or SVS Ultra fill a room this size with quality reference level (with an infrequent trip above reference level) sound. I primarily use it for HT, with periodic two channel and multi channel music.

I am using a Pio SC-07 as my rig right now, and would not be opposed to purchasing a larger power AMP if necessary. I have also not thought about a center channel, which cannot be taller than 9 inches tall, as it would interfere with the projector screen when it drops from the ceiling.

Would 804's or 803's be necessary as fronts? Any input would be useful.

Thanks for the help.

Paul

The 140 W/ch of the SC-07 should give you adequate levels, even in very loud passages, in an HT application with any of the B&W speakers. I definitely would recommend the 804's or 803's (or higher) over the 805's, since it is always best to let your main speakers handle as much of the bass as they can easily handle, and leave only the extreme lows to the subwoofer. These have extremely tight, clean bass in the 50 Hz range and upward.