Please rate this setup..

What do those speakers sound like to YOU?

There are all kinds of speakers out there at many different price points. No one can "tell you" what's going to sound good to you. You really need to try and audition as many different brands as you can. And, what's "on the cheap" to me.... may be way over your budget.

I'm personally not fond of the B & W sound until you get into the Nautalus (sp?) line. THAT is where B & W really shines IMHO. A couple of their higher end bookshelves aren't too bad, but again, very expensive for what you get.

I just feel for that kind of coin (or certainly a LOT less) you can get as good or even a LOT better. I know I certainly did with my AUDES Blues based HT system.

There are MANY nice brands that you can get into for say $3,000 to $7,000 (USD) that will give you incredible sound and value for the dollar. Certainly more than B & W IMHO. To me, B & W is one of those esoteric brands that charges more for their product simply because it says B & W on the box. Not, because it cost that much to produce or sounds that great. Again, with exception of the Nautalus line.

Some B&M brands to consider....

Audes
Paradigm
PSB
Dynnaudio
NHT
Vandersteen
Von Schwiekert
Klipsch
KEF
Revel
JM Labs Focal
Thiel
Sonus Faber
Monitor Audio

JUST to name a FEW....

Some of the ID brands I would look at....

Ascend
Av123
Swans
ACI
Tyler Acoustics

Again.... to name a few.

Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. If you only buy on the recommendations of others, you may, and most likely will, end up with something you aren't happy with. Now, you've spent all this $$$ and need to start all over.

I auditioned speakers for almost a year before making a final purchase. I always used the same reference discs and took copious notes in a log book I kept of the process. I even listened to some brands more than once. A couple of brands that I fell in love with early on, I ended up disliking very much later in the process. But, I've had my HT speakers for six years now and haven't ONCE had the urge to "upgrade" or change in any way. WELL WORTH my auditioning efforts I think.

Besides, it's a blast listening to so many different brands of gear.

Good luck in your search!

You really cant go wrong with a B&W setup though, they are easily some of the best speakers on the market for a reachable price point, IMHO...

Your B&W setup sucks!!!!

That felt good...In reality is a good setup, but for the amount of money you are planning to spend I would consider taking a look at Quad's list, and add Vienna Acoustics, and Dali.

But, if you want something really special with custom finishes, excellent sounding, excellent customer service that will work with you hand in hand, and looks and sounds more than twice the amount you will spend with them take a look at Salk Sound (www.salksound.com)

Kruzer- You may wnat to take quad's advice of spending a little less on speakers and putting some of the 'left over' budget into sound treatments, if you haven't already done so. Spending serious coin on speakers is useless if they are used in an area that won't allow them to perform their best. Spending $3-7k usd on speakers and $2k or so on sound treatments/professional room prep will give a setup that will put that smile on your face every time you listen.

Overall, it's hard to slam B&W. They still have the most comprehensive line of high-quality freestanding speakers on the market. They make great speakers in all price ranges. Do some room treatments and enjoy.

I was kind of amused at your first post where you essentially ask, "Should I buy a BMW M5, or a Suzuki Sidekick??"

Man.... I KNEW there was another brand that started with "V" that I was forgetting....

I also agree very much about Jim Salk's stuff.... drop dead gorgeous, probably well within your B & W price range (if you choose to spend that much) and sound that is so sultry, silky, can listen for hours smooooooth with dynamics that won't quit.

LOL.... you make it sound like it was an ordeal. For me, really it wasn't. I wanted to be SURE that I ended up with something that I truly enjoyed and would be happy with for a very long time. Plus, I LEARNED a LOT by just listening to different brands and talking with folks about all things audio.

Besides, it made for several family "road trips" and long weekends when we would travel out of town to catch brands that weren't available locally. It made for some GREAT times with the famdamily. One day, I would have my audition appointments scheduled while the girls shopped (you KNOW how them women just LOVE to shop). The next day, we would do the local attraction of note (Zoo, Amusement Park, etc.). It was a fun experience for all involved.

And, just for the record.... I'm not slamming B & W. They certainly have garnered a fine reputation and have a very loyal following. I'm just saying at their price points in their lower lines, they just aren't MY cup of tea.

Just keep us updated...