[AV-iator]

Hi,

I`m considering buying the B&W XT-series, starting with XT4...Yeah, I know not most bang for the buck, and would prob be better off with the 703`s, but I need speakers with a small footprint, and I need to place them close to the wall...and I also got WAF to consider...

I`m not shure if I should go for surround...thinking of buying an integrated receiver to start with...Any suggestions ?


Pardon me for the english, but I`m Scandinavian...

 

[AV-iator]

Nobody has any experience with the B&W XT series?

 

[Jonomega]

it really depends on what features you want in a receiver.



For instance, I decided I could live without Dolby Processing, Surround Sound, Bass Management, AM/FM Tuner and this put me on a Stereo path where I bought a separate amplifier to power the speakers, and a separate Preamplifier to manage all the inputs that I have.


You also have to ask yourself, how loud you want to play the system. Is it going to be mix movies/music or just dedicated movies? Do you have the desire to upgrade to surround very soon - or maybe in a couple of years?


The processing improves every year, so if you dont use the processing, you have wasted your money.


In my case, I know I cannot facilitate proper Surround Sound setup for another 2 years. 4 years ago when I got involved with this hobby, I knew this and decided to go forego the receiver route because I knew I wouldnt use many of the features for 6 years.


Another important piece of detail, is how much money you willing to spend? For low budget, there are limited choices, for higher budget, your choices are grand.

 

[AV-iator]

Hi, thanx for fast reply!


Sorry I didn`t mention that I`m going to use it just for music. I will however buy an A/V receiver later with the subwoofer, and the center and XT2`s

But for now: No processing, just an amp I just need a clean integrated amplifier, but I`m not so shure how "big" (WATTS?) I need for the XT`s - somebody said on a forum that they needed a "heavyduty" amp - I dunno? Do I? I just dont want to end up with something that`s hasn`t got the "power". I could of course ask in some hifi store but they want to sell you what they got and I want to choose the best match for the speakers...I`ve been lookin around for a brand that`s got many components for easier "upgrades" or more solutions. It was Arcam (expensive...) & Denon, there are probably other options but I dunno what`s the best match...

I like to play loud (prog. metal) , but I dont think I`ll need an amplifier that goes up to 11..

Cheers,





Technical Specifications : XT4

Description 3-way vented-box system

Dimensions Height: 1138mm (44.8 in) (not including feet)

Width: 152mm (6 in)

Depth: 200mm (7.9 in)

Net Weight 24.5kg (54 lb)

Freq. Response 40Hz - 22kHz ±3dB on reference axis

Freq. Range -6dB at 34Hz and 50kHz

Sensitivity 86dB spl (2.83V, 1m)

Normal Impedance 8 ohms (minimum 3.1 ohms)

Power Handling 50W - 150W into 8 ohms on unclipped programme

Drive Units Unit 1: 1x 25mm (1 in) aluminium dome high-frequency

Unit 2: 1x 130mm (5 in) woven Kevlar® cone midrange

Unit 3: 2x 130mm (5 in) Paper/Kevlar® cone bass

Finish Cabinet: Natural aluminium Grille: Black cloth

Dispersion Description: Within 2dB of reference response

Horizontal: over 60º arc

Vertical: over 10º arc

Harmonic Distortion 2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)

 

[warpdrive]

The XT's aren't the most efficient, but any good integrated amp of say, 80W, should easily drive the XT's to loud enough listening volume in a room less than 2000 cubic feet without running out of dynamics even with pushing it.


I'd be looking at the Cambridge Audio 640 or NAD C352 which are pretty conservatively rated, and should fit the bill for high quality sound, or choose the next higher modelfor extra insurance against running out of power.


For receivers, the upcoming Onkyo 805 should be able to meet your needs for power and features when you add your center/sub/surrounds etc. It has all of the processing you need, and all of the capabilities for connecting future components (full HDMI 1.3 support, and high definition audio format decoding).

 

[Jonomega]

I have rotel RB-1070, RC-1070 for about 1200$ and they power a pair of 804s with ease at any volume. So for starting out, this would probably represent a "very great" starting electronics. Cambridge Audio Azur stuff is pretty good as well, for about half price. NAD makes some good electronics, as well as there is a Rotel Integrated for 800$ish.


Find a dealer -- probably your B&W dealer has these integrated amps, or separates so you can try them out!

 

[AV-iator]

Thanx! I really appreciate the advice. The local av-shop got both the CAMBRIDGE 640A and the CAMBRIDGE 840A - same shop as the B&W`s. I`ll definitely check them out. I`ve seen they both got really good reviews. Think I`ll go for the 840A for the extra insurance against running out of power.


The Onkyo 805? Yes, I want one! It seems to have support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, should be out (even

) in Europe soon!


Thanx alot!


Cheers,