Pictures of your B&W Set-up

[D-bucket]

Your candid & mesmerizing review posts drives home so clearly just how important and crucial "Synergy" between the components becomes when approaching the best SQ available from your audio system, especially among quality higher end candidates that are truly outstanding in their own right otherwise. Since it is not always practical or feasible to have the opportunity to individually audition & compare similiar components we may have an interest in for ourselves, which would be the best option, the next best option is to read the observations & remarks of someone that has. That is why posts such as yours with all the included intricate details, surprises, letdowns, imagery, and analysis are so intriguing. :T

Btw, what a penetratingly beautiful compliment to the CDP-100 player.

[ryst]

And there it is the catastrophe the CDP-102, the substitute of the CDP-100 is completely released by the CDP-100. Jeff is completely turned over from there. Especially at this point. The CDP-102 is flat, low register not tended, missing whole completely that the CDP-100 has… Incomprehensible.

Interesting, I had the total oposit experience in the "shoot out" between those 2 players.
I prefer the 102, the whole sound stage is better, but the biggest differece was the bass that was more "sounding" in the 102.
Played it in a system with 802D/CA-M400/CP-700/CDP-100/CDP-102, TaraLabs Air1

[fredBelgium]

Hello Ryst,

Personally I find that worst association in this line of goods are a 802D/CDP-102/CP-500 unit. This config is too slow with my taste. The CDP-102 functions very well on 805s. I never liked the CP-500 too much. I prefer loins a CAP-2100. Obviously, each one has the right to have its approaches and its tastes.
Good config... 805s, CAP-2100 and CDP-102.

Fred

[sikoniko]

I apologize fred, as I understand english is not your first language, but are you saying that you think the cdp-100 is almost as good as the cdp-202? and better than the 102? can you please clarify?

[fredBelgium]

Hello Sikoniko,

I already explained higher than the converters of the 100 and 202 are of Burr Brown whereas pous the 102 and 300 of the Cirrus. Burr Brown being with my higher direction. But there is also another data which seems important to me. The fact that when Classé with left the new range Delta it had there only one reader, the CDP-100. In this case Classé owed fraper with a top-of-the-range reader extremely, the CDP-100. They have stop the model for lack of follow-up of drives in the supplier and thus left the CDP-102 rather quickly. While knowing that there would be a top-of-the-range model. I remain persuaded that they have in some kinds to create a variation of quality between the CDP-102 and the 202. Obviously it is only one deduction of my share. But the result is well there. We have, in Paris, makes a comparative test between the 4 mark readers. The classification was as follows and in an obvious way. the first was the 202 then 100 then 102 and finally the 300. The differences were frankly marked. Test carried out on a pair of 800D with a CP-700, 2 X CA-2200 and Analysis cables.

Fred.

[fredBelgium]

Here a text which I wrote in his time on the CP-700…

I will try to remain simplest possible in my remarks and to voluntarily limit my comments to 5 CD. 2 of classical music (Handel, “Delirio” with Natalie Dessay and Emmanuelle Haïm and Mozart “Violin Sonatas” with Hilary Hahn and Nathalie Zhu), 1 of jazz (the trio Sylvain Beuf “Another Building”), 1 of French music (My great classic Michel Jonasz “Oû go the dreams”) and 1 of film music (the Himalayas de Bruno Coulais). It is a a little short choice, but it should just be remembered that I have this amplifier since less than 12 midnight and that these 5 discs offers a great choice of stamps and voice. If I were to begin with only one word this listening I would say “Holographic”. The capacity of analysis of this préampli is remarkable and that without adding some. The sound is natural and full, it fills the part… with oû the “Holographic” term. There is also an effect 3D. A very great depth of the various sound plans but without exaggeration. In fact the sound is untied in a natural way but with in more one bluffant realism of the stamps. On CD of Mozart what impresses it is touched piano. We manage to follow on the instrument the construction of the note as of its creation at the time of touching it. The hammer which strikes the cord is quite present. There are a consistency for each note but also a place in space for each one. The violin, it, squeak, slip, rub on the bow, yes it is rather the opposite will say to me you. In fact all materializes in front of your eyes. It is very impressive and again it takes a time of adaptation. Such an amount of for heating electronics but more especially our “hammer” and our “anvil”… our ear what! With Handel it will be the test of the splendid soprano voice Natalie Dessay. What a treat! I already said it, but this type of configuration opens the doors of the paradise of the music. I launch the listening of this CD on the 3rd beach which I find very impressive “Delirio amoroso” “Aria: A pensiero voli in sky”. The plays of the voice between violin and oboe are all simply splendid. Different emotion emerge from deepest from my entrails and I live one exceptional moment. I will not say to you that the tears run but it is not far from being the case. At this time still the capacity of analysis strikes extremely. I realize whose without doing it purposely this préampli “throne” in the center of the installation and it is its place well there because it has also this capacity which is to reveal all the potential of each element of the chain hifi. The CP-700 extraverti the CA-2200. The CA-2200 becomes again also exceptional. That also it is the capacity of the CP-700… to reveal the other elements. I continue on CD of the trio of Sylvain Beuf… of the jazz. The characteristic of this trio in this case it is the total absence of piano. We thus have only a sax soprano and/or tenor, a double bass and a battery. What makes listening a little simpler, but especially allows to once again discover all the capacity of analysis on an omnipresent battery. And again the result is blowing because all the drinking cups, gross-case and that I know, cut you the breath. The precision of each attack is titanic without to crush the listener. There is this respect between the machine and the man. Each one in its place with the respect of the other. Funny of feeling. But it really exists. In any case it is what I really felt. Yes I know it is a little masturbatoire but I announce to you my felt. Quite simply. The continuation with the disc of the film “the Himalayas”. In this case, the second beach “Norbu”. In fact Bruno Coulais with this ability of making us travel to the four corners of the world leaves its compositions very “human”. And it is well the case here. Voices, synthés, computers and to copy/stick but in the good direction of the term. A hot music for mountains cold and hard. A human music. Again what strikes is the depth of the low registers, of a frightening precision, quite present but not crushing. Serious palpable by all the nuances brought and revealed again by the CP-700. An analytical, electronic, data-processing frightening precision without being. That recalls me that I have the whole of CD of the KraftWerk group and that it is necessary absolutely that I make a test today. And I finish with Michel Jonasz and this famous CD which is “Where the dreams go”. I do not hide you that I have weak for this one and it follows me everywhere in the demonstrations which is to finish a good thing because it is useful to me like some others of reference. Sublimated… here is the term which I would use. In fact the total register is sumptuous of natural hot and ultra-definite voice but always of most natural. The instruments are very present but at their place behind Michel. It is as on this type of CD as one can appreciate all this famous management of the distribution of the various sounds and different source.
Spatialization is quite simply remarkable. As well in-depth as in width to see even in height. The piece that I affectionate is “Ground”. Much emotion on the text but also on the composition and interpretation. Which delight. Here is in some CD my first “meeting of the third type”. I will now try to describe what occurs compared to my old configuration. Philippe Muller (sound engineer independent for B&W France having its own studio of recording of classical music and jazz and equipped in Audio B&W and Classified) explains very well it how why the fact of feeding in Bi-amplification with different wattages can pose problem on the levels of the power reality of exit. In my case they was 2 times 100 Watts in the acute medium/and 2 times 200 Watts in the low register. In fact the 2 times 100 Watts would have priority on the 2 times 200 Watts thus we would have really 2 times 100 Watts at exit. Good in asked me not more I am null on this blow and I excuse myself in advance in Philippe if I modify his remarks by the bad turning of sentence. And well now I do not function any more that with the CA-2200 and I should not assemble the sound also strong any more only before what should confirm what precedes. The fact also of exploiting all the potential of the CA-2200 makes it possible to simplify the way of the signal. And I realize to listening that his A one made more natural, simpler in the way of being propagated. I am as astonished by the not-need for Bi amplified and yet that made for the years as in general I Bi amplify. It goes from either that to add a second Bi vertical amplification CA-2200 should bring one more and I would make the test this week. And what also surprises thanks to the total control of all the elements it is that this installation can function very well in a part with modest dimension. Here, there are surely still many things to saying concerning this préampli and especially from a technical point of view, but I acknowledge you to quickly find my limits on this table because I function more with “touched” to see with listening. I thus leave the technique to the pros which formulates well better than me the technical description of this kind of product. I would add later on on this same station some reflexions which will rise from my future listenings. Thank you to have taken time to read this small CR and as usual good listening with you.

Frederic. :T

[akhter]

New Pics

This is my new apartment--having just moved to Tokyo.

The stands are all new...

Arcam AVR300/CD73
B&W N804/XTC
Xbox360/AppleTV/DigitalCable
Kimber cables

[Lewing]

Hey Akhter, you have a really nice setup in your new apartment! And with an apartment that spacious in Tokyo, the cost must be a bit on the expensive side right?

[fredBelgium]

Hello Akhter,
Indeed you have a very beautiful installation and the apartment is very sympathetic.

[akhter]

Thanks lewing & fred

I wasn't initially very happy with the apt as the living room is a wierd shape, and I had the speakers too close and all the components crammed in the TV stand, but once i got the Taoc stand and got rid of one of my couches, I am much happier with the results.

When I saw the stand, it was filled with all McIntosh gear, which got me thinking some decidedly evil thoughts

[caleb]

fredbelgium - do you have Imodium in your country?

Please keep a pill in your mouth - it should cure that verbal diahorea you have!

[fredBelgium]

fredbelgium - do you have Imodium in your country?

Please keep a pill in your mouth - it should cure that verbal diahorea you have!

Is Hello Caleb,

which the direction of your intervention?
I does not include/understand very well.

Frederic.
:T Thank you

ps : Will Es you a large consumer of viagra? :rofl:

[Briz vegas]

All the amaxing systems on this page and so little in the way of acoustic treatments. Most of the systems I have visited through our audio club in Brisbane are pretty big on acoustic treatments (mostly home made). Surely 800Ds deserve some panels here and there?

[Maverick71]

All the amaxing systems on this page and so little in the way of acoustic treatments. Most of the systems I have visited through our audio club in Brisbane are pretty big on acoustic treatments (mostly home made). Surely 800Ds deserve some panels here and there?

I completely agree with you. I posted a new thread here: http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=26601 raving on the single most amazing system I have ever heard. It has lots of acoustic treatments (walls and ceiling) but still a very nice room.

I'm seriously considering going this route as well for my home cinema (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showpos...postcount=1193 and http://www.htguide.com/forum/showpos...ostcount=1194), although I don't have a dedicated room for it. I think it can be both very effective and WAF friendly

Mav

[jack667]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum, but I thought I would contribute to this post. I have gone from owning a pair of Monitor Audio GR20s ($3000) allll the way back down to a pair of B&W 685s. But, money aside, the B&Ws really do crap all over the MAs. I couldn't live with the GR20s any longer - the B&Ws are incredible, definitely the best the 600 series has EVER been!

The sound is so open and deep. Freq response at 42Hz - 50khz, but I'd say thats quite modest considering the thump I've had out of them after just 2 days.

Interested to see what some of the big mags have to say about the new 600 series, I know regardless, I am over the moon!

They are connected to an Advantage S101 (160w).. perhaps a little unbalanced, seeing as the amp is worth 10 times what the speakers are... still, great sound.



Thanks!

[Nolan B]

The 600 series looks great! I havent heard them myself yet, but the S3s were gret value in IMO and if the new ones are even better then im sure they are a winner.

[Russ L]

jack667-First pics of the new 600 series to my knowledge. Is that a Mac Mini hooked up to your Samsung TV as a music server? I'm a Mac and Samsung fan. Both are items I've been tempted to purchase! :B Nice setup. Best regards, Russ

[audioqueso]

jack667, the 600s look so good! Sometimes I want my 600s back.
Strange funny comment, I never realized how much the Mission Impossible 2 DVD stood out. I can clearly see amongst all your other DVDs.

[Aldo]

They look great!
Nice setup!

[jack667]

Wow, thanks for the feedback guys.

Russ L- indeed that is a Mac Mini with a 320gb Seagate attached (with 200gb tunes - around 45,000 odd). It's a fantastic combo, and truly sounds incredible. I used to have an Arcam spinner (CD73) and on doing A/B comparisons I could honestly not tell the difference, so I got rid of the thing!

Much more convenient having it all on the mini.

I believe these might be the first photos of the 600 series online (in a home I mean).. so I'm pretty pleased about that!

Audioqueso - haha you are right, MI2 does stand out. Perhaps too much, it doesn't deserve to be sitting next to Nil By Mouth !

Thanks all...

Jack

[Miroku]

How do you interact with the MAC Mini? Does it accept a wireless mouse and Keyboard? I am tempted to get one of those now hehe.

[jack667]

Ahh I use remote desktop from a Macbook (so lazy) but it works so well!

I have used bluetooth keyboard and mouse in the past and it does work very well.

Thanks

[Luke Skywalker]

Nyce setup Jack :T. How much they had cost the 685?

[jack667]

in the UK I paid £379, not sure how much they will be across the world...

[Luke Skywalker]

Thank you, Jack :T .

[musman]

Some of there photos are a little dated, but here is one of my three systems.

B&W Matrix 800's (Speakers)

Conrad Johnson Premier Ten (Pre-Amp)

Rotel RB-1092 (Amplifier)

Hagerman Tech Cornet Kit (Phono-Pre)

Linn LP12 with Lingo,Ittok LVIII,Grado Sonata (Turntable)

Classe CDP-102 (CD Playback)

All Audioquest & Audiotruth (Cables)

Website: http://home.wideopenwest.com/~mvallely0812/


Please feel free to ask questions.

Thank You!

[jack d]

I made some changes to my system, including the 5 MC501s. Thought I would post for some fun.

MC501s



Wide View



Front View



Rear Wall Treatment

[musman]

Nice system! 802's or 800's?

[Briz vegas]

Looks like 802D to me. Either that or a pair of anorexic 800Ds that no longer have braces on their teeth. :rofl: :rofl:

Nice gear gentlemen.

Is that a school or a gaggle of Macs? or maybe a litter..............?

[Briz vegas]

...........a platoon maybe..............?

[jack d]

Sorry guys. Only 802Ds. and HTM1D and 804Ss. Processor is Meridian G68. I started with one MC402 and then it started breeding and I ended up with 5 MC501s. Go figure!

[Briz vegas]

"Only 802D" he says. If you set out to have the most amazing HT in the world then you missed out, but only by a whisker.

I think the lack of a projector and big screen is a the bigger ommission - but I like big pictures for my HT nirvana. I think you have the sound pretty much wrapped up.

Fab system - enjoy !!

[ShadowZA]

Impressive rack of Macs you have there, jack d. :B
Great system!

Njoy :T

[Relentless]

[jack d]

"Only 802D" he says. If you set out to have the most amazing HT in the world then you missed out, but only by a whisker.

I think the lack of a projector and big screen is a the bigger ommission - but I like big pictures for my HT nirvana. I think you have the sound pretty much wrapped up.

Fab system - enjoy !!

Yeah well you know I was joking. Still, once in a while when I'm bored the thought has crossed my mind about if an upgrade to the 800s would be worth it but that thought passes pretty quickly.

Re: projector: I really don't know much about them. I know they give you the biggest image. My impression is that you pretty much need a dedicated room so that you can control the light. That is not an option for me at the moment. Also, if I understand correctly, you have to spend a LOT more to get a good projector than you do for a good plasma.

[jack d]

Impressive rack of Macs you have there, jack d. :B
Great system!

Njoy :T

Thanks. Now I'm struggling a bit on cables but I know we are not supposed to talk about that on this forum.

[jack d]

Nice. Those are 800Ds, aren't they? Is that an HTM2? Do you find that it matches up ok with the 800s?

I like that you've put up some acoustic panels. Have you considered that you are probably getting reflections off that glass coffee table? I finally got rid of mine because of that reason.

[RebelMan]

Still, once in a while when I'm bored the thought has crossed my mind about if an upgrade to the 800s would be worth it but that thought passes pretty quickly.

Now wait a minute Jack! :rofl:

You have helped to convince me that the HTM1D is worth the upgrade to my system. I think I need to convince you that an 800D upgrade would be worth it to your well treated system too!!! :B

[jack d]

Now wait a minute Jack! :rofl: You have helped to convince me that the HTM1D is worth the upgrade to my system. I think I need to convince you that an 800D upgrade would be worth it to your well treated system too!!! :B

Point taken. I guess the issue is more bass with the 800s. Honestly, at this point I don't really feel the need. Then again, I didn't really need 5 501s (only three) but it still is nice.

[RebelMan]

Point taken. I guess the issue is more bass with 800. Honestly, at this point I don't really feel the need.

You get significantly better bass, not necessarily more, and slightly more airy mids and highs. It's a steap climb that you don't have to make from the 802D but if you could do it, you'll relish the moment that you did. :twisted: (tease) :twisted:

[jack d]

You get significantly better bass, not necessarily more, and slightly more airy mids and highs. It's a steap climb that you don't have to make from the 802D but if you could do it, you'll relish the moment that you did. :twisted: (tease) :twisted:

I assume that the reason you notice the difference in the mids and highs is because of the difference in the bass since the mid and tweeter are exactly the same as the 802. Well maybe the difference in the box around the speakers makes a difference too since it's larger.

We are all a bunch of co-dependents around here. We egg each other on in our addictions!

[ShadowZA]

...We are all a bunch of co-dependents around here. We egg each other on in our addictions!

That's the reason that I love this place :twisted: :lol:

[Relentless]

Nice. Those are 800Ds, aren't they? Is that an HTM2? Do you find that it matches up ok with the 800s?

I like that you've put up some acoustic panels. Have you considered that you are probably getting reflections off that glass coffee table? I finally got rid of mine because of that reason.

they are 802D's, there are panels right next to them at the reflection point and in the rear corners. I am considering putting one where the wall meets the ceiling above the display and where the rear wall meets the ceiling. The HTM2D does match well with the 802D but not where it is. I am going to get the stand or what I would really like to do is have it mounted above the display angled down at the listening position. I haven't listened to the 802D's without the table there but I agree it has to be causing some nasty reflections. I am probably going to go to two small wooden tables in the near future. The sound has to be bouncing off of the front and the back of the display also.

[gostan]

Point taken. I guess the issue is more bass with the 800s. Honestly, at this point I don't really feel the need. Then again, I didn't really need 5 501s (only three) but it still is nice.

5 x 501's must help the local electric company. :lol: And I am sure your superb sounding system!

[jack d]

they are 802D's, there are panels right next to them at the reflection point and in the rear corners. I am considering putting one where the wall meets the ceiling above the display and where the rear wall meets the ceiling. The HTM2D does match well with the 802D but not where it is. I am going to get the stand or what I would really like to do is have it mounted above the display angled down at the listening position. I haven't listened to the 802D's without the table there but I agree it has to be causing some nasty reflections. I am probably going to go to two small wooden tables in the near future. The sound has to be bouncing off of the front and the back of the display also.

I guess my eyes are going. I thought they looked bigger than my 802s. Glad that you are working on the first reflections. Since you are thinking about them, I'm sure you've thought about the ceiling too.

The guy who advised me said that you don't have to worry about reflections to the back. If you look at the pattern of most speakers there is very little "radiation" of sound to the rear except for LF and with reflections you worry about the higher frequencies.

There is a graph of how speakers radiate sound. I think it is called a polar graph. Most companies have them for their speakers. I asked B&W about it once but they said they don't have them. I find that hard to believe but....

Anyway, there isn't much you can do about reflections off the plasma--at least not while you are watching it. I suppose you could put something over it when doing serious music listening but that just seems too big a hassle.