Pictures of your B&W Set-up

[AlexDSL]

Hello,

This is my first post. ops:

Here is my (little) B&W set-up, I'm lovin it ! ;x(

• Sherwood Newcastle R-756

• Rotel RB-981

• B&W DM603 S3

• B&W DM601 S3

• B&W LCR600 S3

• B&W ASW675

• Rotel RCD-1072

• Denon DVD-2200

• Philips Cineos 32PF9966/10

Comments are welcome !

Alex

Hello,

Some photos with new set-up (Rotel RSX-1056).
Few changes.. Soon, a Pioneer DV-989 AVI.
And, as asked, with the covers off !

Just, I am looking for a new rack (DIY ?)...

Alex

[AlexDSL]

I love the setup Alex - the light from behind the screen - is this from the screen itself? Another thing - lets see a photo with the covers off!

Welcome by the way!

Thanks Mark.

Yes, the light is from the screen (Philips) itself.

'Ambilight', which is short for Ambient Lighting Technology, is a feature invented by Philips Electronics, generating light effects around the TV that correspond to the video content. The effect, the company claims, is a larger virtual screen and a more immersive viewing experience. In addition, Philips claims that it reduces viewer eye strain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambilight

[btf1980]

Surprised there aren't more CM series here.

CM7 x 2
CMC
CM1 x 2
PV1 sub

Driven by Rotel RMB - 1075 and Rotel RSP - 1069

I will try to take better pics later....

[Mikael]

Hi btf1980 Very nice set up :T :T

How is the sound of your set up(warm/full or?)I am also considering to get a pair of CM 7 with my Rotel(RSP1098,RB1090,RCD1072,RDV1092 and RT1080)

[btf1980]

Hi btf1980 Very nice set up :T :T

How is the sound of your set up(warm/full or?)I am also considering to get a pair of CM 7 with my Rotel(RSP1098,RB1090,RCD1072,RDV1092 and RT1080)

Hi Mikael. The CM7 and CM1 to an extent took some getting used to, I also played around with the speaker placement, that helped tremendously. As you can see, they are about 2 and a half feet away from the walls. Keep in mind, my previous foray with B&W was the N805, so in a sense these are a stepdown and maybe I was expecting too much initially. But when I auditioned them, I felt underwhelmed...it could not be the electronics because it was all rotel gear at the shop. I looked at the disc the guy was playing, and can you believe it was a cd-r the guy was using for an audition. Way to get some sales. I went back with some of my much better recorded CD's and the sound was leaps and bounds better, but it just did not grab me.

I kept listening, and I would hear little subtleties, and slowly but surely the speaker was coming alive. I can't describe it, but it's almost stealthy in the way it sounds. It's nothing special initially, but it grows on you. I think people who audition these might be underwhelmed and make a hasty decision, but in the right environment and with enough time, they are fantastic. I would describe them as understated and accurate. With quality recordings, they are just marvelous. With sub-par recordings, you will cry, these are not forgiving speakers. Don't expect the dynamics of the 800 series, but I can say that they are B&W's best kept secret in terms of the price to performance ratio. For the 2K asking price, I feel it's a bargain. And unlike the 600 series, the cabinet is a real wood veneer and not vinyl.

[musman]

New photos of my system, B&W Matrix 800

Some new photos of my system.

Speakers: B&W Matrix 800

Pre-Amp: Conrad Johnson Premier Ten

AMP: Rotel RB-1092 (I use some others also)

LP: Linn LP12 fully loaded

CD: Classe CDP-102

Phono-Pre: Hagerman Cornet Kit

Wire: All Audioquest

Power Conditioning: Audio Power Power Wedge 116 (I think) & Pananmax

[cug]

Some new photos of my system.

I can't help but that room looks like you're not living with a woman there ...

Nice speakers. Too big for my taste, but I bet they sound awesome.

[musman]

I can't help but that room looks like you're not living with a woman there ...

Nice speakers. Too big for my taste, but I bet they sound awesome.

How did you know?? LOL! When I first brought my GF over she said "that's the most bad ass thing I have ever seen" Then I asked her if she would have them in her living room and she said "heck yea!" So who knows? Maybe I got lucky?

[cug]

How did you know?? LOL! When I first brought my GF over she said "that's the most bad ass thing I have ever seen" Then I asked her if she would have them in her living room and she said "heck yea!" So who knows? Maybe I got lucky?

I have to scan one of my old photos from about 20 years ago, where I had some JBL bass speakers, mids, and tweeters (nearly 6 feet high overall), completely active, driven by a couple of Yamaha amps (MX-65, MX-1000) in my living room for a short time. I had a girl friend who just loved the speakers - couldn't get it loud enough ... but we had to stay below 10W power with 106dB sensitivity. :B

Nevertheless - I liked the B&W Matrix II better.

And with living alone: I looks the way my apartment would look like if I were living alone ... not necessarily the speakers, but the rest ...

[joetama]

How did you know?? LOL! When I first brought my GF over she said "that's the most bad ass thing I have ever seen" Then I asked her if she would have them in her living room and she said "heck yea!" So who knows? Maybe I got lucky?

My GF likes my speakers too!!!

But, she laughs when I talk about having a Hi-Fi room... ops::roll:

[musman]

I have to scan one of my old photos from about 20 years ago, where I had some JBL bass speakers, mids, and tweeters (nearly 6 feet high overall), completely active, driven by a couple of Yamaha amps (MX-65, MX-1000) in my living room for a short time. I had a girl friend who just loved the speakers - couldn't get it loud enough ... but we had to stay below 10W power with 106dB sensitivity. :B

Nevertheless - I liked the B&W Matrix II better.

And with living alone: I looks the way my apartment would look like if I were living alone ... not necessarily the speakers, but the rest ...

I would like to see them!

[scanido]

@btf1980,

Awesome setup!! Nice and clean!

How do you like that Richard Gray 400???? Did it make a difference to the sound of your system?

[Mark-n-b]

Surprised there aren't more CM series here.

CM7 x 2
CMC
CM1 x 2
PV1 sub

Driven by Rotel RMB - 1075 and Rotel RSP - 1069

I will try to take better pics later....

Oh I just love this CM speaker range, although I do think the range should have a dedicated sub and another centre speaker based on the CM7s. Great looking setup! :T

[Mark-n-b]

...And, as asked, with the covers off !

Just, I am looking for a new rack (DIY ?)...

Alex

Lovelly clean room Alex; I love it - very relaxing. As an aside, I have designed my own modular rack made from Oak, Black Ash and Granite - Ill post some pics when it is finished!

[Mark-n-b]

Some new photos of my system.

Speakers: B&W Matrix 800

Pre-Amp: Conrad Johnson Premier Ten

AMP: Rotel RB-1092 (I use some others also)

LP: Linn LP12 fully loaded

CD: Classe CDP-102

Phono-Pre: Hagerman Cornet Kit

Wire: All Audioquest

Power Conditioning: Audio Power Power Wedge 116 (I think) & Pananmax

Those Matrix 800 are scary! I've noticed that some people have the pointy bits facing in and others facing out - is there one correct way to position them or is there a difference and a choice?

[musman]

Those Matrix 800 are scary! I've noticed that some people have the pointy bits facing in and others facing out - is there one correct way to position them or is there a difference and a choice?

From what I could find it's up to the user & the room acoustics. I had them pointed out into the room at first, after about six months I switched them & the bass tightened up, also I found the sound stage to be more together. So I guess it's depends on the room.

[musman]

Oh I just love this CM speaker range, although I do think the range should have a dedicated sub and another centre speaker based on the CM7s. Great looking setup! :T

I think the CM surround sound system is one of the best for the money. I liked it better than the Klipsch THX Ultra II System. Plus they look really nice

[cug]

I would like to see them!

Here you go:



This is 1990, and if I remember correctly, the following equipment:

- Yamaha MX-65 amp
- Yamaha MX-1000 amp
- Yamaha MX-35 (4-channel amp for four JBL Control 1)
- Yamaha C-85 pre-amp
- Yamaha DSP-1 Surround Processor
- Sony CDP-222-ESD CD-Player
- Kenwood KX-880D Tape
- Kenwood KT-980 Tuner
- Thorens TD-280 phono
- Technics SL 1210MKII phono
- Yamaha Equalizer (something with 990 or so)
- active crossover, don't remember the name

- some old Sony 55cm TV, nearly never used
- an old NEC VCR

maybe stuff I missed ...

I wish I still had the CDP-222-ESD, C-85 and the MX-1000, that stuff was definitely better than my current RA-1062, RCD-1072. Way better. But it was 220V equipment and I moved to Canada a while ago.

[imbeaujp]

Wow JBL 4520 !

[cug]

Wow JBL 4520 !

I think it was a 4530.

[musman]

Here you go:



This is 1990, and if I remember correctly, the following equipment:

- Yamaha MX-65 amp
- Yamaha MX-1000 amp
- Yamaha MX-35 (4-channel amp for four JBL Control 1)
- Yamaha C-85 pre-amp
- Yamaha DSP-1 Surround Processor
- Sony CDP-222-ESD CD-Player
- Kenwood KX-880D Tape
- Kenwood KT-980 Tuner
- Thorens TD-280 phono
- Technics SL 1210MKII phono
- Yamaha Equalizer (something with 990 or so)
- active crossover, don't remember the name

- some old Sony 55cm TV, nearly never used
- an old NEC VCR

maybe stuff I missed ...

I wish I still had the CDP-222-ESD, C-85 and the MX-1000, that stuff was definitely better than my current RA-1062, RCD-1072. Way better. But it was 220V equipment and I moved to Canada a while ago.

WOW! That's really cool! I would have loved to hear them. What speakers are you using now? Do you like the old ones better? Thank for posting the photo.

[cug]

WOW! That's really cool! I would have loved to hear them. What speakers are you using now? Do you like the old ones better? Thank for posting the photo.

Parts of that equipment died of age (the tape, vcr), I sold the Thorens in the early 90s, one of the Yamaha amps (the MX-65) died over time because of the voltage increase in Germany from 220 to 240V. I sold the MX-1000 and C-85 later and the speakers are now used by a friend. We left all that stuff in Germany when we moved to Canada (240V vs. 115V).

I was out of the the better HiFi stuff for nearly ten years and I'm back now with 804S, a Rotel RA-1062, and a RCD-1072. Planning on upgrading one more time - either just the amp to something with more power (sometimes I can hear that it doesn't have enough dynamics left) or both electronics. I'd love to get the Classé delta line, but think they are just insane from the price perspective with not enough performance increase. Was also thinking of a Musical Fidelity A5.5 or, staying with Rotel, an RC-1082 with either an RB-1072 or RB-1080 or RB-1092. Haven't decided.

It's a pity that Classé lost its focus for the less rich ...

Soundwise I like the current speakers way more. The JBLs where very aggressive in the mid-range. Bass was incredible - very controlled, very nice, the tweeter was also not too bad, but the mid-range was to sharp. It was hard to control that with the crossover and equalizer. But these babies kicked ass when it got loud ... :B

[musman]

Parts of that equipment died of age (the tape, vcr), I sold the Thorens in the early 90s, one of the Yamaha amps (the MX-65) died over time because of the voltage increase in Germany from 220 to 240V. I sold the MX-1000 and C-85 later and the speakers are now used by a friend. We left all that stuff in Germany when we moved to Canada (240V vs. 115V).

I was out of the the better HiFi stuff for nearly ten years and I'm back now with 804S, a Rotel RA-1062, and a RCD-1072. Planning on upgrading one more time - either just the amp to something with more power (sometimes I can hear that it doesn't have enough dynamics left) or both electronics. I'd love to get the Classé delta line, but think they are just insane from the price perspective with not enough performance increase. Was also thinking of a Musical Fidelity A5.5 or, staying with Rotel, an RC-1082 with either an RB-1072 or RB-1080 or RB-1092. Haven't decided.

It's a pity that Classé lost its focus for the less rich ...

Soundwise I like the current speakers way more. The JBLs where very aggressive in the mid-range. Bass was incredible - very controlled, very nice, the tweeter was also not too bad, but the mid-range was to sharp. It was hard to control that with the crossover and equalizer. But these babies kicked ass when it got loud ... :B

Did you ever try tubes on the old speakers?

If you don't want to spend the cash on Classe what about used Classe? Also I have a Krell KAV-300i integrated amp I like very much, they made a amp only version too. Some of Krell's KAV line is very good. One of my favorite amps was a Krell KST-100, 100wpc can be had for around $1000 on Audiogon.

I'm really a tube guy, although I use a SS amp on my main system, with a tube pre-amp & tube phono stage. I tried my Dynaco Stereo 70 on the 800's but it was not a good match.

There are many good amps out there to try, Rotel is best bang for the buck but if you search a little you will find more refined equipment out there, you just need to spend a little more $$.

Just some ideas from my experience.

[cug]

Did you ever try tubes on the old speakers?

No, I didn't. I was very happy with the set-up for some long years. Also with the surround sound, but that was more a fun project ...

If you don't want to spend the cash on Classe what about used Classe?

Yeah, I was thinking about that. But I'm not sure about buying used. Here in Canada most of the offers are from Toronto - I'm in Calgary and I want to see equipment I buy used.

The other thing is, that I can do an upgrade with trading in my Rotel equipment if I stay with the same shop. That means Classé, Rotel, and NAD. I don't like the NAD look, so if I want to use that option I'm pretty much stuck with Rotel because Classé is too expensive. Otherwise I can keep my RA-1062/RCD-1072 for a second system and get a MF A5.5 amp/cd combo. Aaah, I don't know, that will have to wait for another couple of weeks.

[musman]

No, I didn't. I was very happy with the set-up for some long years. Also with the surround sound, but that was more a fun project ...



Yeah, I was thinking about that. But I'm not sure about buying used. Here in Canada most of the offers are from Toronto - I'm in Calgary and I want to see equipment I buy used.

The other thing is, that I can do an upgrade with trading in my Rotel equipment if I stay with the same shop. That means Classé, Rotel, and NAD. I don't like the NAD look, so if I want to use that option I'm pretty much stuck with Rotel because Classé is too expensive. Otherwise I can keep my RA-1062/RCD-1072 for a second system and get a MF A5.5 amp/cd combo. Aaah, I don't know, that will have to wait for another couple of weeks.

I don't blame you for wanting to see the equipment first. I have sold some thing online but never purchased. I guess if you find someone with really good feedback you are pretty safe, but still it's big money to take a chance.

I thin buying the NAD is taking a side step, not a step froward or backward. Do you have a store that sells used stuff? We had one by me but it closed down.

MF? Musical Fidelity?

[Mikael]

Hi btf1980
Thanks for the report,It helped a lot.I'll think I wait untill I can hear the new CT 7.3 or see if we get a new 7 series.

[cug]

I thin buying the NAD is taking a side step, not a step froward or backward. Do you have a store that sells used stuff? We had one by me but it closed down.

I have no idea. I live in Calgary for a year now, but I don't know.

MF? Musical Fidelity?

Yes. As I said: I don't know. That'll have to wait at least until April or May.

[musman]

The horn woofers you had would be nice to play with. Did they detach from the cabinet? I have some Moth Cicada remakes in my basement system, they kinda need a sub woofer. They are a single driver design, made for tubes. They sound most like my Martin Logan CLS than any other speaker I have had.

[cug]

The horn woofers you had would be nice to play with. Did they detach from the cabinet? I have some Moth Cicada remakes in my basement system, they kinda need a sub woofer. They are a single driver design, made for tubes. They sound most like my Martin Logan CLS than any other speaker I have had.

The speaker were made from three separate cases. The woofer was about 120 to 130cm high. Can't really remember the exact measurements. And they were able to fill a LARGE room. We had parties with a couple of hundred (> 500) people with these!

[btf1980]

@btf1980,

Awesome setup!! Nice and clean!

How do you like that Richard Gray 400???? Did it make a difference to the sound of your system?

Thanks!! I used to have a slight hiss when everything was plugged into a regular surge protector. I borrowed a Shunyata Hydra from a friend, and the hiss went away. So I got the Richard Gray because it was not as expensive and it had the same effect.

Thanks for the kind comments everyone, I appreciate them. 8)

[Gump]

My first crack at this picture thing so forgive me if it doesn't turn out right.

[Tommy]

Very nice setup Gump!
LOVE the Mc!! What cabinet is that?

[btf1980]

Gump, truly drool worthy. 803D's, McIntosh, Pioneer Plasma. That's a slice of heaven right there.

[Gump]

Thanks guys! I'm just happy that I got the pictures to work (computer class is definitely in my future).

Tommy,
The cabinet is from "Michels and Company" furniture. It was purchased initially as an interim solution until I decided on what I wanted permanently. It's actually pretty solidly made and it only cost me a little over 300 dollars. It's 25inches tall, which is a little bit high for where I hung the Pioneer, but I was planning on a 21inch Salamander cabinet going there when I measured it. The center speaker doesn't block the screen, but it is a couple of inches above the speaker along the bottom of the Pio which I think takes away from the plasma "picture on the wall" effect.

Eventually I will get the Salamander cabinet and it should be perfect. The Salamander is also better for air circulation around the amp, although (surprisingly) the McIntosh MC-205 doesn't really get extremely warm. The Salamander is about two grand so I've kinda put it on the back burner for awhile until I get a few other "accessories". Next up is upgrading my speaker cables and then new surrounds (SCMS).

Hey, I'm curious if anyone can name the guitar player and the concert in the first pic. Nigel, if you read this you're excluded cause it's too easy for you!

Neil

[Tommy]

Thanks guys! I'm just happy that I got the pictures to work (computer class is definitely in my future).

Tommy,
The cabinet is from "Michels and Company" furniture. It was purchased initially as an interim solution until I decided on what I wanted permanently. It's actually pretty solidly made and it only cost me a little over 300 dollars. It's 25inches tall, which is a little bit high for where I hung the Pioneer, but I was planning on a 21inch Salamander cabinet going there when I measured it. The center speaker doesn't block the screen, but it is a couple of inches above the speaker along the bottom of the Pio which I think takes away from the plasma "picture on the wall" effect.

Eventually I will get the Salamander cabinet and it should be perfect. The Salamander is also better for air circulation around the amp, although (surprisingly) the McIntosh MC-205 doesn't really get extremely warm. The Salamander is about two grand so I've kinda put it on the back burner for awhile until I get a few other "accessories". Next up is upgrading my speaker cables and then new surrounds (SCMS).

Hey, I'm curious if anyone can name the guitar player and the concert in the first pic. Nigel, if you read this you're excluded cause it's too easy for you!

Neil

Thanks for the thorough response. I'm also looking for a cabinet, what's why I asked.
I did a bit of research on Salamander. It seems to be pretty good plus it's a modular system, so you can expand later on. No exactly cheap if you want side panels and doors etc.

I'm sure the McIntosh will fit nicely in the Salamander. I own a MVP871 myself, which I absolutely love :T

[Bluespower]

Hey, I'm curious if anyone can name the guitar player and the concert in the first pic. Nigel, if you read this you're excluded cause it's too easy for you!

Neil

My guess would be Eric Clapton - Live In Hyde Park

[Gump]

Correct Bluespower! I tip my hat to your expertise.

Mr Clapton bending those strings hard at Hyde Park. Still one of my favorites. :T

[ShadowZA]

My first crack at this picture thing so forgive me if it doesn't turn out right.

Beautiful setup, Gump. ;x( :T
Quite sufficient space around your 803D's. Way to go.

[Mark-n-b]

Pre and power amp installed. Not ideal 802D position at the moment but sounds great. Now i need the stand i am having made, 2 more 802Ds and an HTM1D!

Image not available

[btf1980]

Mark, I see you're starting the little one right with the AC/DC t-shirt. Must sound lovely with the 802D's.

2 more 802D's and an HTM1D!!! :E :E

[RebelMan]

Beautiful setup Gump. :T

The mood lights add to the ambiance of the room and atmosphere. I can't imagine too much time is spent out of the room! :B

[Race Car Driver]

Pre and power amp installed. Not ideal 802D position at the moment but sounds great. Now i need the stand i am having made, 2 more 802Ds and an HTM1D!

WOW! Those Denons are huge!! I for one like equipment that not everyone has. Respect from me on rockin the Denons! :T

[Gump]

Beautiful setup, Gump. ;x( :T
Quite sufficient space around your 803D's. Way to go.

Thank you Shadow.

The 803D's are 24inches(2ft) forward from the front wall and 42inches(3 1/2ft) from the side walls. This seems to give me the best soundstage and imaging.

Man, this hobby brings out the nitpicky side of me!

[Mark-n-b]

WOW! Those Denons are huge!! I for one like equipment that not everyone has. Respect from me on rockin the Denons! :T

Cheers mate, you are like me then - i know what i like and i don't need to be told what sound good - i listen and make my own mind up.

By the way, my mate and I have been invited to tour the B&W factory in Worthing.

[Mikael]

very nice setup Mark-n-b,love those Denon's must sound great :E :T