B&W 805 Sigs + HTM2 or HTM1?

[bcgator]

Hey gang,

I checked the web thoroughly, and this forum, to see if this topic had been covered before. It's been raised, but with little feedback I can find. So I'd like to pose the question again myself...

If cost were a secondary consideration, behind sound quality and cohesiveness, which center would be a better match for the 805 Sigs - HTM2 or HTM1? For now, I'll keep the Signature HTM out of the picture simply because it's just too expensive and too hard to find on the used market.

Thanks all, and happy holidays,
BCGator

[sikoniko]

I wouldnt buy signature 805's unless I could get a sig htm because of the tweeter enhancements in the sig 805's won't match up w/ the standard htm1/htm2

[bcgator]

Ok, let's rephrase....I already own the Sig 805s, and plan on keeping them. So, given that I already own them, which center would be the better option - HTM1 or HTM2? I am fully aware that neither will be a perfect match, though I'm also under the assumption that the HTM Signature would also not be a perfect match.

Thanks all!
BCGator

[greggz]

BCGator,

Check out the thread on the new B&W 800 series. They have 4 new center channels. My guess is what you really want is the new HTM4.

[luszer]

I choose the HTM4 over HTM2

I recently purchased Sig 805 and am currently using the HTM2. I too am in debate, regarding upgrade to Sig HTM, which will be only $500 more than the new HTM3, $3k vs $2500. So for the extra dough you get the perfect match to the Sigs 805s and the awesome lacquered finish.

I feel the HTM2 is a fine option and not all that bad of a solution. It is workable and doesn't sound horrible used in conjunction with the Sig 805s.

The HTM3 based on earlier comment and released literture appears to be a perfect match for the Sigs. However, no red cherry will be available, so Black is the likely option to pair up with the Sig 805s.

I felt it was more important focus or a more rewarding upgrade to take care of the center channel before a sub purchase.
My issue the the overall shear size of any of the larger HTMs compared to the available space.

So as a cost saver and what appears to be the correct match the HTM4 should be a clear winner.

Happy listening

Ron

[bcgator]

Ron & Greggz, thanks for the replies.

I understand that the incoming HTM4 will be a correct sound match for the Sig 805, however it's got 2 things working against it for me: 1) none of the new finishes will match the Sig 805 red bird's eye (I don't like the rosenut) 2) at $1300, it's going to cost about the same as what I'd pay right now for a mint, used HTM1.

Ron, you mention that the Sig HTM is $500 more than the incoming HTM3, but I thought the SigHTM only cost $2600, which would only be a $100 premium over the HTM3. I might be wrong on that. You have to admit, your endorsement of the HTM2 + Sig 805 wasn't all that enthusiastic
:B ""not all that bad", "workable", "doesnt' sound horrible". I guess I was hoping for a slightly more positive endorsement.

So, given that I'm still hot for the outgoing red cherry color, I'm hoping to get some 805 Sig owners who can comment on an HTM2 vs. HTM1 matchup.

BCGator

[greggz]

The 3 strikes I would say against a HTM1 paired with Sig805's would be that the tweeters dont match, the FST midrange doesnt match the rubber surrounded midrange of the Sig805's and the Sig805s and HTM1 have different bottom ends making it a bit harder to integrate a sub.

Guess you have to choose. Visually different but audible matched front soundstage (Sig805 + HTM4S) vs visually similar cabinets and audible mismatched front soundstage (Sig805 + red cherry HTM1).

[luszer]

BCGator

I'd agree, it wasn't a ringing endorsement. However, I think part of it is, I already own it and the other is the apprearance certainly throughs me off as well, the HTM2 is nat cherry vs. the bird's eye of the Sigs.
I have watched a few movies and a concert DVD, YES is was more that acceptable but it does leave me wondering "what if"?
Should our concern involve that an HTM1 is not a perfect match, and for that matter the SigHTM, would also dominate over the 805s? However, I always tried configuring a 5.1 system with a little extra beef for the center, seeing how its such an important aspect with multi-channel material.
The black version of the HTM4 might be workable with the Sigs, especially if your center can sit on top of a TV.

According to B&W website the Sig HMT is $3k and the regular HTM1 is $2k

Ron

[bcgator]

Gregg, Ron,

I sent B&W an email asking the same question I posed in this thread. Here is the reply:

Dear Eric,

Thank you for purchasing B&W! Of the current line of speakers, the closest match to the Signature 805s would be the NHTM2. The models may differ a bit in the tweeter and driver as the NHTM2 does not have the signature drivers but overall this model would be the closest center channel match to the S805s.

Best Regards,
Michael Sheehan
B&W / Rotel

So I picked up a mint dark cherry HTM2 on Audiogon for a good price, and will go with that for a while. If down the road I decide I like the rosenut finish, I can always sell the HTM2 and upgrade to the HTM4S as Gregg wisely suggested.

Thanks to the Internet, Ebay and Audiogon, it's so easy to switch into and out of audio equipment. Buy it today, try it out and keep it...or sell it tomorrow just as easily as you bought it. Makes trying new things much less risky.

Thanks to everyone who replied, I appreciate it...I'll let you know how I'm enjoying the Sig 805 + HTM2 combo.

BCGator

[johan]

You could have bought two more pairs of sig805. Then you would have had a nicely matced 6.1 setup. (If cost were a secondary consideration...)

[jjahshik32]

Wow this thread is 4 years old now and I'm just trying to find which one to buy!! HTM4 or HTM3 to go with my front R/L 805S!!