New HT setup: are 604S3 mains too much for my room?

[Adeeb]

I am designing my new HT room.

Room Dimensions:
Width: 4m (~13')
Lenght: 5.5m (~18')
Height: 2.7m (~9')

I will be using a 16:9 screen with a 96" diagonal size at the front wall and the seating position will be approximately 4.5m (~14.75') from the front speaker faces.

I was thinking of getting the following (5.1 setup):
Main L/R fronts: 604 S3
Center: LCR600 S3
L/R Rears: DS6 S3
Sub: PV1

I will be driving the speakers with an Arcam AVR300 + DV79 combination.

The question is: are these speakers too much for the size of the room? I am really looking for clarity and quality of sound rather than the power. I want a natural, balanced sound,... But the setup I have described in the maximum of my budget.

Would the 602's be better matches? The MT30 system? Is the 600 series about to be replaced?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[junior77blue]

The best way to answer this question is to have an in home demo. I would think the 604s would be the way to go...but I'm in the mind that bigger is better. Less strain on the midrange/midbass.

602s are stand mounted too right? I just hate paying money for a stand!!

[rick c]

Have you listened to the 603s3's? I actually liked them better than the 604's but thats me.I know others liked the 604's.Just giving you options b4 you decide.Regardless B&W's are great.

[Adeeb]

Unfortunately, there is nowhere to demo them locally so I will have to mail order without demoing. That is why the feedback of other owners is so important to me. Thanks for your input, I was thinking along the same lines. Just not sure if they would be overkill for the space; not that I want to drive too much volume through them, but their reputation is that they prefer to be driven loud.

[junior77blue]

So, you have never heard these speakers before??

I would NEVER...NEVER buy speakers without listening to them first. Or least have some way of returning them. B&W speakers have a distinct/unique sound to them.....some people love'em and some hate'em. Your better off purchasing a brand that YOU can listen too first hand, that way you at least know that you will like them.

If you ask people on a B&W forum of course they will tell you B&W is the 'best' speaker....

And most people will prefer towers over bookshelves...

[RobP]

How would you mail order B&W's?
I dont know of a B&W dealer will not sell them like that, You could end up with some speakers that you have no warranty on. If you really want a pair, seek out a reputable dealer and have a listen then decide. I have traveled several hours to look and listen to speakers before, make a day of it and have some fun!
BY the way getting back to your original question: Those speakers wouldnt be too big for that room, I have a pair of N803's in a room close to the dimensions of your room and they sound great. :T

[Adeeb]

I would normally agree with you, but I have already auditioned all of the speakers available in my area (Paradigm, Definitive, Bose, KEF) and was not happy with any of them. The problem may be that the auditionming rooms have been really crappy and cramped, but the dealers do not let me try the speakers out at home. I have found a B&W dealer that would ship the speakers I want to me once I decide which ones I want and is guaranteeing to support them... Basically, I want to have as good of an idea of the type of speaker I want in advance and then fly down there and audition as many as possible in one day. I was hoping to get feedback from 604S3 owners who have them in a similarly sized room.

[Adeeb]

Well, not really mail order - sorry about that misleading description. I have found a reputable dealer that has advised and quoted me on B&W speakers through email correspondance. I just want to narrow down my choices - hopefully audition the short list - and then have them ship them to me. But since I have to fly to get there, I would rather do as much research as possible beforehand.

[junior77blue]

There's WAY too many variables....and bottom line it comes down to personal preference. Make a weekend out of it before you commit to any speakers...and whatever you do don't listen to the 700 series or even worse yet...the 800 series....

[PewterTA]

I have my DM604S3s in a 9 * 11 room... Yes really small...and they work perfectly in that room. The nice thing I've found out about the 604s is they seem to adapt really well to whatever room size. The only downside to it is the bass coming off of them hits, but doesn't hit really good till you stand at the end of the room (11' side)...then it's like a huge build up. It's a temporary setup for me so I'm not concerned.

The 604s will work perfect for you if you plan to do any 2ch music listening... I'd say go for it! The 602s, while identical lack the bass of the 604s...

I also agree, do not look at the 700 series, but mainly the 800s, otherwise you will really really want to buy them. I know I want to get a set of 802Ds....

[tboooe]

pewterta, i too have the upgrade bug!!!!! dammittt

I jsut got some 805S with a rotel 1080 amp but I really ahve my eye on the 803D or 803S wiht a classe or primare amp.

My wife is going to kill me!!!

[rick c]

FWIW i have the 603's in a 22.5 x 19.5 room and they sound fantastic.

[Adeeb]

Did you listen to the 604s and prefer the sound of the 603s? Are you using a sub? If so which? Does the sub's sound blend in well with the 603s? Thanks.

[rick c]

yes i did listen to the 604's but i chose the 603's because they were more to my liking they just seemed more refined.I really cant remember how the 604's sound at this point it's been awhile.I do use the 603's with a sub it's a def.tech 200tl from my old system and it does real well for HT and music.Later i may upgrade it but i'm in no hurry.I want to change my surrounds first (def.tech. 100's)also from old system to the 601s3's.FWIW when i do get another sub i plan to get either a sunfire or def.tech. supercube probably at audiogon.

[Adeeb]

Thanks. I appreciate your feedback. Since you are a 600 owner, do you have any odea if the series is going to be replaced anytime soon? I understand that it is over four years old now, and I think may be due for an overhaul. I am sure the current crop are good, but I would feel silly if they were replaced a couple of months after I purchased them.