b&w as PC speakers

[mike c]

has anybody tried using b&w bookshelves as PC speakers?
how are they in terms of ultra-near field listening?

I figure, no PC speaker is gonna win in performance vs. a real bookshelf speaker (especially the fact that most pc speakers are single drivers or multiple drivers that all function as full range)


note: a search using "pc speaker" seems to ignore the letters PC - perhaps the word is too short?

[perato]

try using asterisks before and after pc. As in *pc*

The only problem is that you will also get lots of irrelevant hits such as wpc.

[JKalman]

has anybody tried using b&w bookshelves as PC speakers?
how are they in terms of ultra-near field listening?

I figure, no PC speaker is gonna win in performance vs. a real bookshelf speaker (especially the fact that most pc speakers are single drivers or multiple drivers that all function as full range)


note: a search using "pc speaker" seems to ignore the letters PC - perhaps the word is too short?

I have never used B&Ws for PC speakers, but I have used the 1k polk surround speakers. Considering I returned the Polks to buy B&Ws, I can't see why they wouldn't be much better if I had them hooked up to my PC. I'm using a Niro SSU400 on my PC now, which is a virtual surround speaker system and I use my high end B&W speakers for my AV setup. When I get a new high resolution TV (1080p, 1920x1080) you can bet I'll be moving my gaming PC over to the AV setup to use those speakers. Right now I've been using the Xbox360 with the B&Ws and it is phenomenal.

I don't have any bookshelf speakers in my setup anymore though, right now I'm using two 802Ds and I'm adding rear surrounds again later (I recently had a 7 series surround system and upgraded for the much better 802D stereo speakers). It is safe to say that compared to speakers marketted as PC speakers, nothing is going to compete with B&W bookshelves IMO. Those Polks I had weren't PC speakers and they blew away all the PC speakers I demoed at CompUSA, including speakers that receieve tons of editor's choice awards, etc.

[Andrew M Ward]

has anybody tried using b&w bookshelves as PC speakers?
how are they in terms of ultra-near field listening?

I figure, no PC speaker is gonna win in performance vs. a real bookshelf speaker (especially the fact that most pc speakers are single drivers or multiple drivers that all function as full range)


note: a search using "pc speaker" seems to ignore the letters PC - perhaps the word is too short?

They should work great.
I'm using a pair of Linn Tukan's for computer speakers...

[Ryx]

I have always personally wanted a set of solid monitor speakers from B&Ws old solid series, to use as my PC speakers. I have seen them on e-bay before but have yet to jump at a set.

a newer alternative would be a set of LM1s or M1s. I think any of these speakers I have mentioned here paired with a small sub would make for an awsome PC set up!

[mike c]

i was actually looking at a minimum, DM600 S3 bookshelf
(or a KEF q1)

[misterdoggy]

I use the jbl kit as pc speakers, the clear ones, but I also hook my stereo into my pc using Itunes on my Mac sending a wifi signal to an airport express located next to the processor in another room.

If the music on the pc is good quality, the sound is pretty good over the main system. No wires except the wire from the airport express into the processor rca plugs.

I had a party over New Years (sorry I didn't invite you guys to France) and I had 6 hours of uninterrupted music coming from my Mac to the main system in the living room.

The source of the material was downloaded direct from cd's in to Itunes so the quality was great. Everyone commented on my great selection of music and I didn't have to keep running and pay attention to changing cd's or listening to the bad songs on cd's that every album has.

I also sometimes listen to Radio Paradise sent thru Itunes to the Airport Express on my system. This is a great way to have American stations here in France.

[Ryx]

i was actually looking at a minimum, DM600 S3 bookshelf
(or a KEF q1)

well if you have the room for the bookshelfs then I can see no reson as to why they wouldn't make good PC speakers. you actually have me curious now as to how a set of bookshelfs would sound at the nearfeild extream that you get with the PC.

I think I may do a experiment tomorrow using my 602s as computer speakers to see if any problems occur other then the fact they just wouldn't fit nicely with my PC setup.

and one other thing to remember is that if you use a CRT monitor you are likely to need a set of magneticly sheilded speakers or your monitor isn't going to operate properly. (you will end up with some funky colors!)

I will let you know my findings hopefully tomorrow afternoon :-)

[mike c]

hey thanks Ryx ... i think both of these choices are shielded (but I use an LCD monitor anyway)

also, I think the 601 is a better match to the q1 in price.

thanks in advance Ryx! (upgradeitis is getting to me, and that is just about the cheapest upgrade I can think of)

[Karma]

HI All,
Never tried "real" speakers on my computer. Have any of you ever heard of the Monsoon flat panel computer speakers? I have these on my computer and they blow away any other computer speakers I have heard. They come as a system with a sub (of course) and the panel amps are built into the sub box. They actually sound like high fi; good hi fi. They actually produce a good image.

They were designed by Bruce Thigpen of Eminant Technology fame. They were actually built in the far east and marketed by Monsoon. Monsoon is most famous for their after market car speakers which are of conventional design. The computer speakers are minature versions of Bruces LFT magnetic planar panel speakers.

I'm writing about these because they are so good. Unfortunately, the only way you can get some is used. They are no longer made. I got mine used on ebay. I actually got three sets. I use one set on each of my computers and the remaining 4 channel set in my RV.

I guess they failed because they were relatively expensive for computer speakers. The workmanship is amazing considering their price. But they were not really expensive at less than $200 for the complete system depending on the model. It's just that computer types can't stand to spend more than $100. Well, what do they know? Certainly not sound quality.

If you can find them on ebay, you might want to check them out. I think you will be amazed. I got the two stereo sets for about $70 each and the four channel version for $120.

Sparky

[Miroku]

My friend has a pair of 601s and a little arcam a65 Integrated amp connected to his PC. the speakers are about 4-5 feet apart, with the monitor inbetween. He also got Transparent cable for his connection from the sound card to the Arcam, and entry level transparent speaker wire. Sounds quite nice!

[leepalao]

Regardless what best 'normal' speaker you use for the PC, it will never be as good as a best near field speaker. The sound is just not made to sit close. Instead of getting a b&w bookshelf + int/amp, why not get a pair of dynaudio BM5A? Those are probably the 'best' near field monitor that I have ever heard... Combine that with a quality, but affordable sound card (emu1212 or m-audio audiophile), and you will probably find youself listening to your PC more than your hifi system. I listen to those more than my old b&w 705 now. The only competition is my dynaudio contour 1.3SE, which I still listen to often. The sound is just another step above the b&w 805. Voices on those 1.3SE are the best I've heard for a bookshelf....

[JKalman]

There is no law that states you have to sit in the near field when using your computer. You can always sit back a bit like I do. Though, I would recommend you get a nice 30 inch Apple monitor if you plan on doing so.

I recommend you check out the Niro, it is a pretty cool virtual surround speaker (5 speakers, each fulfilling a part of the 5.1 specs) with a sub. For me it works amazingly well, and allows me to put more money into my HT/Audio system instead of into the computer. You'd actually be surprised at how well this thing works, and they have a 30 day money back guarantee. BTW, it is designed by Niro Nakamichi. :W Though, it isn't exactly cheap.

Niro USA Site

Other Niro Sites

As far as sound cards go, the new Soundblaster chip has some incredible audiophile features which are listed in Hi-Fi Choice this month I beileve. That or it is listed in Absolute Sound, or perhaps it was in CPU magazine. I'll go check and post which one in a bit.

[Ryx]

well, I have hooked my 602s to a integrated amp and am curently using them as my computer speakers. and you know what, they actually work pretty damn good at such near field listening. I had to mess around with the toe quite a bit for them to work well but all and all they do better then I thought they would. One thing I have noticed is that you don't need much power when you are sitting this close to them.

am I going to look for another set of 602s for my PC now? well no as I stated before I just don't have the room for them with my current PC set up, however if I move my pc to another place I may actually consider a set of bookshelfs now that I know it can be done sucsessfully.

so in conclusion, I would say that if set up right a set of bookshelfs can work quite well for a PC setup. I wouldn't suggest the 602s though because they are bigger then you really need sitting that close, the 600 or 601 might just make a damn nice setup though. another speaker that might work well is the xt2 but since I have yet to hear one, I can't say it would work well or not.

well I hope that helps you out, if you have any spacific questions about how my current PC system is working out feel free to ask, I will leave it set up this way for a day or so that way I may be able to answer any of the other questions you may have.

[mike c]

you the man Ryx! :T ;x(

what integrated amp did you use?

[leepalao]

Yes, there is no such law to sit close to a speaker when using a PC, but for the most part, that's just the way it is. Before I got my dynaudio BM5A, I was using the Swans 2.0. Then after a while, I decide to use my b&w 600 with a rotel ra-01 for my PC. It was akward at first, but you 'kind of' get use to it after a while. Regardless, those speakers always sound best at louder volume with a distance of around 6-7 feet from you. With near field speakers, you can listen to lower volume with crystal clear high and great soundstage. And the sound will be perfect!

[Pieter]

I was using a pair of B&W DM303s powered by a Musical Fidelity P150 hooked up to my pc soundcard about 3 years ago. The speakers were placed on the furthest edges of the desk respectively; about 5' apart.

It sounded nice for its intended purpose.

Just make sure when you crank the volume that they don't produce any EM-interference with your monitor. You'll soon see waves pulsing across your screen in consort to the bass. Looks quite cool on a grey background. Move them right next to the pc, put on some trance, pump the volume and you've got a lovely ripple-pond...

[mike c]

thanks Pieter,

leepalao, so you're saying, a bookshelf when in low volumes isnt as clear as near field speakers?

[junior77blue]

So, what makes a near field speaker...near field?

Are you saying none of the 600 series speakers would work in this situation??

I'm using the 600 for mac speakers, and they work good. The speakers are ~1m away from me and ~1m spaced from each other on steel stands. However, bass response is weak, but adequate. However, I'm contemplating upgrading to 602v3...but based on this thread having 2nd thoughts.

Any further comments would be appreciated.

[leepalao]

Mike, it's different. A near field monitor is made so that you can sit close to it, and hear all the detail, soundstage at any volume level (low or high), and sounds perfect. If you sit far, then it will not sound as good as a normal speaker. The soundstage will fade. With a normal speaker, to get the best sound of it, you have to sit farther. By doing so, you will get a wider soundstage. Most of the time, people who use PC are sitting close to the speaker anyway. The dynaudio BMA5 has detail on par with the b&w 705 and it's very neutral. Voice are just dead on centered. Best thing is, you can throw anything at it, and it will shine. I even played rap and dance on this thing and it will rock.

If you're planning to be close to the speaker, none of the normal speaker would work, and that include the 600 series. At normal listening volume on a PC, it would be too loud and you will notice how the sound just passed you by. Try moving back, and the sound will be better. With a near field monitor, the sound would be nice, close, and easy on your ears.

There is a review on the BM5A at:

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=420891

[JKalman]

Before I got my dynaudio BM5A, I was using the Swans 2.0.

Swans? Aren't those direct mail order speakers? I've seen a lot of questionable statements on AVS forums about those I think. Is there any merit to all the enthusiastic ranting I used to see on those fora or are they fanning the flames of their own fire?

[leepalao]

I should have clarified. It's the Swans M200 that can be purchased from newegg.com.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836136102

[mike c]

still there Ryx? what integrated amp are you using?

also, since this is a series 3 (how often do they improve speaker models?)

do we have a timeline-improvement chart of the b&w speakers?
when was the s1, s2 and s3 released?

(would also like to know the difference between the nautilus, signature and diamond 805 too)

[Ryx]

the integrated amp I was using was an old sony ops: it is far from a nice peice of equipment but it worked for the short test. I could go get my rotel power amp and try it using just the pc as the pre amp. That actually might be the better way to go, hmmm sounds like I may need to tear apart the system again..... 8O

I will see if I can find out when the different series came out, and what they changed from one series to the next. off the top of my head I know that the tweeters are different in S1 compared to S2 and S3. (s1 doesn't use tube loaded tweeters where S2-S3 do, and S2-S3 use aluminum domes while the S1s use another type of metal dome)

[mike c]

how many watts was that sony ...

no need to bother with the amp thing (although that would sound cleanest I would think ... but not necessary - nothing can be cleaner than a direct from source to amp)

I was considering doing something like that myself (but I was looking at an amp with gain controls - to work almost like a volume control)

[Ryx]

I am not posative, but I searched the net and an e-bay auction came up saying it was rated at 80wpc rms. it is an old amp and I didn't expect it to give great results which it doesn't really, I just wanted to see if sitting that close made things noticably worse then if set up at distance as would usually be the case.

[mike c]

i see thanks, that's good enough. I guess Im back to the 40 rotel watts is better than 80 sony watts theory

or I can get an amp for the same price of the rotel ra-01, at 250wpc (i might find a future use for that too)

[mike c]

my aunt and cousins are also in ontario (oakville to be exact)

i asked them to ship a subwoofer to me

[dknightd]

Sorry t revive an old thread, but I find myself in the need to upgrade my computer sound in the office. . .
In my home office I use G5-Benchmark DAC1-Adcom5500-B&W 703.
But I'm going to have to spend more time in the other office so it needs
at least decent tunes. I've tried "computer speakers", not thrilled, I want something better.
Right now my work office is G5-Enteck203-TAmp-some small sony bookshelf speakers left over from a boombox.
Haven't decided a budget yet, for now I'l like to keep it well under $1k if possible.

My first thought is to get b&w 601 as speakers. Or maybe the CM1.
I thought I'd try them first from my little T-amp thing. I'm not going
to be cranking tunes so the T-amp thing might be OK. If not, I have
an old adcom 60w amp that I'm sure will drive them reasonably well
(but then I'd need to add a volume control of some sort)

Any thoughts?????

[Audiophiliac]

My M1s and Martin Logan Dynamo sub do wonderful on my PC.

[ac81017]

I´m using a pair of 600s3´s which are connected to a Sony ES 70 monster subwoofer! I´m using a rotel rc + rb 971 amp! Very nice sound!
:T

[dknightd]

Hmm, maybe I'd be better off with smaller main speakers (600s?)
and a small sub.

[wackydesigner]

I dont take PC Audio seriously. I think its disrespectful and expensive to introduce B&W into the computer world. There are so many alternatives that are cheaper and easier to setup. The Monsoons are a superb choice. Or the Logitech Z's. The best would be the Videologics (UK sound).

[jim777]

note: a search using "pc speaker" seems to ignore the letters PC - perhaps the word is too short?

If you use google, try typing: pc-speaker
Google will then try pc speaker, pc-speaker, pcspeaker, etc.

[jim777]

My PC speakers at home are not very hifi but satisfying enough for what I do there; MP3's, movie previews and praticing electric guitar. They are Altec Lansing MX5021 (2.1 speaker setup).

Nothing to do with B&W quality, but great bang for the buck in PC speaker world (except for some 60Hz hum..)

[OC 335i]

I dont take PC Audio seriously. I think its disrespectful and expensive to introduce B&W into the computer world. There are so many alternatives that are cheaper and easier to setup. The Monsoons are a superb choice. Or the Logitech Z's. The best would be the Videologics (UK sound).

Disrespectful and expensive to who? If you have the money....

[jim777]

Disrespectful and expensive to who? If you have the money....

I agree, some people even use their computer as a transport. With a good soundcard (like my new Tascam US-144..) it can sound just great.

[Ryx]

I use a pair of B&W Solid Monitors for my PC speakers.

http://www.bwspeakers.com/downloadFile/speakerModel/done-_product_info_Solid_Series.pdf

These speakers have been discontinued for some time now but are still very much available used.

I am powering them with a rotel RB-976 and they sound very fine for PC speakers! at the moment my soundcard is the biggest limmiting factor. if I ever upgrade them it will likely be for a pair of Solid HCM1s which are a upgraded vertion of the Solid monitors, but are not as common on the used market. I may also buy one of the matching Solid series subwoofers if I ever come across one at a good price, although I am not sure I need one.

gives you another option to consider anyway

[dknightd]

Well, I listened to a bunch of small bookshelf speakers. Decided I liked the b&w 600 the best. Was all ready to buy them. The dealer would not give me a discount - bummer, but didn't surprise me.
To make it worse they did not have any in stock, and wanted me to pay in full so they would order a pair. So I left without buying anything. Too bad they are the only b&w
dealer left in town (the one I had used in the past closed shop because they lost their lease - I always liked them better).
I guess I'll probably go back and order a pair, but in the meantime I'll see what else I can find...

Anybody have a pair of dm600 s3 collecting dust they'd like to sell for cash?
Or happen to know of a b&w dealer within reasonable distance of Albany, NY, USA?

[OC 335i]

Authorized Dealers all in your area code:

CURT A BARAD AV


3585 Lawson Blvd.,
Oceanside,
NY, 11572
Tel: ( 516 ) 763-4144
Fax: ( 516 ) 763-0491

IDS


243 ROSLYN RD.,
ROSLYN HEIGHTS,
NY, 11577
Tel: ( 516 ) 625-6060
Fax: ( 516 ) 625-9590

AUDIO COMMAND SYS


694 MAIN STREET,
WESTBURY ,
NY, 11590
Tel: ( 516 ) 997 - 5800
Fax: ( 516 ) 997 - 2195

[dknightd]

Thanks, but those all appear to be on long island, that is a ways from Albany.
There has to be something closer than that.
Where did you find that list? I've been unable to find a list of USA dealers.

I'm in area code ( 518 ) zip code 12203.

[OC 335i]

http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.dealer

HTH

[dknightd]

Thanks. I thought that was only for the UK, I missed the link that let you choose a different country. . .

[dknightd]

In case anybody cares, I ordered the 600 from my local dealer. They were the best
comprimise for me for sound, size, and price. I'm not thrilled about paying MSRP,
and having to wait for them to be ordered, but it was either that or drive 300+
miles round trip to the next nearest dealer - it just wasn't worth it for $350 speakers.
I don't realy like my only remaining local b&w dealer. They seem to be TV's first,
sound second. But I guess that is the way the market is going.

Speaking of where the market is going, do not discount computers as a legitimate
sound source. Both my home and office music comes from mostly a computer.
Once you get used to the point and click interface it is hard to go back to using
CDs or LPs. I occasionally spin a LP at home, but my CD player sits idle, unless
somebody comes over with something they want to hear, because my computer
sounds at least as good.
If you put the computer where you can not hear it, and give it a good DAC, it is
the near equal of any other transport from a sound standpoint. But instead of getting up to put in a different CD, you just point and click. . .

[jim777]

If you put the computer where you can not hear it, and give it a good DAC, it is the near equal of any other transport from a sound standpoint. But instead of getting up to put in a different CD, you just point and click. . .

My new Tascam US-144 is great for that. And no jitter issues because it is USB with an internal constant clock instead of being SPDIF with a clock that must adjust to the input stream. I use it mostly for HD650 headphones though (great synergy there).