Advise please on 600 series HT choices?

[ric888]

Hi everyone,

I'm really new to this forum and im am about to go with the B&W route. I have been reading diff. threads out in here specifically for the 600 range.
My plans are to go with DM 602 s3, LCR 60 or maybe 600 depending on your replies w/ probably the 600 for surrounds.

Q1: based on the threads i've read its better to go with the LCR 600 for center. That may be true, but what if the room is just "Smallto Medium" sized room? would it be better to go with the LCR 60? Maybe im just affraid that the center might over power the front if i go with the LCR600., or am i wrong about this.
Q2: based on some reviews that i have read, they use the 601's for the rears. is it better to go with the 601 or 600 is already good? specially considering the price? and is the 600 capable of being set as large for the rears like the 601's or not?
Q3: here in my area, all of the B&W dealers have Onkyo. based from themthis happens to be the best match specially if we are considering the sonic match of the B&W-Rotel setup. they say this is the closest. is this true? can i get some opinions from the experts of B&W.


Thank you so much guy for any assistance you can give me.

[Sim reality]

I think in general "bigger is better" until you get into the floorstanding speakers (in which case you can get too big...)

So here is IMHO:

1: LCR 600 is better for movies... Most of the dialogue comes out of this speaker so it's going to be working harder then the FL and FR speakers. It will not overwhelm the other speakers because you can just adjust the center speaker volume on the AVR if it's a problem.
2: 600's are fine for surrounds unless you listen to a lot of multichannel music. For movies there are not a lot of surround effects and they are not usually base heavy. I would also advice that you get a Sub and set all your speakers to small regardless if they take full range or not... Multiple low frequecy sources can end up canceling each other out in defraction patterns the size of your head!

[ric888]

Thanks Sim reality, so that leaves me to the surround and reciver. i guess it would'nt affect if i go with the LCE 600 against LCR 60.

BTW: do you have any opinions on the reciver?

[RobP]

For movies it is best to go with the best center you can get, usually bigger is better in terms of usable frequency range, this will give a more lifelike dialouge. I would go with the 601's for surrounds, once again better frequency range. As far as a receiver if you can give the Rotels a listen, Rotel and B&W have a great synergy. Rotel IMO has one of the best receivers on the market. I have owned a RSX1065 for years and would never part with it.

[ric888]

Thanks for the info on the center and surrounds Soundgravy. but inregards with the reciver, actually i have plans on getting it but due to bugget alotment for now i cant... thats why im possibly looking on the best that i can get for the money... and as for rotel its currently out for the meantime.

[ric888]

BTW: Soundgravy, how would you consider the 601 as surrounds on a small room? like i said, just small to medium. ( around 12x10ft)

[ric888]

Anybody here that can give any comments on the synergy or matching of the B&W with Onkyo's?

[htsteve]

ric888,

My opinions:

Q1: I also echo the bigger center is better idea. I have an HTM1 center (a BIG center). I would recommend the LCR600 if you can afford it.

Q2: 600 or 601. I agree with sim reality's assessment. I also agree that any of these speakers should be set to small and the bass redirected to the sub.

Q3: No real experience with B&W and Onkyo. You're ears will have to tell you if you like that combo. I've listened to Rotel and B&W (entry level to separates). They are very good together.

I understand your concern about cost. Rotel receivers are more expensive than other 'entry' level higher end receivers. a possibility is a used Rotel Receiver. Another alternative are RXV series Yamaha receivers. There are some very nice ones in the $500 to $1000 range. I think you might find something you would like.

Hope this helps.

[RobP]

BTW: Soundgravy, how would you consider the 601 as surrounds on a small room? like i said, just small to medium. ( around 12x10ft)

Both the 600 or the 601 are great for small rooms, The 601 has a better tonal quality to it than the 600. Both speakers have the same dispersion characteristics but the 601 has a slighty "bigger" presentation. Give the two a listen side by side and I think you will agree.

[P1et]

I personally have the LCR60. I don't have any complaints whatsoever in regards to them not sounding good as I do 90% movie and only 10% music. I have heard the LCR600 demo'd and don't heard THAT much of a difference. They are only $150 apart in price, but at my current budget (I think I'm in the same boat as you are) it was significant enough.

I currently have a Denon AVR-1905 as my receiver, which is probably very Mickey Mouse for this crowd, but it works very well.



I am upgrading my fronts to DM602 S3s next months, cannot wait!

[PeteG]

I'm very interested in this thread as I am looking towards the 600/601 and either the LCR60 or LCR600. My system is used about 80/20 movies/music.

Anybody have ballpark prices on what the 600 S3, 601 S3, the LCR60 and LCR600 cost? I only have a couple of dealers in my area that sell B&W and I'd like to have a general idea what they cost before walking in the door.

[RobP]

I know that the 601S3 retails for $450 a pair, I just purchased a pair for my niece and paid $380.

[Sim reality]

Well I actually have the LCR60 and orginally I had it matched with the 600 (I am doing progressive phased upgrades) and it sounds great when paired up with smaller speakers...

I have moved the 600s to the back and put 603s up front and the 603s just sound "better" then the LCR60 (I haven't upgraded to the LCR600 because I promised I would get new furnature first).

Now I might have bones for ears, but during movies, the Denon 1705 I had sounded pretty much the same as my Rotel (could be because I am visually distracted during a Movie anyways). Where you really start to tell the differences in receivers is when you play Music.

In general, among "mass market" receivers Onkyo has a reputation of making above par receivers for the price (the company is linked with Integra somehow) and I don't think you will be disappointed in the sound (just don't listen to anything more expensive).

[P1et]

PeteG, I was just in New York over the weekend and saw some fantastic home theater stores!

The LCR-60 is $350 and the LCR-600 is $500.

[ric888]

Hmmmmm!!!!!!!

Then i guess its really the 602/lcr600/and 601...
but still have to think of the 601, for a few more dolars on the 601, i could have 2pairs of 600 and have a 7.1 set up...
what do you think guys?

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by P1et:
PeteG, I was just in New York over the weekend and saw some fantastic home theater stores!

What stores did you see? Curious if it's the few I plan to visit.

Thanks for the details on prices - it will definitely be helpful.

Pete

[Clepto]

I'm currently sporting 600 series 3 speakers: 602 L/R, LCR600 C, and 600 for the surrouds.

My plan to 7.1 is to get the 604's up front, 602's will move to surround mode, and 600's will do rear duty. If you want to go a little bit cheaper and stick with 5.1 initially, it offers a nice way to keep all your speakers, in preparation for the move to 7.1.

[dondon]

ric888,

My opinions:

Q1: I also echo the bigger center is better idea. I have an HTM1 center (a BIG center). I would recommend the LCR600 if you can afford it.

Q2: 600 or 601. I agree with sim reality's assessment. I also agree that any of these speakers should be set to small and the bass redirected to the sub.

Q3: No real experience with B&W and Onkyo. You're ears will have to tell you if you like that combo. I've listened to Rotel and B&W (entry level to separates). They are very good together.

I understand your concern about cost. Rotel receivers are more expenssive than other 'entry' level higher end receivers. a possibility is a used Rotel Receiver. Another alternative are RXV series Yamaha receivers. There are some very nice ones in the $500 to $1000 range. I think you might find something you would like.

Hope this helps.

To ric888,

What ever mention by htsteve here are true and I fully agreed. My HT set up are 704, LCR600 S3, DM600 S3, ASW600, AVR Marantz SR8500. Room size 10ft x 15ft x 9ft (H). Again it is very depand on ur budget. Rotel no doubt is a very good match with B&W but a bit pricey compare other AVR. Marantz SR6500 or SR7500 would much enought in this case. Let ur eye to tell you.

[ric888]

To dondon,

So should you think i would be better off with the Marantz? rather than the Onkyo?
Anybody here have the same opinion? Will this combo have a better synergy than onkyo? I was really looking at the Rotel but 'YES', price is a big concern...

[dondon]

To dondon,

So should you think i would be better off with the Marantz? rather than the Onkyo?
Anybody here have the same opinion? Will this combo have a better synergy than onkyo? I was really looking at the Rotel but 'YES', price is a big concern...

Hi ric888,

My option would be Marantz then Onkyo in this case. However, you also can try NAD T753 or T763 or T773. NAD will give you enough power to drive your B&W 600 series. :T

[lobato]

That's funny. I'm also in almost the same exact position.

My 602's are arriving tomorrow. I plan on getting the 600 for a center (although I was kinda wondering how another 602 would sound in the center). But my biggest dilemma is the receiver. I live in Japan and I unfortunately don't have access to a lot of receivers that people in other countries have access to. I have access to Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, and Marantz so I'm considering something they offer.

I was considering the Onkyo 603. They released the 504 recently so I was wondering if I should wait for the 604 and see what it has to offer.

I was considering the Marantz 7500 since it can pump out enough power for the 602s. The other speakers seem to fall a little short.

I was considering models for Denon and Yamaha that don't seem to exist overseas. Rather, the models probably exist but the model numbers seem different. Regardless, they are around the $6-700 range.

I've listened to all but the Marantz and I gotta be honest -- they all sounded pretty much the same. Having said that, I demo'd them in the showroom and not a dedicated sound room. All things equal, you have to start looking at the "extras," I think. But I'm still waiting for a test drive with the Marantz (no one seems to have it available for demo). I get the feeling it's gonna be good...

[PeteG]

Anyone have thoughts on having a set-up of either LCR60 or LCR600 for the center and the left/right main speaker? The system is used about 80% HT, 20% music.

Reason I ask is I need to put the mains horizontally on my entertainment unit and, according to B&W's website, these speakers were designed to lie either horizontal or stand vertical. I could go with either 601s or 602s and lie them on on their side if that's a better option. I was originally going to hang 600s on the wall, but they sounded better lying on the entertainment unit, so now the thought is to move them to the back and get all new fronts (a full upgrade of my speakers).

I know it's not ideal but it's a temporary solution until my son is old enough to walk and understand to stay away from speaker stands! The wife won't let me go with floorstanding speakers.

Thoughts?

Pete

[Nolan B]

Anyone have thoughts on having a set-up of either LCR60 or LCR600 for the center and the left/right main speaker? The system is used about 80% HT, 20% music.

Reason I ask is I need to put the mains horizontally on my entertainment unit and, according to B&W's website, these speakers were designed to lie either horizontal or stand vertical. I could go with either 601s or 602s and lie them on on their side if that's a better option. I was originally going to hang 600s on the wall, but they sounded better lying on the entertainment unit, so now the thought is to move them to the back and get all new fronts (a full upgrade of my speakers).

I know it's not ideal but it's a temporary solution until my son is old enough to walk and understand to stay away from speaker stands! The wife won't let me go with floorstanding speakers.

Thoughts?

Pete

whats your budget?

A suggestion would be to go with FPM 6s which can be place right on the wall and will sound close too (slighlty better then) the 600 series. You will need a sub with them, but they will be out of reach of your kids, sound great and as a bonus look great. not all of your dollars spent on them will go to sound quality..30% will go towards looks and design.

[PeteG]

I have a sub, so that's not really an issue, although part of the reason I like the 600 series is the full sound they provide. My budget is about $1200. How much are the FPM 6s? My concern there is hanging the speakers on the wall the sound will be partially blocked by the entertainment unit.

[ric888]

To dondon,

since you mentioned about the NAD. what are your experiences with it when use with the 600 S3's? As far as your concerned, how do you compare Marantz from NAD's sound with the 600?

Anybody else that has other opinions???

[PeteG]

I can't speak to the NAD, but I have an older Marantz (SR-7000) that is hooked up to my 600 S3 and they sound great. So much better than my older speakers (Paradigm) and they are a good match with the Marantz.

Now I'm thinking of moving the 600s to the rears and going with all LCR60 or LCR600 in the fronts and center due to my restrictions on speaker placement.

[dondon]

To dondon,

since you mentioned about the NAD. what are your experiences with it when use with the 600 S3's? As far as your concerned, how do you compare Marantz from NAD's sound with the 600?

Anybody else that has other opinions???

Hi ric888,

I can't really describe in words how different btw Marantz and NAD. Both AV are excellent. :T Like what other forumer here describe.....marantz sound warm and NAD sound dynamic. Am i right puting this way...

Let ur eyes judge it........my opinion on fair comparison.

Marantz SR6500 vs NAD T743

Marantz SR7500 vs NAD T753

Marantz SR8500 vs NAD T763

Marantz SR9600 vs NAD T773

[Fife]

Anyone have thoughts on having a set-up of either LCR60 or LCR600 for the center and the left/right main speaker? The system is used about 80% HT, 20% music.

Reason I ask is I need to put the mains horizontally on my entertainment unit ...

Thoughts?

Pete

Why not get 3 LCR60 or LCR600?

[Fife]

Hmmmmm!!!!!!!

Then i guess its really the 602/lcr600/and 601...
but still have to think of the 601, for a few more dolars on the 601, i could have 2pairs of 600 and have a 7.1 set up...
what do you think guys?

7.1 in your 12x10 room is way overkill.

I would stick with a good 5.1 sytem rather than an ok 7.1. Better to use the budget on those 2 extra rear speakers and upgrade your 2 main speakers.

Alternatively if you have a few bucks more, use the 600 for rears and upgrade the fronts to the 603s.

603/LCR600/600

[ric888]

Hi Fife,

I was just wondering, would gettin the 602 and spend the extra cash with a better sub be better than a 603 with just a ordinary sub?
Or is it better the other way around?

Thanks.

[Dexterace]

I used to have 603s in the front L/R, LCR600 for center, 601 as surrounds and ASW650 for the sub. I drove the speakers with a Marantz SR7500 and I was pretty happy with results. The system was mainly used for HT. Since I have a 60 inch widescreen I felt the LCR600 was a better fit for its size than the LCR60. I personally felt the extra money for it was worth it. I also think that getting extra speakers for 7.1 is not worth it at this point. You are probably better off waiting to add back speakers later on when you have more money saved up. The Marantz will drive 7 speakers when you need it to.

Since then I have upgraded to 703 L/R, with 705s in surround and back, HTM7 in the center and ASW825 as sub. I haven't added power amplifiers yet (for the Marantz 7500 is not really enough to drive the mains well), but I immediately noticed the difference with the center. I felt the HTM7 was not well matched to the 703 and I also noticed the difference going from LCR600 to HTM7 for it has one less bass driver. I bit the bullet and upgraded it to the HTM3S because it really bugged me. I actually heard of others using the LCR600 in this situation.

Sorry for the long-winded response (I'm not really much of an audiophile), but what I'm trying to say is I think having a good center makes a world of difference in an HT setup (at least it did for me). I think the LCR600 would be a good choice.

[pramod]

To dondon,

since you mentioned about the NAD. what are your experiences with it when use with the 600 S3's? As far as your concerned, how do you compare Marantz from NAD's sound with the 600?

Anybody else that has other opinions???

I'm using NAD272 Power with NAD 162 Pre, and NAD 542 Cdplayer., with my B&W 602S3's, and to my ear's. their conbo and sound is so amazing... specally female voices are so sweeeet and crisp... these two conbo's are really amazing.

[Fife]

Hi Fife,

I was just wondering, would gettin the 602 and spend the extra cash with a better sub be better than a 603 with just a ordinary sub?
Or is it better the other way around?

Thanks.

That would depend on the extra cost of a better sub vs your ordinary sub. I dont know you budget and the price you can get the B&Ws for but I would save up your budget for the front 3 speakers, get a decent sub and then worry about your surrounds.

At all points in time, I have made sure my front 3 all match sonically. Get a decent sub and worry about your surrounds when you have the budget.

Or course I have kept upgrading my front 3 and rarely did I have matching rears/surrounds.

If you are tight on a budget, I would consider the 603s + LCR600 and a decent sub. If you have a pair of cheapo speakers, just use them for the rears. For a HT, you need a good center and sub.

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by Fife

Why not get 3 LCR60 or LCR600?

Fife, that's what I decided to do. I spoke with a technical rep at B&W (great to deal with) who spent a lot of time discussing my options, and helped me make the decision to go with 3 LCR60s. I hooked them up this weekend, and without even calibrating my system they sounded great! Very, very happy with the speakers. Eventually I will upgrade the left/right speakers when I can put them in their proper place on stands next to the TV.

The customer service at B&W was fantastic. Says a lot about a company that will take the time and effort to work with a potential customer, not many companies will do that.

Now it's time to upgrade my receiver, or add an amp.

Pete