Powering 600 Series

[marano]

I'm currently contemplating between the 300 (4 x DM303, LCR3, ASW300) and 600 series (2 x 601s3, 2x 600s3, LCR60, ASW600) for movies and I'm starting to think that it may be worth the extra $500 to move up to the 600 series (this would pretty much top out my speaker budget) but I'm concerned that my Pioneer Elite VSX-21 receiver which outputs only 80 watts per channel will not be adequate to power the 600 series speakers properly.

[htsteve]

Will be OK

marano,

I have 601's in my basement powered by a comparable receiver. They sound good. A good powered receiver will be able to drive the bookshelf's in the 600 series. Also, we gave my in-laws a pair of 302's. I like these for second zones or occasional listening. There are quite nice. However, there is a noticeable jump in performance with the 600 series. Better all the way around. It has the kevlar driver and the nautilus tweeter. These are quite nice, especially since it appears you are using this in a 5.1 set-up. You'll love the extra detail with the tweeter and bass with the driver. I would definitely say go with the 600 series.

Hope this helps.

[PewterTA]

Definitely push for the 600s, the Pioneer receive will do fine with them. Plus you'll enjoy the quality of the 600s over the 300s. Then later, you can upgrade your processor and enjoy how good the 600s really are!

[marano]

Do you think it is worth it to drop down to the 300 series sub (ASW300) instead of the 600 series sub (ASW600) and put the savings towards the DM602s3's for the fronts instead of the DM601s3's for the fronts? Would my receiver be able to adequately drive the 602's? I see that they have higher power requirements than the 601's.

[chinets]

Go for ASW600 because it will give you a better smoother bass and more correct bass than the ASW300 and since you have book shelf speakers you will need good bass to cover the lack of bass in the book shelf speakers.Right?
Your amp could still drive the DM602s3's as they are very efficient speakers so you'll be fine there too. You'll have better speakers for the front, but the bass will not be correct and smooth with the ASW300 as the ASW600 would be.
Good Luck and post us on how you solved your problem.
Cheers,
ARGENTINA CAMPEON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CPALIU]

I would either pickup the smaller bookshelf w/ the asw600 or just save up till you can get the floorstand speakers if that's within your space limitations.

[htsteve]

Get the better Sub

marano,

I agree with chinets and CPALIU. There is an improvement in going to the 602S3's. However, a better sub will help all five speakers. You should set the speaker size to small, then the low frequencies will be diverted to your sub. Therefore, you would want to have the most capable sub your budget allows. The improved bass tightness and smoothness is well worth it.

Another sub to consider is the Martin Logan Dynamo. I have heard this sub and it is an outstanding performer for the money ($599 list). I believe it is only $100 more than the ASW600. Audition one if you get the chance.
I have the bigger brother, the Depth, in my system. It matches very well with my B&W Nautilus speakers. :T


Hope this helps.

[RH Customs]

I have the DM 303's and ASW 300, and one word sums it up for me, WOW. I love the 300 series. Now if you have the budget for the 600's then go for it. I'm on a tight budget and well the 300 series is excellent and not a compromise for me. I love them tight, clean, and the sub is incredible. I listen to music most of the time and well the sub is not noticeable int eh since it just booms. The sub blends end well and as many have said is very musical and also is excellent for movies and go's down to 27hz for a 8in. I give the 300 series a aleven.

[marano]

Well I finally took the plunge today, I am now a B&W Speaker owner . I listened from everything from the 802D's (just for reference) to the DM303's and decided on two 601 s3's and the LCR60 center. I didn't get all five speakers yet because I'm still undecided on going with the 601's vs the 602's for the front (figure I would listen to the 601's at home for a week or so, if I go with the 602's they will become my rears). I thought the 602's sounded a step above the 601's and even had a hint of what I heard in the 705's (a very impressive speaker might I add) but I think 601's all around may be better for movies and surround music plus I'm already way over my initial $1K budget. What does everyone think of the 602's vs 601's in the front for movies? Also will my 80 Watt per channel Pioneer Elite sufficiently drive the 602'sspeakers (I may upgrade to a newer 110 Watt Pioneer Elite early next year).?

[jrd]

Go for the 602s up front

Used to have 601S3 in front, and read a lot about how good the 602s were. Moved the 601s to the back and added the 602S3 up front and haven't regretted it. They are significantly better in the bottom end. I also have the LCR60 in the center and the ASW675. All (but the sub) are powered by an old Sony ES receiver :cry: But I do think the 602s were worth every penny. You won't regret it if you decide to go for the 602s. My only regret is not getting the 600S3 center instead of the 60.

[marano]

I'm definitely tempted to go with the 602's but I'm not sure there will be a noticeable enough difference when watching movies (if I listened to more music it would definitely be worth it) and I'm afraid they might over power the LCR60 center plus I'm way over budget as it is and I may just wind up sticking with the original plan of 601's in the front and 600's in the rear. That being said there is a nice write up from Sound and Vision on a 602, LCR60, 601, ASW600 system here - http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...mber=1&preview so I guess right now I just don't know what I am going to do (maybe more listening of the 602's is needed).

[marano]

Ok I'm still undecided, I think I'm just going to buy the ASW600 Sub on Wednesday or Thursday and see how the 601's sound with it and give it a week or so.

[RH Customs]

A question that might help, is how big is your room? The B&W subs are really powerful.

[marano]

The room is 15' x 15.5'

[RH Customs]

I would stick to the ASW 600, the 675 will be overkill for that size of room. My room is 13x10 and I'm running the ASW 300, and I don't even turn it up past 1/4 of the volume. Any louder than that and things in the walls start to shake.

RH

[marano]

Yeah I wasn't even considering the ASW675. My main dilemma right now is if I should go with the DM600's in the rear (601's in the front), DM601's all around, or DM602's in the front and 601's in the rear.

[CPALIU]

I would sacrifice the sub for now and put that money towards some bigger front speakers.

[PewterTA]

DM602s ALL the way. They definitely have a much better soundstage and the lower end response really does help with movies (imo). A 602/601/lcr60 combo is good. The lcr600 would be a little better to match with the 602s, but the 60 won't do too bad.

Then too, if you start listening to more music (which with the 602s is a real possibility), you'll be happy you have them.

[dondon]

Yeah I wasn't even considering the ASW675. My main dilemma right now is if I should go with the DM600's in the rear (601's in the front), DM601's all around, or DM602's in the front and 601's in the rear.

Hi Marano,

I had acrossed ur dilemma when I decided to go for 600 series. My suggestion to you will go like this; DM602 or at least DM601 for front and DM600 for rear. ASW600 and LCR600 for center. Looking ur room size is similar to my (10ft x16 ft). LCR600 and DM602 are really play a important roll here and DM600 rear and ASW600 are mush enough power for ur room.

My set up 704 front, DM600 rear, LCR600 center and ASW600 (20% power). Drive by Marantz SR8500 115W. I can say the sound is fantastic.

Hope this might help.

[marano]

I already purchased the LCR60 so that's not going anywhere. Right now I'm leaning towards the 602's, I keep thinking about them and I know I'm going to regret it if I don't buy them. What does everyone think I should get on Wednesday or Thursday the 602's or the ASW600 sub? I'll probably have to wait two weeks or so before I get the whatever remains. Right now I'm using Sony SS-MB150H Bookshelves for the rears and a Sony SA-W305 for a sub, what will make the most impact?

[Clepto]

You could always get the 602's and a non B&W sub... Generally speaking, you can get a lot more bang for your buck going with a 'sub' company vs a 'speaker' company's subs...

Though, the PV1 is pretty cool looking if that was one of your options (;

[RH Customs]

Not sure about marano, but for the me the PV1 is way out of my price range.

[marano]

The PV1 is way out of my price range as well, I'm sticking with the ASW600. I've pretty much decided on the 602's for the fronts so my only decision left is if I should purchase the 602's tomorrow or the ASW600 sub, what ever I don't purchase tomorrow I'll just pick up in two weeks.

[RH Customs]

Go with the sub first. You will be very pleased on having the low end filled out.

[marano]

See now I was thinking the exact opposite (get the 602's first and the ASW600 in two weeks)

[RH Customs]

What do is a bigger interest music or movies? If it is music get the sub first, if it is movies get the 602's. At any rate I still think the sub would be a better bet.

[marano]

The system is going to be used for movies 99% of the time. It doesn't really matter since whatever I choose I'll have the other in only two weeks.

[marano]

Picked up the ASW600 sub today, decided to wait on the 602's since the stands for them won't be here till next week.

[RH Customs]

Let us know what you think of the ASW 600. If it is anything like my 300, it should be awesome.

[marano]

Well when I first turned it on I had the volume all the way up and it literally shook the house which was awesome, haven't had time to watch a movie and give it a real test yet.

[marano]

I couldn't wait so I picked up the B&W 602's today. They are by far the best of the bunch, clearly a step above the 601's. Thinking about going for a new receiver lately and I'm leaning towards the Rotel RSX-1057, anyone else running the combination of B&W 600 series and Rotel RSX-1057?

[CPALIU]

I'm running the rsx 1057 w/ the b&w 603. great combo and great bang for the buck

[P1et]

If you're saying that the ASW600 shakes the house, I should be in great shape then with the ASW650!

Question though: 200W just doesn't seem that much when powering a 12" sub??? Or is that just me?

The ASW675 is more like it with 500W of power, but that's a $300 jump to $1000!!!

[RH Customs]

So marano, I'm guessing that you know believe me. I love the B&W subs over others. Now according to the reps at B&W ( who are very helpful with any questions you may have) told me it will take up to about two months for the sub to break in. Also the sub will sound cleaner and deeper. I only have the ASW 300 and easily goes down to 27hz.

RH

[marano]

If you're saying that the ASW600 shakes the house, I should be in great shape then with the ASW650!

Question though: 200W just doesn't seem that much when powering a 12" sub??? Or is that just me?

The ASW675 is more like it with 500W of power, but that's a $300 jump to $1000!!!

P1et, My Pioneer Elite only has 80 watts per channel you should be fine with 200W

[marano]

So marano, I'm guessing that you know believe me. I love the B&W subs over others. Now according to the reps at B&W ( who are very helpful with any questions you may have) told me it will take up to about two months for the sub to break in. Also the sub will sound cleaner and deeper. I only have the ASW 300 and easily goes down to 27hz.

RH

RH, So far I really like the ASW600 is blends very well with the rest of the speakers

[marano]

I'm running the rsx 1057 w/ the b&w 603. great combo and great bang for the buck

Cool :T , That's probably going to be next purchase (hopefully soon) and then the audio part of my Home Theater is complete and then on to the video part.

[marano]

Ordered the RSX-1057 today, unfortunately they didn't have any in stock but it should be here by the end of next week along with my new HD-DVD player so it should be a real fun weekend.

[WI Rotel]

:dancenana: opcorn:

[CPALIU]

Wow! looks like your video part of the system is coming along great too!

[marano]

Wow! looks like your video part of the system is coming along great too!

Yeah, The only thing really left is to replace my 42" HD CRT Rear Projection TV which I plan on doing in September/October. The front runners right now are the 46" Sony Bravia KDL-45S2000 LCD or the 46" Samsung LNS4692D LCD.

[Clepto]

Go with the 50" 1080p pio plasma! (;

[RH Customs]

I'm still not a fan of the Plasmas, even if they are newer. Reason being they are still susceptible to burn in, and my biggest thing they generate alot of heat.

[marano]

Go with the 50" 1080p pio plasma! (;

A little out of my price range

[marano]

Got the Rotel RSX-1057 today. Overall there was a noticeable difference in the sound, it definitely sounded clearer and more natural.