which B&W for a Denon AVR-3805?

[Laurent]

I used to have a NAD amp and two Mission 753 loudspeakers which I have upgraded to a HT set. I currently own a Denon AVR-3805 and use 5 Mission loudspeakers (as well as a Rell subwoofer). While my HT experience is ok I am a bit disappointed by the pure musical one: lack of dynamics and sound precision.

I was told that the Denon was ok to play music - I listen to Jazz and Classical - and that I should look at buying new loudspeakers preferably B&W 703 or 704.

Before spending time evaluating these loudspeakers I'd like to hear if there's any feedback on this combination. Although passionated by music I am not a a Hifi specialist...

any feedback is welcome.

Laurent

[audioqueso]

I would say the 600 series easy. You can get away with the 704s, but the Denon will be holding them back. I would recommend against even considering the 800 series. They require more power and higher components to bring them out. The 600 series will give you a great HT experience and excellent music as well. Just be warn that if you go to the 700 series, you will start getting the upgrade bug for the rest of your system.

[B&W 700 Guy]

Anything 704 or below. I would go HTM7 center and 704's for the L/R channels.

[PewterTA]

:agree:

[Laurent]

I would say the 600 series easy. You can get away with the 704s, but the Denon will be holding them back. I would recommend against even considering the 800 series. They require more power and higher components to bring them out. The 600 series will give you a great HT experience and excellent music as well. Just be warn that if you go to the 700 series, you will start getting the upgrade bug for the rest of your system.

Thanks for your feedback. I'm afraid to end up unhappy if I keep on making compromises between HT and pure music so one last question: does it make any sense to use a dedicated amp for the front loudspeakers and the Denon for all the others? This would allow me to look at the 700 series without worrying about the Denon holding them back?

looking forward to your feedback.

Laurent

ps: provided this set up makes sense then I'd be more than happy to read what amps work fine with a 703 or 704 B&W set.

[akhter]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm afraid to end up unhappy if I keep on making compromises between HT and pure music so one last question: does it make any sense to use a dedicated amp for the front loudspeakers and the Denon for all the others? This would allow me to look at the 700 series without worrying about the Denon holding them back?

looking forward to your feedback.

Laurent

ps: provided this set up makes sense then I'd be more than happy to read what amps work fine with a 703 or 704 B&W set.

The Denon pre-amp will still hold you back. Keep in mind the setup will sound better with good external amps, but not as good as they can sound.

[Laurent]

The Denon pre-amp will still hold you back. Keep in mind the setup will sound better with good external amps, but not as good as they can sound.

I guess the Denon will only hold it back when used as HT which is acceptable to me. When listening to music I wouldn't have to turn on the Denon as I'd be using my new amp and its own pre-amp directly.

So far, I hesitate between two set ups to add to my Denon 3805:
MF A3.5 and 703, HTM7, DS7
MF A5 and 704, HTM7, DS7

Unless a demo proves otherwise I will probably go for the cheaper set up.

cheers,

Laurent