So here's the story...
My H/K AVR85 died a few weeks ago after 10 years of service. I started looking for some new components and with my price range, the Onkyo 905 had the right amount of technology with the HQV Reon processor and HDMI 1.3 switching, THX Ultra 2, etc. I got a good deal on it so I placed an order and should have it soon.
Then I thought with the new receiver, I should look into updating my rear speakers since they are on the wimpy side. After looking at speakers for the surrounds, I soon found myself thinking about upgrading everything. My entire speaker setup are 10 year old Boston Acoustics and I think are in the running for an upgrade. I started looking into the B&W speakers after seeing them years ago and thinking that when I had the money, I would get some.
Originally the 600 series were my objective, but after listening (and seeing)the 704's, I think I like them better. So I have a few questions for the current B&W enthusiasts...
1. Onkyo receivers with B&W speakers? I know the Rotel components are the optimum match, and maybe after Rotel comes out with 1.3 HDMI compatible switching I will consider upgrading, but I don't want to get something that will hinder my enjoyment of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD's for the time being.
2. Suppose I bought the 704's and HTM7 for the front three, what should I use for the rears? I live in a condo so currently I have my rears near the ceiling to accomodate a window on one side. I could run some longer cable and go further and down the wall and use some bookshelf speakers either on a shelf or on stands. There are also the DS3's which I could run close to the ceiling still and save some $$ too. If I opted for the bookshelf rears, would I need to get the 705's or could I get the less expensive 686's or 685's and still get good sound?
3. I have a Sunfire True Subwoofer MKII. This should compensate for the lack of deep bass in the 704's. Any reason they wouldn't be a good match?
Most of my use for the system will be 90% movies, 10% music. The music I listen to is mostly hardcore punk, metal, and hip-hop. Here are some pictures of my current setup so you can get a better idea on my room limitations. Thank you for any and all input!
My H/K AVR85 died a few weeks ago after 10 years of service. I started looking for some new components and with my price range, the Onkyo 905 had the right amount of technology with the HQV Reon processor and HDMI 1.3 switching, THX Ultra 2, etc. I got a good deal on it so I placed an order and should have it soon.
Then I thought with the new receiver, I should look into updating my rear speakers since they are on the wimpy side. After looking at speakers for the surrounds, I soon found myself thinking about upgrading everything. My entire speaker setup are 10 year old Boston Acoustics and I think are in the running for an upgrade. I started looking into the B&W speakers after seeing them years ago and thinking that when I had the money, I would get some.
Originally the 600 series were my objective, but after listening (and seeing)the 704's, I think I like them better. So I have a few questions for the current B&W enthusiasts...
1. Onkyo receivers with B&W speakers? I know the Rotel components are the optimum match, and maybe after Rotel comes out with 1.3 HDMI compatible switching I will consider upgrading, but I don't want to get something that will hinder my enjoyment of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD's for the time being.
2. Suppose I bought the 704's and HTM7 for the front three, what should I use for the rears? I live in a condo so currently I have my rears near the ceiling to accomodate a window on one side. I could run some longer cable and go further and down the wall and use some bookshelf speakers either on a shelf or on stands. There are also the DS3's which I could run close to the ceiling still and save some $$ too. If I opted for the bookshelf rears, would I need to get the 705's or could I get the less expensive 686's or 685's and still get good sound?
3. I have a Sunfire True Subwoofer MKII. This should compensate for the lack of deep bass in the 704's. Any reason they wouldn't be a good match?
Most of my use for the system will be 90% movies, 10% music. The music I listen to is mostly hardcore punk, metal, and hip-hop. Here are some pictures of my current setup so you can get a better idea on my room limitations. Thank you for any and all input!
Comment