B&W DM640 opinions

[donkeymule]

Does anyone on this board own , previously owned or have listened to B&W dm 640's? What is your impression of them? Strength's - weeknesses? Is $400 a good deal on these? I am new to B&W and thought I would seek the advice of the experienced.

[auburnjunkie]

I used to own some DM 640i's. I was simply blown away by the quality of sound coming from these considering the age (not that it matters). I would say that they are easily on par with the DM 604 S1's. I have heard both and was equally impressed. I actually thought that the cabinet on the 640i's felt stronger than the 604. I would say that $400 is a good deal considering used 604 S1's go for around $550-600. The sound is not overpowering in any range and they actually image very well. The soundstage is very impressive for the price. Wish I had never gotten rid of them. If I could, I would buy the 640i's again. You better hope that I don't find that deal before you.

[donkeymule]

Thanks for the reply. I just picked up a pair on ebay an am exited! I will be using them for both music and in My HT setup. Did you ever run a center channel with them? What center channel would you recomend?

[auburnjunkie]

I used a B&W CC6 for a while with them and then a Polk CS350. The CC6 blended much better and provided a pretty solid timbre match despite it's smaller size. I would recommend any of the LCR or CC6's. They tend to work pretty well. Good luck with your new setup. It's hard to try anything else once you try B&W.

[donkeymule]

I got the DM 640's and all I can say is wow! I love these speakers. I am now sold on B&W.

[microbius]

I have DM640 since abour 12 years. I felt the bass was not balanced as well with the mids and high. A simple modification to the crossovers improved dramatically that askect of the speakers. Search for "Audio Basics December 1990 page 4" to get the document I used for the modification.

Gerald

[Rosti]

B&W 640

I can't believe that I am about to say this but.... I have had my B&W 640 for 18 years. I recently had the tweeter redone due to my sun poking the cones in many years ago. Due to their sound I am keeping them but upgrading many of my components. I am also looking for a Center channel and surrounds to match my 640's. Anyone know how the B&W XTC or DM 600 would sound? I may also replace the reciever with an Integra. any input would be appreciated.

[dryden3]

DM640's

I have a pair of DM640's that my dad bought new in the fall of 1991. I agree they sound great, they're not "harsh," they bring out the detail in all of the music that I play, and they add "realism" to my music. I agree that they don't put out any bass really below 40 Hz, but I don't mind because that's why I have a subwoofer. I'm using an Integra DTR-8.8 receiver to power them. The center channel I'm using is a Jamo "CENTER 18". I've got no complaints about the sound from my setup, however I haven't tried any other type of center channel, so I have nothing to compare to. I can tell you I was using a decent Denon receiver before (AVR 3200 I think was the model), then I got the Integra receiver last year, and that made a HUGE difference in the sound...much clearer!

[peter4jc]

I've been thoroughly enjoying my DM640's since I bought them in '93. One midrange and one woofer need replacing, which is happening this week. They're just a great speaker for the money.

7 years ago, when I got into HT, I bought the LCR6 for the center, and some DM602's for the rear. All in all, there's not much to complain about. They're driven by a Marantz SR-18EX.

$400 sounds like a deal, even though there may be some drivers that need replacing down the road.

[timjclark]

Center channel opinions wanted...

I'm another original 640 owner - I bought mine in December of 1990 and love them. I have upgraded everything around them (including a spouse), but the 640's remain.

I use them in a combo HT/2-channel setup. My current center is a B&W LCR3 which works fairly well, but sometimes the dialog seems too quiet so I up the volume and then when the explosions or other loud soundtrack sounds come in I need to lower the volume. I have set my speaker levels using an SPL meter and measured the distances. My center channel on the top shelf of the TV stand just below the TV.

I am wondering if:
1) this is a case of this center not being a good enough match OR
2) if I need to consider angling the speaker to my ear level OR
3) I should increase the center channel volume a db or two in my SSP.

What center channels are y'all using with your 640's?

Thank you!