683

[atchudy]

Any opinions on the 683 for stereo listening? I love everything about the fake wood.

[merlinus]

I use my 683 fronts together with a sub for two-channel stereo listening. It definitely adds to the bass response.

[atchudy]

My issue is desireing a pure sound, that is seamless. I dont want to spend that much right now, and am having trouble deciding quality vs quantity.

How would the old N805 with a sub compare to the 683. How about to just the 703's?

Is the newer tech in the 600 series really state of the art?

[htsteve]

My issue is desireing a pure sound, that is seamless. I dont want to spend that much right now, and am having trouble deciding quality vs quantity.

How would the old N805 with a sub compare to the 683. How about to just the 703's?

Is the newer tech in the 600 series really state of the art?

atchudy,

Having owned both the Nautilus and 6 series, I would say the N805, along with a good sub. The newer tech in the 68X series is an upgrade compared to the previous version of the 6 series (it is good tech). However, the Nautilus was king of the hill (and was only fairly recently replaced by the Diamond series). The tweeter and midrange of the 805 compared to the 6 range is quite superior. Assuming a quality sub in the equation, I would opt for the N805's. Better pure sound.


Hope this helps.

[videophile]

I don't think it's fair to compare 683 to 703 and 805. The latter are definitely better. If you have the budget, get the higher models.

[specialized]

My issue is desireing a pure sound, that is seamless. I dont want to spend that much right now, and am having trouble deciding quality vs quantity.

How would the old N805 with a sub compare to the 683. How about to just the 703's?

Is the newer tech in the 600 series really state of the art?

I had a chance to have 683 for few weeks, also 703 and in this moment while i waiting 803s, i'm on 805s.

Also i done like mini review, which u can search on this forum.

Shortly here: I dont like 683. 703 is much much better, and 805s have special magic that put the sound in different league..

I dont like on 683:

Muddy and not controlled bass.

Imaging

I dont like quaility of finish

Consider even CM7 or new CM9.

And if u'r room is not that big (like 15 square metters), get the 805s.

I was also impressed by 703, but for my taste were too tireing after long listening..

Greetings

Darko

[atchudy]

My room for the next 12 months is 10x25x8, but I like alot of bass and loud volume.

How do the 703 compare to 804? What about the new 805S(I have heard they get tiring to listen to)?

I really have trouble going to stores because most dealers don't have 804, 703, etc.

What about the CM series? Do they compromise a lot for there style?

[Pedro]

I´ve heard 703 and 804. The 804 has more sweet mid and highs, but seems to have a little less bass weight. The 703 are bright, and will work well with right cables and tube amps.

BTW, the CM9 seems to blow 703 away, will cost the same price and from what i heard from CM1 it will bring the mid and highs typical from 800 series

[atchudy]

Whats the ETA of the new CM products?

[hifiguymi]

Whats the ETA of the new CM products?

End of October.

Eric

[atchudy]

Will they be better than an older pair of Nautilus 804?

I remember hearing that the CM series required alot of power.

[hifiguymi]

Will they be better than an older pair of Nautilus 804?

I remember hearing that the CM series required alot of power.

It's hard to tell if they will be better until they ship. I doubt the CM9 will require more power than the Nautilus 804 does. The only CM Series speaker that needs a fair amount of power is the CM1. The sensitivity is only 84dB 1watt/1meter and that is due in large part to it's small size. The rest of line is pretty easy to drive. All of them will show off better electronics, but are not that difficult to drive in my experience.

Eric

[atchudy]

I was looking at spending 2k on some 804, but I got offered a good deal for a Black Used Rotel RB-1080 and a pair of New 683. I would iuse it with my Sony 777 ES reciever(Circa 2000).

Is it worth using the amp with the reciever, or is the reciever bringing everything down?

Would it be better to use better speakers than the 683 with my Sony Reciever alone, or use 683 with SOny and Rb-1080

[htsteve]

Speakers

I was looking at spending 2k on some 804, but I got offered a good deal for a Black Used Rotel RB-1080 and a pair of New 683. I would iuse it with my Sony 777 ES reciever(Circa 2000).

Is it worth using the amp with the reciever, or is the reciever bringing everything down?

Would it be better to use better speakers than the 683 with my Sony Reciever alone, or use 683 with SOny and Rb-1080

atchudy,

Based on my years of upgrading, the single biggest purchase that can impact the overall performance is better speakers. And since I currently own N804's, my recommendation would be that if you can purchase a used set of these, do so. They are significantly better than any 6 series speaker.

Also, having recommended speakers first, the very next item on the list should be an outboard amp. A speaker like the N804 will sound fine with an ES receiver, but their upside is excellent when paired with better electronics.


Hope this helps.

[atchudy]

I could get the new 683 and a use dRb-1080 for $1,350.

[htsteve]

I could get the new 683 and a use dRb-1080 for $1,350.

atchudy,

That's a really good deal. You're highly unlikely to find N804's in that range. This is probably too good to pass up. It would be a very nice set up for you. The 1080 is a very good amp. I had one driving my N804s at one point. Excellent performance, especially in the bass area (tight with good extension) and soundstage.


Hope this helps.

[sunshdw]

I had a chance to have 683 for few weeks, also 703 and in this moment while i waiting 803s, i'm on 805s.

Also i done like mini review, which u can search on this forum.

Shortly here: I dont like 683. 703 is much much better, and 805s have special magic that put the sound in different league..

I dont like on 683:

Muddy and not controlled bass.

Imaging

I dont like quaility of finish

Consider even CM7 or new CM9.

And if u'r room is not that big (like 15 square metters), get the 805s.

I was also impressed by 703, but for my taste were too tireing after long listening..

Greetings

Darko

Nice review but are you comparing the 683's with something else?? What music/movies did you use?? What equiptment did you drive them with??

[wgriel]

Nice review but are you comparing the 683's with something else?? What music/movies did you use?? What equiptment did you drive them with??

I think he's comparing them to the 703s and 805s.

[atchudy]

At what point would an RB-1080 Become Average pairing with a speaker? 803?

[Alaric]

Just my opinion , but , if you're feeding your system with a RB-1080 , your budget has a long way to go before you outrun that amp. Spend it on speakers-then source.

[Sounder]

Atch, especially considering the price, get the 683 and Rotel combo. That's a good deal. For the money, it's hard to beat. If nothing else, listen for a year. Keep the Rotel, and upgrade speakers. Later, around $1k to $1500, consider 805, 9NT, 7NT, or 700 series.

[atchudy]

I am actually willing to spend $2k right now

[specialized]

I am actually willing to spend $2k right now

Get the 805s. 683 is the one of the worst sounding speaker i ever heard. Too much non controled and muddy bass. Sound disperted all around... And not controlled..

805s are totaly different class.. Or wait new CM9 to test.
If u like more bass and more dynamics then get 703.


Darko

[emig5m]

My room for the next 12 months is 10x25x8, but I like alot of bass and loud volume.

Well I have the 683s and I can't see how anyone could not like them. Most other owners of them also seem to rave about them. Me personally for my main speakers I always try to steer away from smaller speakers like bookshelf speakers because a bigger speaker will more then likely always have a bigger soundstage and sound more realistic/lifelike and with bass you can feel (just like a real band.) I had the 684s and they where pretty damn good for their size, no real complaints, but when I got the 683s, they just blew them away.

I play a lot of music with hard hitting bass sometimes at full volume (hey it's fun to hear and feel a good dance beat or some good ole hard hitting heavy metal kickdrums) and I personally need a speaker that hits and has impact when I want to rock out and I don't ever see a bookshelf speaker doing it for me (even though B&W's bookshelf speakers do perform outstanding for their size.)

Yea you can say you could always use a powered sub with bookshelves but I tried using my Velodyne powered sub with both the 684s and 683s for two channel music playback and thought both sets of speakers sounded better on their own (even though the 684 had more impact with the sub, it still sounded better on its own for music.)

Hey, the best thing to do is find a dealer with a full money back trial period and try them in your home and let your own ears decide. :T

[Briz vegas]

At what point would an RB-1080 Become Average pairing with a speaker? 803?

I would say 700 series. Like anything you can happily pair it with higher or lower quality gear.

For the 805 I would look for something a little more interesting than the 1080, but that is my taste. 805 will give you more of the subtle elements to the music, its nice to match that with an amp that that will maximise that ability.

[specialized]

Well I have the 683s and I can't see how anyone could not like them. Most other owners of them also seem to rave about them. Me personally for my main speakers I always try to steer away from smaller speakers like bookshelf speakers because a bigger speaker will more then likely always have a bigger soundstage and sound more realistic/lifelike and with bass you can feel (just like a real band.) I had the 684s and they where pretty damn good for their size, no real complaints, but when I got the 683s, they just blew them away.

I play a lot of music with hard hitting bass sometimes at full volume (hey it's fun to hear and feel a good dance beat or some good ole hard hitting heavy metal kickdrums) and I personally need a speaker that hits and has impact when I want to rock out and I don't ever see a bookshelf speaker doing it for me (even though B&W's bookshelf speakers do perform outstanding for their size.)

Yea you can say you could always use a powered sub with bookshelves but I tried using my Velodyne powered sub with both the 684s and 683s for two channel music playback and thought both sets of speakers sounded better on their own (even though the 684 had more impact with the sub, it still sounded better on its own for music.)

Hey, the best thing to do is find a dealer with a full money back trial period and try them in your home and let your own ears decide. :T

As first after reading nice reviews about 683, i decide to get them.. It was good that i got chance to try them at home.. Next to CM7 and 703. I thought that there would be no difference between 683 and 703. BUT I got dissapointed in 683.. And at the end after trying and testing, im picking up my 803s in Monday

683 lack sofistication and control.. Also i dont like quality of finishing...

greetings

Darko

[PewterTA]

Well hell why didn't you all tell him to just go for 802Ds... they blow all of those other speakers away....

Come on people. He's wanting to know about the 683s. They are fine speakers that you won't be disappointed in. Heck, if you do a wiring upgrade inside them, they sound BETTER than the 700 series and closer to the 800 series...

You can make any speakers sound how you want is my point.

The 683s are a good sounding entry level speaker...better than most that you'd find out at Best Buy or the likes...so if you've heard them and liked them yourself. GET THEM!

[videophile]

Well hell why didn't you all tell him to just go for 802Ds... they blow all of those other speakers away....

Come on people. He's wanting to know about the 683s. They are fine speakers that you won't be disappointed in. Heck, if you do a wiring upgrade inside them, they sound BETTER than the 700 series and closer to the 800 series...

You can make any speakers sound how you want is my point.

The 683s are a good sounding entry level speaker...better than most that you'd find out at Best Buy or the likes...so if you've heard them and liked them yourself. GET THEM!

I agree. I think you must first establish your budget...how much you are willing to spend for improved sound quality. Then audition only speakers within your budget. If 683 is within your budget, get it. If price is no object and you want the very best, get 802D or perhaps 800D. They are more accurate sounding and balanced than the other speakers in the B&W line. Period.

I think it's unfair to compare an entry level speaker to the 800 series. If I have the money, I'll either get 802D or 800D. End of upgrade. But if I'm on tight budget, I'll get 683 for its affordable price and decent performance. :T

[bigburner]

The 683s are a good sounding entry level speaker...better than most that you'd find out at Best Buy or the likes...so if you've heard them and liked them yourself. GET THEM!

That's good advice.

Nigel.

[specialized]

That's good advice.

Nigel.

I dont wanted to compare series. I wanted to say that i dont like 683 how they sound (too much and non controled bass and sound) .. For the same amount of money (just a litle more), i prefer Cm7 (they lack bass but it's at least more sofisiticated then 683 ).

Even 685 + Sub it can be very nice combination (I like 685 for example).

Also i think it's worth waiting and listening new CM series.

Greetings..

Darko

[emig5m]

Heck, if you do a wiring upgrade inside them, they sound BETTER than the 700 series and closer to the 800 series...

Very interesting. Is there a site that tested or has modification info for what you're talking about or is it something you tried out yourself? I personally love the sound of the 683s and coming off Cerwin Vega I thought that I might be disappointed in the bass output since I'm used to big bass anyway and the 683 just blows me away from top-end to bottom-end. I mean they wont put out the raw volume of my old Vegas but they get loud enough to get your ear ringing and the sound quality is ten-fold better.

I dont wanted to compare series. I wanted to say that i dont like 683 how they sound (too much and non controled bass and sound) .. For the same amount of money (just a litle more), i prefer Cm7 (they lack bass but it's at least more sofisiticated then 683 ).

That's cool, to each and their own, but I think the parts in bold are probably the reason I like the 683 so much. I'm a bass lover and some of the music I play have a lot of bass (Dance, R&B, Rock, Metal, etc.) But I also never listened to the other speakers you mentioned so who knows, I might like them better as well. Actually I did listen to the 801D for one song (Eagles Hole in the World 5.1 DVD) way back when my local dealer had them setup in their top demo room (they have 800D now) and to be honest, they just sounded totally neutral - nothing given, nothing taken, heh.

But I've never really been overly impressed with any speaker in-store (or any TV/display for that matter.) I don't know if it's just the distraction of a salesman breathing down your throat or that they never really have the type of music I listen too, but whatever the case may be, I can never listen to a speaker critically in-store (plus the fact what's it matter how it sounds in-store on their system anyway? What matters is how it sounds in your home on your system!)

That's the reason when I wanted to try the higher-end speaker brands such as B&W (I know the 600 series isn't considered high-end to you guys, but in comparison to the every day big box store speakers that I've always owned beforehand) I just took a set home sound unheard. I told the salesman to box up their 684 demos. I didn't even want to hear them in the store and wanted to hear them in my own home. Not only did they impress when I got to A&B them with my old speakers on the same system, they prompted me to upgrade to the next speaker up in the series and upgrade the rest of the surround speakers to B&W.

Actually if work goes good next year and the economy bounces back I hope to look into getting a pair of 803Ds. I'm not even going to listen to them at the store, I'm just going to bring them home, and if they impress, I keep them.

[marky mark]

STOP thinking about it and just get it, the 683 is not bad for the PRICE and the technology that's in it, ask your dealer if they have a upgrade plan, some would allow your to upgrade your speakers within a year. not sure on your budget but you could buy the 683 now and when the CM9 arrives in a week after november, you can test it and see if you want to upgrade or not

[c22600]

I just traded my 683's for 803D's. The main reason for the upgrade is that I was not happy with the mid range, to raspy and nasally for my taste. I did however enjoy their bottom end which I found tight and controlled driven with the Musical Fidelity A5.

The problem after upgrading to the 803D's was that now I need to upgrade the amp because where the 683's did not have a "thin" sound to them, the 803D's did with the A5. Now running the 803D's with a MF KW550 and it is absolutey awesome.

Secret to B&W speakers is decent power & high current and any of them will sound good.

[emig5m]

I just traded my 683's for 803D's. The main reason for the upgrade is that I was not happy with the mid range, to raspy and nasally for my taste. I did however enjoy their bottom end which I found tight and controlled driven with the Musical Fidelity A5.

The problem after upgrading to the 803D's was that now I need to upgrade the amp because where the 683's did not have a "thin" sound to them, the 803D's did with the A5. Now running the 803D's with a MF KW550 and it is absolutey awesome.

Secret to B&W speakers is decent power & high current and any of them will sound good.

Interesting. Doesn't the 683 and 803D have the same FST midrange driver? I wonder if a Emotiva XPA-5 has enough power/current to run B&Ws nicely?

[Briz vegas]

Interesting. Doesn't the 683 and 803D have the same FST midrange driver? I wonder if a Emotiva XPA-5 has enough power/current to run B&Ws nicely?

I think you will find the answer to this is no. They both have "a" FST midrange but the implementation is quite different and it is in a very different box.

Its true that B&W trickle down the tech to their more affordable speakers.
The law of diminishing returns applies to a degree, but B&W would be making sure that you do get a better sound as you step up in price. For example, I can say for sure that 805 sounds better than 705 (which is pretty good by the way), yet both have an aluminium tweeter on top, angled sides (or curved with 805) and a non-FST mid woofer.

[atchudy]

I am thinking now of spending some more money, and looking on the used market for some 703 or 804. Hopefully something that is drivable to Maryland comes up soon.

[c22600]

Interesting. Doesn't the 683 and 803D have the same FST midrange driver? I wonder if a Emotiva XPA-5 has enough power/current to run B&Ws nicely?

As Bris Vegas said, "They both have "a" FST midrange but the implementation is quite different and it is in a very different box".

Looking at the front of the speakers, physically they are different. Also, the FST driver in the 803 is also housed within it's own seperate enclosure inside the main enclosure and is fixed via a single mounting arrangement at the back of the enclosure.

This is an extract of a review of the 683 in Sept 07 HI-FI Choice:

"B&W says that to bring the price of this drive unit down to the point where it could be used in the 600 it just simplifed the mounting method to a conventional bolt-on approach, rather than the suspended, single point fixing used in the 800 Series".

Based on my own experience, these changes do make a difference. I also have a HTM4S as my centre speaker and the difference is also quite noticble in smoothness and clarity of vocals compared to the 683.

What are the specs of the XPA-5?

[specialized]

As Bris Vegas said, "They both have "a" FST midrange but the implementation is quite different and it is in a very different box".

Looking at the front of the speakers, physically they are different. Also, the FST driver in the 803 is also housed within it's own seperate enclosure inside the main enclosure and is fixed via a single mounting arrangement at the back of the enclosure.

This is an extract of a review of the 683 in Sept 07 HI-FI Choice:

"B&W says that to bring the price of this drive unit down to the point where it could be used in the 600 it just simplifed the mounting method to a conventional bolt-on approach, rather than the suspended, single point fixing used in the 800 Series".

Based on my own experience, these changes do make a difference. I also have a HTM4S as my centre speaker and the difference is also quite noticble in smoothness and clarity of vocals compared to the 683.

What are the specs of the XPA-5?

805s dont have fst, but still are sounding much cleared and much better then 683
It's not everything in terms like "FST", there is something in crossover quality, quality of box (i think that is the problem with 600 series).

I think 683 selling are based on marketing that they are similar with 804 or 703.. If u listen both of them, u can see biiiig difference.. Maybe bigger difference then price difference.

Greetings

Darko

p.s.Few months ago, i was so sure that 683 are good speakers Until i got chance to listen them at home

[emig5m]

What are the specs of the XPA-5?

# 200 watts RMS/channel into 8 ohms, all channels driven

* 5 channels - 8 ohm = 200 watts per channel
* 4 channels - 8 ohm = 230 watts per channel
* 3 channels - 8 ohm = 250 watts per channel
* 2 channels - 8 ohm = 275 watts per channel
* 1 channel - 8 ohm = 300 watts per channel

# 4 ohm rating:

* 5 channels - 4 ohm = 350 watts per channel
* 4 channels - 4 ohm = 375 watts per channel
* 3 channels - 4 ohm = 400 watts per channel
* 2 channels - 4 ohm = 450 watts per channel
* 1 channel - 4 ohms = 500 watts per channel

http://www.emotiva.com/xpa5.html

[Pedro]

some of the music I play have a lot of bass (Dance, R&B, Rock, Metal, etc.) But I also never listened to the other speakers you mentioned so who knows, I might like them better as well. Actually I did listen to the 801D for one song (Eagles Hole in the World 5.1 DVD) way back when my local dealer had them setup in their top demo room (they have 800D now) and to be honest, they just sounded totally neutral - nothing given, nothing taken, heh.

hey, just to clear: Didnt you like the 801D and 800D?? You said they are very natural didnt you like the bass reproduced by them???

[emig5m]

hey, just to clear: Didnt you like the 801D and 800D?? You said they are very natural didnt you like the bass reproduced by them???

Well it was a long time ago and for only one song (first time I even heard the song) with a salesman breathing down me and my friends neck so I really couldn't tell ya. The bass seemed a little on the 'lite' side to me (or I just wasn't used to accuracy at the time.) If I brought them home and played recordings I'm well familiar with back-to-back with mine or other speakers then that would be a different thing. Their room is much bigger then mine and speakers are positioned correctly (salesman actually said they used lasers to find the reflection points or something to that effect).

So it wouldn't be a fair shot to compare to other speakers maybe not set up so well. But I'll say one thing, earlier that day we checked out the Legacy Focus and the B&W setup totally smoked the Legacy. I don't know if it was the room/position but they where more boomy in the bass then my 15" Cerwin Vegas, lol. The Whisper on the other hand was totally bass-less. The B&W just sounded less like sound coming from a speaker playback system - neutral sounding I guess.