Used CM2s or new CM1s?

[alec4444]

Hello all,

First post here; hopefully not my last. I currently own a bunch of old, mass market electronics and I'm looking to upgrade to something better. Basic plan of action:

Step 1: Get the Rotel 1550 Surround Receiver. I can hook this up to some older style Polk surround speakers for the time being. If you saw my current receiver, you'd agree this is step 1.

Step 2: Get a single pair of B&W speakers. As I'm in a NYC apartment, I was looking toward the latest B&W CM1 speakers. I'd like to set these up using some kind of A/B switch so I can use the B&Ws for music and the Polks for movies. (Switch / Wiring suggestions welcome)

Step 3: Upgrade the TV and (hopefully) buy a yet-to-be-announced Rotel 15 series BluRay player.

The unexpected snag? I found an opportunity to get the older B&W CM2 speakers (used) for about half off original MSRP, including the CMC center speaker (same discount) if I want it. What to do? I haven't been able to find any real comparisons of the CM2s versus the latest CM1s. Anyone know what the acoustic difference is? I haven't been following the innovations of speaker technology in a long, long time.

The appealing thing about the used CM2s is cost of course, unless you tell me that half off MSRP is no real steal. Dollar wise, it might allow me to get to step 3 quicker. What makes me nervous about them is that as I buyer I have no idea if the speakers were well-treated by the previous owner short of seeing major abuse to the cabinet.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
--Alec

[hifiguymi]

This is a tough call. I would lean towards the CM1 personally. It is noticeably better than the CM2. With that big of a price difference, I don't know if it's that much better for everyone however.

The CM1 is more open and has better detail than the CM2 both in the midrange and treble. The bass is similar in output but the CM1 has a slight edge in the detail department. The CM1 is a very easy speaker to listen to and has great musicality. The CM2 is a wonderful speaker but lacks the same ease the CM1 has.

The CM1 was developed alongside the 805S and shares a lot of its DNA. The rest of the current CM Series all came after the CM1 so they benefit from the 800 Series as well.

Why would you want an A/B switch for the Polk speakers you currently have and a new pair of B&W speakers? Use the better speakers all the time. If you have them, enjoy them.

Eric

[alec4444]

Thanks for your response. I'm also leaning towards passing it up, based upon your comments and my general nervousness in buying used speakers. Also, having read through the latest B&W brochure, I'm wondering if I should be looking at the CM5s for front speakers, and then (later) purchase CM1s for the surround speakers along with the newer CM Centre. I want a setup that will keep me happy for a good 12-15 years, and starting off with ~4 year old(?) speakers may not be so good.

Thoughts behind the A/B switch: If I buy the Rotel receiver and two nice B&W speakers for starters, I'd use the B&Ws for music for sure. But for movies, wouldn't I used the entire matched set of Polks? I thought I would have a weird kind of experience to use the B&W fronts and then Polk center, surround, and sub. Talking out of my arse, though - remember, this is my first "real setup" since moving on from mass market electronics. Hence, your feedback is appreciated!

Cheers!
--A

[hifiguymi]

I'm sure the CM5 would be a nice upgrade. They haven't started shipping yet so I don't have any experience with them yet. They should be shipping sometime first quarter of next year.

Forget the A/B switch and go without a center channel (it's called a phantom center) to start. You will have better performance overall for movies / TV and don't have to worry about a mismatched front stage. Because of that the CM5 maybe a better place to start as well (if you can wait). The Polk speakers will be fine for rear speakers to start with.

Eric