703’s vs. a used pair of 805s’s

[leej]

My first post here. I have larned much, just following some of the trreads.
I was reading the thread "New CM-9 or Used 805S for same price." I find myself asking a similar question, except that i am looking at a used 703’s vs. a used pair of 805s’s. I can save a few bucks with the 703’s, without having to purchase stands. Both are in excellent condition, but I haven’t found a way to hear both of them at the same time. It’s hard to compare.
Although I use the system for HT, the majority of the time, I still enjoy my music in 2-channel. For this, I want to upgrade my system. I do tend to favor Classic Rock, but listen Blues, a little Jazz and some Country,
I am upgrading a system from 4 CDM-1nt’s and a CDM-cnt. With my limited funds, I need to keep the CDM Center and fear how well it might match either of these. I use a MK v125 sub with the CDM1nt mains, which has worked well, so far.
Another concern is that I am limited to my Denon 3808, for now (maybe for a while). With such limitations, is it even worthwhile to upgrade? If so, which would suit my situation, better? Or, should I wait until I can afford to do this properly?

[specialized]

My first post here. I have larned much, just following some of the trreads.
I was reading the thread "New CM-9 or Used 805S for same price." I find myself asking a similar question, except that i am looking at a used 703’s vs. a used pair of 805s’s. I can save a few bucks with the 703’s, without having to purchase stands. Both are in excellent condition, but I haven’t found a way to hear both of them at the same time. It’s hard to compare.
Although I use the system for HT, the majority of the time, I still enjoy my music in 2-channel. For this, I want to upgrade my system. I do tend to favor Classic Rock, but listen Blues, a little Jazz and some Country,
I am upgrading a system from 4 CDM-1nt’s and a CDM-cnt. With my limited funds, I need to keep the CDM Center and fear how well it might match either of these. I use a MK v125 sub with the CDM1nt mains, which has worked well, so far.
Another concern is that I am limited to my Denon 3808, for now (maybe for a while). With such limitations, is it even worthwhile to upgrade? If so, which would suit my situation, better? Or, should I wait until I can afford to do this properly?

I had the same dilema, and had a chance to have them in same time and to compare them.. Also i have Denon 3808, but for fronts i use Rotel Rb-1080.

Both are very good speakers, depend what u like.. 703 were a bit agressive speakers and i find them a bit tiresome for long time listening.. But for Rock type of music i think are the best speakers i ever heard. 703s produce huge soundstage, and u have sound in u'r chest, very nice bass... 805s are more sofisticated, they have wonderfull imaging, i was able to hear them with hours, but i found that for some music they lack bass (for example some Afro Beat music). Also in my room which is 21 square meters + opening of 7 square meters, i found them a bit small. But still between two of them i decide to keep 805s.. And when i thought my quest for speakers ended , in same time i got 803s and at the end i keep 803s becouse they have the sofistication + enough deep bass. I was thinking also about 803D, but i stayed with 803s becouse no chance to try 803D at my place (i was thinking that extra bass driver can maybe produce too much bass for my room size, and also for 803D definitly is needed bigger amp). And if i spend that money, i'll get 802D. But lets back to ur question .. Still 805s imaging better i think.. If i have a smaller room, i would definitly get 805s. Also u dont need original stands. I was using Mission Stancete stands which are not expensive at all.. Im sure u'll get even better sound with the original stands, but....

So my opinion about u'r case:

If ur room is up to 16 square meters then get 805s.

If ur room is bigger and u like Rock music and u like punch, get 703.

If ur room is bigger but u prefer sofistication then to be punched get 805s



Darko

p.s. For both of them u'll need proper AMP. And i suggest u at least Rotel RB-1080. I had a chance to have a McIntosh and i found that Rotel RB-1080 is somehow minimum

[leej]

Thanks for your input.
My room is around 35 sq. meters, with around a 9 sq. meter opening. I am still leaning toward the 805’s. I might need to listen to the 703’s, again, as I am afraid that they may be a bit too aggressive on the upper end. Moving to 803’s would put me beyond my budget. Especially, since I’m in need of a better amp. I suppose I’d better put any spare budget toward the amp (maybe used). I guess, for now I can still use the Denon 3808 for the surrounds.
I have aftermarket stands for my CDM-1nt’s that are similar to the Missions. I’ve seen some that look even better for a substantial savings, making the 805’s a better choice.
For now, my quest is for some used 805’s, but perhaps a good deal on 703’s will come along, first. I waited too long for the ones that I was looking at and someone beat me to them. No rush though, as I have to search for an amp, too.

[specialized]

Thanks for your input.
My room is around 35 sq. meters, with around a 9 sq. meter opening. I am still leaning toward the 805’s. I might need to listen to the 703’s, again, as I am afraid that they may be a bit too aggressive on the upper end. Moving to 803’s would put me beyond my budget. Especially, since I’m in need of a better amp. I suppose I’d better put any spare budget toward the amp (maybe used). I guess, for now I can still use the Denon 3808 for the surrounds.
I have aftermarket stands for my CDM-1nt’s that are similar to the Missions. I’ve seen some that look even better for a substantial savings, making the 805’s a better choice.
For now, my quest is for some used 805’s, but perhaps a good deal on 703’s will come along, first. I waited too long for the ones that I was looking at and someone beat me to them. No rush though, as I have to search for an amp, too.

Too bad that my room is not that big I think i'll get 802D or 803D in that case.. Still for this room size i think 805s are small.. (Depend also how far u sit from the speakers). Or get the 805s, and move them back later and get 803S/D speakers later..


Darko

[bnieman]

leej,

I use 703s in my home theater/listening room and N805's in my office. I prefer the sound of the 703s, the soundstage is enormous. The N805s are just as clear but lack the impact a full range speaker like the 703 can provide. The 703s sound like nothing else in the 700 series, it must be the surroundless midrange because otherwise the 700 series speakers are similar in construction.

Also, given your room size the 703s sound like a no brainer to me. I would use any extra money in your budget to pick up a used Rotel amp from Audiogon and use your Denon as a preamp/processor. Perhaps a Rotel RMB-1075 or RMB-1085 (1085 is better but a bit more expensive than the 1075. The 1075 can be had in the $500-600 range right now which is an absolute steal). I started with a Denon 2805 receiver as my preamp with the RMB-1075 as my amp and the combo was very very nice. I then upgraded to the RSP-1068 and sold off my Denon. A few years later I traded in my RMB-1075 for a RMB-1085 and I love the system

Let us know what you decide!

[wgriel]

This is a tough choice and I would say that it depends on your room size, and whether or not you are going to use a sub.

I had the same choice and went with 703s because I've got a big room to fill and this was strictly a 2 channel system. I love the overall balance and presentation of the 703, but there's no question that the 805 is a more sophisticated speaker. But on the whole, the 703 worked better for me.

If I was to use a sub, I'd probably go with the 805s though. They are a pretty special speaker.

[leej]

Thanks for all the input.
I listened to the 703's again and it seems that I fall in love with the last one that I hear. It may come down whether the right deal comes up on 805’s, or 703‘s, first. I was looking at a couple of local deals (an 805 and 703), but missed both of them by procrastinating. That won’t happen again. Trying to find something local thins out my choices, so I'll just have to be patient.
I'm currently researching amps and looking for a good deal. As long as I can find everything used, I should be able to manage the amp, too.
I’ll let you know how this turns out.
Lee

[Briz vegas]

There is also the center channel factor to some degree. The centre that you have will be marginally better matched to the 805. That being said I don't think you can go wrong with either speaker.

[leej]

The used 703’s that I was looking at became available, again. I grabbed them, before they got away. I’m glad I found these, as they fit my room, just right. The difference is just what I was looking for. A little more open on the upper end and way, more base. They fill the room, so much better than the CDM 1nt’s. I was pleased that they work with my CDM Center, just fine.
With the savings by purchasing used, I have some budget left for other upgrades. For now, I will use the Denon 3808 as a preamp, and look for a deal on a used amp.
I have learned so much, reading the posts, here. Any more suggestions on electronics would be appreciated. I saved a grand, by getting the used speakers, so that’s my budget. The Rotel RMB-1075 or RMB-1085 look good, but is 100-120 wpc enough, or do I need to look for something like 200 wpc?
Thanks for the help.

[bnieman]

Hey leej!

Glad to hear you were able to get your hands on a pair of 703s, I still think that was definitely the right choice for your room.

Regarding the power rating of the amp: In my room with the 703s which is 24ft (7.3m) x 16ft (5m) the RMB-1085 (5x100w Class D) is more than enough power for the room. I auditioned a RMB-1095 for a couple weeks (5x200w Class A/B) and I did not have a use for the extra power. It would be painful to my ears to push the amp louder than the 1085 can comfortably go and I like to listen to music and movies fairly loud.

As for the RMB-1085 vs the RMB-1075, I heard no audible difference in power. My dealer informed me that the RMB-1085 has lower harmonic distortion which is why it sounds just as loud as the RMB-1075 when its output power is slightly less. To me the RMB-1085 sounds cleaner and more open than the RMB-1075 and its sound profile closely matches the RMB-1095 (with the 1095 able to be louder if your ears can handle it).

My RMB-1075 also ran hot during long listening sessions and when it cooled there was a "ping" of sorts (much like a car cooling down). This was most annoying during quiet passages in movies (between the action sequences). I brought the amp into my dealer several times and they concluded it wasn't really a "problem" with the amp... they offered me a good deal on an upgrade to the 1085 which I gladly accepted.

The RMB-1085 on the other hand NEVER gets hot, hardly even warm, yet is just as loud, and better sounding than the 1075. That all comes as a cost obviously with the 1085 costing around $200 more.

In my opinion you would be happy with the 1075 or the 1085. I wouldn't recommend the 1095 as you can get the same/similar sound with the 1085 for less and it's much less of a hassle to ship and transport (it weighs in at right around 90 lbs.)

If you have any more questions let me know! As I have spent A LOT of time with a Denon/1075 combo, a 1068/1075 combo, a 1068/1085 combo, and a 1068/1095 combo all paired with 703s

Cheers!
Bryan

[leej]

I finally added a Rotel 1080 to the 703's. The Denon 3080ci did well and I thought that I might save some money. It drove the CDM 1nt's & cnt well and I was satisfied for HT. So, I thought that I'd try a 2-chanel amp for my music. The 703's need a little more wattage than the CDM's, anyway. I found a great deal on a RB-1080 and couldn't resist. Now, I understand what is meant when someone says, "Woke them up!"
At first, I thought I heard little difference, playing at very low levels. I cranked them up, just a little and was pleasantly surprised. The base was noticeable, immediately and the highs didn't seem as harsh. But, the subtle differences in some instruments became even more apparent as I listened for a while. I liked my 703's before, but I'm very satisfied with them, now.
Thanks to everyone for the advice.

Lee, J

Donon 3808ci
Rotel RM-1080
B&W 703 mains
B&W CDM cnt
B&W CDM1nt Surr/back

[htsteve]

leej,

Excellent. The 703 and 1080 is a very nice combo. I'm glad this has worked out for you.

[aweil]

I had a similar experience with my 703's and a Denon 2808CI. I found a smoking deal on an old (vintage 1992-ish) Harmon Kardon amplifier and it made a HUGE difference in the sound!