B&W 801's + XTC, X2s & PV-1 ??

[dschachter]

Hi all,

I've got 2 trusty B&W Matric 801, Series 2 beauties I bought in 1991, which I've really enjoyed for music; but now I moved into a NYC apartment and am putting together a home theater. I've got a decent sized living room (14-1/2 feet by 23 feet), and could conceivably use the 801s for the left and right fronts (even though they're large and don't match the white, minimalist decor...); but I've only got limited space for the center and rears. The center has to sit on a cantilevered white entertainment console, under the 52" panel, and the rears will need to be no higher than about 20" high (including any stands). I could conceivably give up the 801s and buy X4s some time in the future, but for now I'm trying to make use of the 801s, not only because they sound so good for music but also to conserve $$. I'll have plenty of power (the new Denon AVR-4310CI). My question is this: Are the XTC and X2s likely to work o.k. with the 801s or is this match-up a really bad idea? Also, if I don't want to spring for the X2s and/or the PV-1, are there any decent but less expensive alternatives?

I'd really appreciate any quidance anyone can provide.

[htsteve]

dschachter,

First of all, welcome to the forum. It it a wonderful source of information for our hobby/addiction.

As to your dilemma, I definitely understand wanting to use the existing speakers and put money in other places. A good plan.

Sonically speaking, B&W has made a lot of advances since the early 90's. So any center channel and rear speaker B&W's will not match exactly. However, they will all be B&W, so that will be good. Later on, getting more XT series speakers will round out the system (this assumes you get the XTC now. Thje XTC is a good choice given your placement limitations).

As for X2's and the PV-1, there are some alternatives. For the X2, you could substitute a pair of LM1's. It sounds very nice for it's size and comes in the contemporary look I think would work for you. Also, a book shelf speaker in black ash from the 600 series would also work.

As to a sub, look at SVS. You can definitely spend less than a a PV-1 and get as good as or better performance. Most subs will not look as cool as the PV-1, but saving funds is not a bad idea at all.

One thing to consider would be to spend a little less on the rears and sub (ie. LM-1/685 + SVS vs. XT2/PV-1) you could put that money into the front end of the system. Take those funds and add then into the funds for the Denon 4310CI and you should be able to afford getting soemthing like a Rotel 1570 pre-amp/1565 amp combo. This would be definitely better than the Denon. A very good pre-amp and amp will be the foundation of your HT for a long time.
Give that some thought.


Hope this helps.

[Tweir]

If I were in your position I would keep the 801 in a 2 channel setup and use the Denon
in a bi-amp mode. Anything out there that is current from B&W will not match up
with your speaker in terms of the center. The xtc is great looking speaker but
weaker in terms of a center. The phantom center image will be greater on
your 801's.. Either stay 2 channel and keep in that room or start over and design
a new system in that room and have the 801's in a separate room for 2 channel
listening....

[sikoniko]

If I were in your position I would keep the 801 in a 2 channel setup and use the Denon
in a bi-amp mode. Anything out there that is current from B&W will not match up
with your speaker in terms of the center. The xtc is great looking speaker but
weaker in terms of a center. The phantom center image will be greater on
your 801's.. Either stay 2 channel and keep in that room or start over and design
a new system in that room and have the 801's in a separate room for 2 channel
listening....

agreed. or keep your eyes out for an old Matrix HTM on ebay or audiogon. They do show up from time to time. I had a Matrix HTM and a Nautilus HTM2 (and now htm1) and the Matrix HTM sounds VERY different from any of the newer models. To be honest, if you could swing it, you'd get a better HT experience out of 805s's, an HTM4, and 2 good subs than you will out of your 801's...

[dschachter]

Wow! Thanks for all the thoughtful input, and for the welcome from htsteve.

I understand and appreciate the suggestion regarding the Rotel 1570/1565 combo. It's great gear, esp. for the music side, but it was a bit pricey given the other things on my list, and I needed (or wanted) all the bells and whistles on the Denon. Also I was able to get the Denon at a good price. So, as it happens, I ordered it a few days ago.

We watch TV (mainly movies and news) about as much as we listen to music; so the center channel is pretty important. I spoke with a customer rep at B&W, who said the HTM is the closest match; but its way too large for the space we have. He said we might instead go with the HTM62 (8" high) or the HTM61 (6.7" high); but frankly they're both pretty bulky and boxy. My center will need to sit on a contemporary white lacquered console, under a black Sony 52" panel. I hate to sacrifice quality for the sake of decor, but can't ignore the space and decor issues either. I figured at least if I buy an XTC and it doesn't work out, I can sell the 801s and buy a couple of X4s to match. I didn't ask the rep about the XT series and he didn't mention it, but I might give a call back to see what he says.

To Tweir's comments, I did consider a dual setup (one 2-channel and one HT), but we don't have a separate room to do that and the living room, although large, won't accommodate both. As for the relative weakness of the XTC, is it possible that the Denon's auto setup capabilities could adjust for this?

Thanks again to all.