I was out today at my local B&W store which doesn't carry Rotel only NAD, so it was on nad that I did an AB test of the CM8 & CM9. IMO the CM 8 was the most naturel and warm sounding of the two in the midrange and treble, and had a very fast and agile bass, in fact it sounded more pounding and if it went lower down than the CM 9, I know the CM 9 has a fuller bass but it also clutter up the upper bass and lower midrange a bit too fat sounding. and the midrange is a bit to open and analytic, for my taste. So all in all if the CM 8 sounds fab. on my Rotel when I can try it at home in the new year, the CM 8 could very well be my new speaker. just my 2 cents.
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I was at my B&W dealership yesterday also, to test out some preamps and DACs. They also had a pair of CM8 on display. They are much smaller then I expected. I think they are even smaller then my CM7. Good looking speaker for sure.
The owner of the store who I deal with indicated that he preferred the CM8 to the CM7 as it is slightly more transparent (I assume due to the smaller cabinet, which appeares quite solid). Also the bass is a little tighter too. I did not have a listen as I didn't have time. I also don't know how it compares to the CM9.
Considering the CM8 is around the same cost as the CM7, it seems like a nice improvement from B&W.Main System:
B&W 801D
Emotiva USP-1 Pre-Amp
Chord SPM-650 Stereo Amp
Oppo BDP-105
Squeezebox Touch
Second System:
B&W CM7
Emotiva UMC-1
Emotiva UPA-2
Oppo BDP-83SE
Grant Fidelity DAC-09
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Mikael,
Thanks for the great impressions of the CM8.
Would a CMC or CMC2 pair better with these speakers? I've had my eyes on the CM9s for a long time, but now I'm wondering if it might be better to just go with the slimmer CM8s and save some cash.Comment
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BdoUK,
The CMC2 is definately the better speaker, and will certainly be a better match to CM7, CM8 and CM9 since is shares the FST midrange. Also because it has vertical alignment for the tweeter/midrange it should have better off axis performance. I think this last point is the most important.
If center channel performance is important for you (movies, multichannel music etc.) I would definately spend the extra on the CMC2.Main System:
B&W 801D
Emotiva USP-1 Pre-Amp
Chord SPM-650 Stereo Amp
Oppo BDP-105
Squeezebox Touch
Second System:
B&W CM7
Emotiva UMC-1
Emotiva UPA-2
Oppo BDP-83SE
Grant Fidelity DAC-09
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BdoUK
Or better yet go for 3 CM 8 in the front they are not to high. so you could place one below your tv or screen. That would be the perfect solution.Comment
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Always the best option for sure...Originally posted by MikaelMain System:
B&W 801D
Emotiva USP-1 Pre-Amp
Chord SPM-650 Stereo Amp
Oppo BDP-105
Squeezebox Touch
Second System:
B&W CM7
Emotiva UMC-1
Emotiva UPA-2
Oppo BDP-83SE
Grant Fidelity DAC-09
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Thanks for the responses guys.
Based on my living room setup the 3 CM8 isn't an option. I'll make sure I go with the CMC2 however when I finally take the plunge
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Hello,
Gosh I haven't been here for years. Anyway my dealer is considering taking my 603s L,W,C and selling me at discount, new cm7. L,W,C. He is deducting $800 or to be exact swiss francs (i'm a swissy and exchange rate is almost the same) for the 2 LW 603s and we haven't clarrified... -
Any recommendations for a good 2 or 3 inch midrange? Its to go with HiVi F8 driver and HiVi RT1C-A Ribbon tweeter. I was going to go with the HiVi F5 but I was told that I may need a bigger woofer or smaller midrange. Although I like the idea of having a bigger woofer - the cabinets would probably end... -
I was at my local dealer to hear the CM7 and CM9, and the salesman told me that there will soon be a CM8 in the line with 2 5" woofer a 5" fst and the same treble as the CM7 and CM9. Anybody who can confirm this and maybe supply us with a picture -
Hi all,
I'm upgrading from Def Tech BP 7002, CLR 3000, BP10Bs(rear surround) and SM 450's LBC and RBC. My apartment living room is 13 ft wide by 14 ft long with 8ft stucco ceilings. I originally was going to go with the CM10 S2's as my front speakers but decided to go with CM9 S2's for... -
I visited two high end AV dealers today to make my final decision as to which pair of speakers I would buy for the stereo system that I'm putting together. This sytem will be used primarily for playing LPs and will initially consist of the following: Aragon 24K II preamp with phono stage, or a Classe...
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