Help - Buying B&W Speakers for HT

[Julio]

Hi, I am new to the forums and looking for some advice before I place some orders. I am not a total newbie; I know my share, but no hardcore by any means.

1. I love sound imaging and the fact that it can "sub-merge" me and make it sound as if I am "live" in the action or the artist is performing right in front of me. This being said, this is the main feature I am looking for.

My system is for Home Theater, 70% movies, 30% concerts (video)

2. I have not demo many speakers, it can be a really overwhelming experience, but I can definitely hear subtle nuances in sound/music.
I really like B&W, but my budget will not allow me to get anything over CM9s and CMC2. I wonder what in-wall speakers would be a good match for CM9s for my surrounds. I thought about 7.1, but they would be too close (I think so) so I will go with 5.1. Room is 20' x 12', carpeted, total light control (no windows) and entry doors are right in the center, rear.

3. I will use my existing sub if possible, otherwise it is OK to replace. It is a Velodyne VLF-810. I know it is old, but this one is barely used at all. Probably less than 100hrs on it. Would it be a good match?

4. I thought about Rotel for my processor and amp, but after some reading, I wonder if Emotiva XPA-5 is OK for my needs. (Not sure I can justify $3,000 in separates) Specs, reviews and price seem to be a great match for what I am looking for, but I need advice. As for processor, I am not too fond with Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, but would consider Marantz, Rotel, and strongly a possibility of Emotiva XMC-1 if it comes later this year. No real rush in processor right now. I wonder if I should jump and reserve the XPA-5 for the next shipment (even if it sits in my room for a few months) or if I should wait until I buy the speakers first (Probably Dec or Jan 2012)

5. The rest of my gear is Epson 8700 UB projector, Carada 106" screen, Panamax 5300-PM, Oppo BDP-93, Apple TV2, Monoprice 4x4 HDMI Switch.

I hope you can provide some feedback and advice to get the best experience and imaging out of a new system)

[Dmantis]

I have not heard the VLF-810 but from what I can see it's a entry level sub. This will simply not due with CM9's. You need a quality subwoofer that is extremely musical and true to the note. You want something that is going to fill in the bottom line not add thumb and bump when it's not necessary. I suggest if you had good experience with Velodyne to step up to the DD10 or if budget allows D12. These subs are crazy musical and have a very balanced Theater experience. I find them to be one of the very best at blending in and really not calling attention to them selves like most other subs do.
If In walls is what your after for surround speakers then I suggest the CWM 7.3 if budget allows , this will give you a very full powerful surround speaker that will submerse you into your theater experience. You can however go down to the CWM 7.4 for a more affordable solution.
Go check them out and see if they are to your liking
.http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speake...es/CWM7.3.html

[Julio]

Dang.. 118 views and only one feedback!
No advice on a processor?

* Update * - After much deliberation… and crunching some numbers, I decided to get CM9s for surround as well. I thought of an XPA-5, but not sure if it will be enough, or should I get an XPA-2 and XPA-3?

[Rod#S]

For a receiver an optiion would be the Anthem. There are 3 models, the MRX300, MRX500 and MRX700.

Here are reviews of the 300 and 700:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/recei...-receiver.html

http://www.hometheater.com/content/anthem-mrx-300-av-receiver

There is always Pioneer as well.