68x or CM close to 800 series???

[lastexit]

A year or so ago I auditioned the previous generation of B&W 800S series speakers (non-diamonds) and thought they sounded fabulous. Smooth, warm, inviting, etc. you name it. They were way over my budget so it wasn't a "serious" audition, but it was nice of my dealer to allow a listen.

I have yet to hear B&W's lower lines (ex. 68x or CM) but it is my understanding that they sound quite different from each other. The 600 series is supposedly laid back and warmish while the CM has better clarity and extension, more neutral perhaps. This is what I've gathered from online forums/reviews. To anyone on the board here who has heard the 2 aforementioned B&W lines, what would you say sounds the closest to the old 800 S speakers?

[stuofsci02]

Hello,

Which 800 series speakers did you listen to?

Having owned 600 series and currently CM series and 800 series speakers, I can say that the B&W sound is rather consistent. That is I would disagree that they all sound quite different from each other. I find they all have similar sound signature.

What I will say is this. Each series removes "flaws", if you will. These are flaws that are inherent to building a speaker at a particular price point.

For instance, the 600 series has a lot of trickle down technology from the 800 series, but its bass is not as tight, they have more coloration from the cabinet, they are more closed in and perhaps not as neutral.. But they sound like a B&W speaker..

The CM series improves on bass response, and eliminates a lot of the coloration. They are also more open and natural sounding to me. Additionally the veneers are nicer..

The 800 series continues the same trend. Improved bass, even less cabinet coloration. With the open tweeter design they are much more open. And now with the diamond tweeter the treble is smoother then ever before.

But nothing beats a good audition.

[lastexit]

Hi stuofsci02,

What a great post. Very informative, thank you!
I did manage to hear the 805s and 804s a while back. I'm really in the mood for new speakers, which is why I started the thread. I thought it'd be good to see what almost "gets me there" in regards to B&W's best offerings. It looks like the CM line just may do the trick. If I can ask, do the 68x speakers offer good value for money? Cause that's where my budget is at the moment, but if the CM is a big step up I wouldn't make taking the plunge.

[stuofsci02]

lastexit,

First, may I ask what you have now?

Also, what is your room dimensions, setup and expected source equipment (amp, preamp and CD-player etc.)..

The 600 series speakers offer incredible value.. Not to take away from any model, but the 685 two-way stand mount and the 683 floor mount stand out in my opinion.

For me the CM series is a step up for sure, but much will depend on your equipment, room setup and listening experience. The more time I spend in this hobby, the more experience I get, which allows me to more easily compare nuances of a speaker that some might miss... If this will be your first good pair of speakers (and forgive me if it is not), you might get a lot of miles of the 600 series.. If you have already had a good starter pair of speakers, it might be good to jump straight to the CM series... The real test would be to audition both (in home if possible) with same equipment and see if the difference to you is worth the extra cost..

I started with 600 series speakers, and loved them the whole time I owned them.. Could I go back... Probably not, but that is only because I have so much listening time under my belt with speakers that are technically better... When I hear a 600 speaker now I can more easily pick out the flaws then I could before. I suspect the same would be true for someone who had 800Di and then listened to my 804s.. I am sure they would hear flaws that I am not aware of...

But....That would not stop me from recommending the 600s to anyone looking for a great speaker on a modest budget..

[FACSman]

Hi stuofsci02,

I would like your feedback on something: thinking about getting B&W 684B's (to replace my Bose Cinemate Series ll) and bi-amping them with a new Pioneer Elite VSX-50 Receiver.

Living in an apartment basically limits me to 2:1.

Can this be done & if so, how?

Following is my current setup(s):

Panny TCP55GT30 | DMP-BDT310 | TY-EW3DELU

LG 42LK520 | BD590

Bose Cinemate Series ll | B&W P5

AudioQuest Chocolate| APC XS1500



TIA- Rich

[stuofsci02]

Rich,

Yes you can bi-amp your mains with your AVR's front channels and surround back channels. You would first need to remove the jumper bars on the speakers wiring posts. Then follow your AVR's manual for Bi-Amping...

Will this be better then just running the speaker from one channel? I am not sure, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Did you audition the other 600 speakers (685 and 683) before deciding on the 684?

Cheers,

Stuart

[FACSman]

Stuart, thanks for the quick response; BB was where I auditioned the 684's, also some $1K (per side - forget the Model #) B&W Bookshelfs - just for and some ML Motion 12's.


Sadly, my speaker budget is about 1K a PAIR.

[stuofsci02]

Stuart, thanks for the quick response; BB was where I auditioned the 684's, also some $1K (per side - forget the Model #) B&W Bookshelfs - just for and some ML Motion 12's.


Sadly, my speaker budget is about 1K a PAIR.

$1k is enough to get a respectable pair of entry level audiophile speakers..

You might also want to try auditioning at a proper hi-fi store with your AVR. They should let you bring it in and hook it up for you in a proper listening environment. I can't imagine it would be possible to audition a speaker properly at BB.

Try also the 685.. It is cheaper then the 684 and you might find it very capable especially in an apartment.

Cheers

[stuofsci02]

Where the book shelf speakers you listened to also around $1000? I assume they were the CM1..