1080 and B&W 704 - what do you think?

[Taito]

Hi all, (am posting here as well as Club B&W) I own an RCD-1072, an RC-1070 and an RB-1080. Now, it's time to get a pair of really nice speakers.

I have looked at (listended to) several, including VAF Research (I-66), Sonus Faber GPs, Paradigm, Dynaudio Audience 72SE & KEF Q7. For a long while, the I-66 has been at the top of my shortlist ($4200 Australian). About 2 weeks shy of ordering, I decided to take a final look around. Why didn't I investigate B&W sooner?

I listened to a pair of 704s ($4000AU) with an HK receiver and thought they were fantastic. The next logical step is to take my own electronics in and my own music for an audition.

As I do not have time to do this for a few weeks, and there aren't too many posts about the 704s with Rotel gear (and I am excited about this new possibility), could anyone with thoughts on/experience with the combo chime in and let me know what they think?

Cheers, Ben

[shep]

similar setup

I have the following:

RCD1072
RC1070
RB1070
B&W N804

I am sure that others will tell you that the RB1080 would be a better pick, but I am happy with what I hear...can always upgrade later.

Take a listen to the 804 before deciding on the 704. After hearing the difference, I had to have the 804. I listen to mostly jazz/classical (I save the rock and roll for the drive home in the car). I thought that it was worth the additional price, but your mileage may vary.

Cheers

[Taito]

Thanks for the response shep, my only problem with the 804s is cost - I am budget limited to about $4500AU Max (this is almost double what I was originally planning to spend on a pair of speakers). I did listent to the 805s and liked the higher levels of detail, but I am really after a pair of floor standers at this stage.

I've heard some people like the 703s a lot better than the 704s, but I liked that the 704s never seemed to sound agressive when the volume was turned up.

Cheers, Ben

[Mitchell]

Ben,
I have your exact setup including the RT02 tuner. I originally started looking at the 704's. They were in my budget and I generally liked their sound. However, upon further listening I found the 703's a big improvement.
If I remember correctly, 703's are a true 3 way in contrast to the 704 which are a 2 way. The bass and midrange just seemed better to me.
I stretched my budget and went for them and am happy with the choice.
I hope this is helpful.
Mitchell

[Taito]

Thanks, Mitchell, I will have to audition the 703s I guess - something which I had hoped I would not have to do, as these things inevitably end up causing the budget to stretch further - 703's retail at $5700AU here.

Also, how do you find your RC-1070? I find mine to be good, whereas I find the 1072 and the 1080 to be excellent. I have this nagging feeling, that if any part of my system is letting me down, the 1070 is (a feeling which I am trying to put out of my mind - I haven't even finished putting the system together yet. Surely upgraditis cannot stike yet..... can it?).

[Mitchell]

Hi Ben,
The overall package sounded right to me when I auditioned it. I listened to many combinations and when I finally hit on one that sounded great at a price I could afford I just pulled the trigger.
I considered upgrading the preamp and the amp to the next level but the budget had already ballooned. At some point I think, you just have to draw the line. Even the 1080 which I love, is a compromise. I heard equipment by "Naime" and "Macintosh" which sounded better. Of course they were SIGNIFICANTLY more money.
I hope this is helpful.

[miner]

I, too, have auditioned the 704 and was about to purchase the 703 when my saleman convinced me to listen to the 804. I was astounded plus they were discounted because of the D series coming out. I was able to get them for $1400US each. I had negotiated the 703 to $1300US ea but for the $100 difference I could not pass them up the 804. I have a RC-1070 & RB-1070 plus a Denon DCM 370 changer. Looking to replace the Denon with the RCC-1055. Any comments on the 1055? I like the convenience of a changer.