B&W 685 vs Floorspeakers

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:Focal Chorus 706v, Quad 11L, Mordaunt-Short Mezzo 2s.

The Focals are really good but they aren't commercial. The Quad come nowhere near. The MS is a close comparison but comes down to taste.ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

If I had to buy new standmounters they'd probably be the M12i...

 

[Anonymous]

How do you mean aren't commercial? I quite like the focals from what little listening I've done.

 

[Anonymous]

raypalmer:How do you mean aren't commercial?

Commercial = you know what I mean? ÿI agree on the Epos though.

 

[Anonymous]

Commercial as in widely liked, not as in I'm looking down my nose you ridiculous idiots.

 

[matthewpiano]

Octopo:
matthewpiano:Focal Chorus 706v, Quad 11L, Mordaunt-Short Mezzo 2s.

The Focals are really good but they aren't commercial. The Quad come nowhere near. The MS is a close comparison but comes down to taste.ÿ

In you opinion of course! LOL.

Why does it matter whether they are 'commercial' or not? Surely that is completely irrelevant...

As for the Quads I think they have their own weaknesses but that they have a much more organic and musically convincing sound than the B&Ws.

Lets face it, speakers divide opinions more than any other part of a hi-fi system and it wouldn't do if we all liked the same.

 

[Anonymous]

Commercial at this price is normally the deciding factor.

 

[matthewpiano]

Octopo:Commercial at this price is normally the deciding factor.

Surely not amongst most of our forum members who would take the time to audition a wide range of speakers before making a decision...

 

[Anonymous]

OK I'll say you are correct here, for a percentage of users, but don't forget who the 685 is aimed at and to who it's become an acquaintance. It's a fantastic speaker.

 

[da_grudge]

Ok.I can get the focal 706v for 100 pounds new!! I think its a bargain. Do you think they are really good? For classical music and jazz too?

TX

 

[Anonymous]

Classical and Jazz are where I'd say the Focal would be strongest over the 685. I can only speak for myself, but every focal I've ever heard sounded excellent and looked sexy. Sweet and melodic speakers, not as arresting as Bowers but far more beguiling.

Beguiling... I need to stop reading stereophile.

 

[matthewpiano]

da_grudge:
Ok.I can get the focal 706v for 100 pounds new!! I think its a bargain. Do you think they are really good? For classical music and jazz too?

TX

100 quid? Snap the seller's hands off now. They are brilliant speakers at £300+. At £100 they are an absolutely incredible bargain. Need lots of running in but once its done you'll be rewarded in spades.

 

[da_grudge]

Ok. I will try to listen them soon. I still have the idea in me that small speakers are not so good as floor ones, but if you say they are not, I believe in you.

TX

 

[biggus_1961]

da_grudge:so which amp for the 685?

NAD....well priced with plenty of power to drive them (not arcam...too bland)

 

[Anonymous]

da_grudge:
Ok. I will try to listen them soon. I still have the idea in me that small speakers are not so good as floor ones, but if you say they are not, I believe in you.

TX

Depends what you are after and how much you are paying. Raypalmer absolutely summed it up in his first post, but to add to what he said you generally get lower quality drivers/materials on floorstanders compared to a similar priced stand-mounter. Personally unless I was spending over a grand I wouldn't be looking at floorstanders, but low end grunt is not at the top of my list of qualities.