I'm a proud owner of a pair of floorstand CM7 speakers. Recently, I bought a pair of CM5 bookshelves, thinking that I might want to use as surround speakers (for home theater) but changed my mind after I sold my pioneer avr (VSX-21TXH) and decided to go with a 2.1 or 2.0 setup
My question is, I have not used the CM5 speakers yet (they are still new, unused) but am not sure which speaker to choose.
I know that if I go with the CM5 I need to get stands for them. I don't own a sub either. That's not a big deal. I can just buy them.
My question is regarding the quality of the sound and build quality as well. I was never a fan of the wenge (because of the vertical stripes) so I went with the Rosenut colors on both. My CM7 speakers were from the early batch of production, so they were made in UK but the CM5 are not (made in China). Somehow, aesthetically, the CM5 build quality does not seem to be on par with the British made CM7, and was wondering if the sound quality will leave me disappointed. I asked B&W regarding the difference in aesthetics, and they told me, "batches of veneer will differ, it's an organic material and will be different" In fact, british made CM7 in Rosenut color is darker than the kinda-reddish CM5 rosenut.
I understand everything is relative. Of course, if I don't have anything to compare, I would not have anything against the aesthetic of the CM5. However, sound quality should be something that I'd have to pay more attention. I do not want to test/run the CM5 since they are new, and I prefer to sell them as is without having to run for extensive period of time. (run-in/break-in period).
As for the gears, this is what I have: B&W CM7, CM5, NAD C355BEE 80wpc amp, sonos ZP90, ZP120, CR200, BR100, Synology DS209+II, Sony KDL-40XBR7 lcd, Sonicview SV-HD8000 sat receiver.
Bottom line, I do not want to keep both speakers so I have to pick a winner. I'd rather use that money to help buying a stand, sub, etc. I mostly listen to the music (90%) and casually watch a movie (10%). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My question is, I have not used the CM5 speakers yet (they are still new, unused) but am not sure which speaker to choose.
I know that if I go with the CM5 I need to get stands for them. I don't own a sub either. That's not a big deal. I can just buy them.
My question is regarding the quality of the sound and build quality as well. I was never a fan of the wenge (because of the vertical stripes) so I went with the Rosenut colors on both. My CM7 speakers were from the early batch of production, so they were made in UK but the CM5 are not (made in China). Somehow, aesthetically, the CM5 build quality does not seem to be on par with the British made CM7, and was wondering if the sound quality will leave me disappointed. I asked B&W regarding the difference in aesthetics, and they told me, "batches of veneer will differ, it's an organic material and will be different" In fact, british made CM7 in Rosenut color is darker than the kinda-reddish CM5 rosenut.
I understand everything is relative. Of course, if I don't have anything to compare, I would not have anything against the aesthetic of the CM5. However, sound quality should be something that I'd have to pay more attention. I do not want to test/run the CM5 since they are new, and I prefer to sell them as is without having to run for extensive period of time. (run-in/break-in period).
As for the gears, this is what I have: B&W CM7, CM5, NAD C355BEE 80wpc amp, sonos ZP90, ZP120, CR200, BR100, Synology DS209+II, Sony KDL-40XBR7 lcd, Sonicview SV-HD8000 sat receiver.
Bottom line, I do not want to keep both speakers so I have to pick a winner. I'd rather use that money to help buying a stand, sub, etc. I mostly listen to the music (90%) and casually watch a movie (10%). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.