B&W or KEF for 5.1?

[admin_exported]

I'm looking to replace my current front array of Tannoy MX2 and MXc speakers. I did have a complete Tannoy array up until two years ago before I replaced the rear shelfmounted MX1's with Kef iQ8DS' when my local Sevenoaks had a pair discounted to a price that frankly, couldn't be ignored (it should also be stated that my room layout made wall-mounted rears a god send)

Yes, I know that dipoles should be sidewall-mounted, but this would mean dodging your head to one side when entering the lounge all the time, so that's a non-starter.

Anyway, I'm looking at the Kef iQ1's or iQ3's plus an iQ60c to replace the afore-mentioned but I'm also thinking that fronts and a centre from the B&W685 package might make a good choice. I'm aware that they might not make for a good tonal match with my iQ8DS', but could I get away with this? I can go to about £900, but this would also include replacingmy current BTech stands for the fronts.

The rest of my kit is as follows: Denon AVR1907, Panasonic DMP-BD80 (Analogue multi-output, oh yes), Ixos Flat speaker cable, Samsung 46B6000 LED TV, Sky+HD, XBox360, Denon 1930 DVD (Multiregion)

 

[D.J.KRIME]

If you are thinking of going with the iQ60c then I personally would pair them with the larger iQ3/30's as the smaller iQ1/10's are more suited to the smaller older iQ2c which was a single driver unit.

I have iQ3's as my rears and a iQ6c and both are fantastic, missed the boat with the iQ8DS as they are no longer avalible and wanted a pair to complete 7.1 system

 

[Anonymous]

That's my thinking too, going with the iQ30's. I'd like to be able to bolster the bass from my (currently inadequate Yamaha) Sub.

Changing to B&W would be nice, but the outlay for the rears at nearly £550 is frankly, a scandal considering this is only slightly less than the related fronts and centre would cost!

Spoke to my local SevenOaks at the weekend and they'll do me a deal on the iQ30's+iQ60c (light Oak Veneer) plus Partington Ansa stands to replace my BTech's. Sweet.

Thanks for the advice. Chelsea fan or no