I'm looking to upgrade my B&W 685s.
I listen to all kinds of music, but most of my collection leans towards electronic/dance/ambient, so although I'm not a huge bass fiend (I find the 685s a bit tactless and a bit in your face) I do like a certain amount of extension and detail so I can tell what's going on down there.
Overall I guess I'm looking for a fast, open, detailed speaker with great soundstage that puts a lot of space around the performers/strands of the music (something I quite miss from my old Alpha 9). I don't mind a little sparkle in the treble and I'm happy to sacrifice a little neutrality for some sweetness.
Ideally I'm looking for something smaller than the 685s. At the moment my leading candidate is the DB1i, but I'm yet to audition. Can anyone give me an idea of what I'd be gaining/losing in bass performance between the DB1is and 685s?
Budget is up to about 1000 pounds, but being in Japan there are various exchange issues. Please don't suggest the signature 8's unless you think they are still good value at around 2000 pounds (distributor must be having a laugh, for that price I could fly to the UK and pick up a pair).
Balancing things out with a sub isn't an option either and I am a little limited about placement, so ideally I'd like to push the speakers back and have them a max 30cm from the wall (although I'm managing about 45 for the 685s)
I listen to all kinds of music, but most of my collection leans towards electronic/dance/ambient, so although I'm not a huge bass fiend (I find the 685s a bit tactless and a bit in your face) I do like a certain amount of extension and detail so I can tell what's going on down there.
Overall I guess I'm looking for a fast, open, detailed speaker with great soundstage that puts a lot of space around the performers/strands of the music (something I quite miss from my old Alpha 9). I don't mind a little sparkle in the treble and I'm happy to sacrifice a little neutrality for some sweetness.
Ideally I'm looking for something smaller than the 685s. At the moment my leading candidate is the DB1i, but I'm yet to audition. Can anyone give me an idea of what I'd be gaining/losing in bass performance between the DB1is and 685s?
Budget is up to about 1000 pounds, but being in Japan there are various exchange issues. Please don't suggest the signature 8's unless you think they are still good value at around 2000 pounds (distributor must be having a laugh, for that price I could fly to the UK and pick up a pair).
Balancing things out with a sub isn't an option either and I am a little limited about placement, so ideally I'd like to push the speakers back and have them a max 30cm from the wall (although I'm managing about 45 for the 685s)