Dynaudio Excite X32 vs B&W CM9

[admin_exported]

Hello,

I'm in the market for a new pair of floorstanders, and the two that I'm considering are the B&W CM9 and the Dynaudio Excite X32. I have auditioned both and slightly prefer the Dynaudios. However as the Dynaudio and B&W dealers are different, so were the listening rooms and the electronics used.

Currently I'm planning to drive the speakers with a cheap multi-channel Denon receiver and a cheaper still Samsung DVD player. I plan to gradually upgrade to a decent CD player and integrated amp. Even then it will be nothing over-the-top, but something in the GBP 400 region for the amp.
Given the range of electronics I'm planning to use, can anyone recommend one over the other?

My musical tastes lean towards rock, so I expect to be listening to loads of Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Metallica, but also the occasional Chemical Brothers or Paul Oakenfold, and probably some MP3s via iTunes and my laptop. Using them for home cinema is not a priority. Due to the restrictions of my listening room and personal taste, I'd be more than happy to use them as a 2-channel system for the occasional DVD.

Thank you.

PS - I had a look at the Dynaudio specs and the speakers are rated at 4 ohm. Is this a problem?

 

[Frank Harvey]

Hi insomniac

If you're not too far from us, we have both on demo, as well as many other alternatives, although I'm assuming by your two choices that you're looking for slim and elegant, so I won't make any other recommendations that won't be as visually good looking.

The two models that you're looking at are both demanding models due to their impedance - the X32's are 4ohm as you mention, but while the CM9's are a nominal 8ohms, they do dip to 3ohms, meaning they will also need careful matching, even though they'll be a little easier to drive than the X32's.

If you're only looking at £400 amplification, I'd steer clear of speakers in this price point. Unless you can drive a speaker properly, you're better off with a cheaper, more amp friendly alternative. £400 amplifiers don't do 4ohms well. If you really don't want to spend much more than £400 on an amp, try the Rotel RA05se. A 2 channel amplifier will also get far more from your chosen speakers than an AV amp/receiver.

How about looking at CM7's with a £1,000 amp instead? That's far more balanced and will get you a better sound overall. Either look at the Arcam A28, the Harman Kardon HK990, or Primare i21 for starters.

As for recommendations between the two, only you can choose, and I think it'll be partly down to your choice of amplifier. For my personal tastes, I'd err on the X32 side of things, but bear in mind they do need a fair amount of space to work well, especially if you don't want to spoil their intended sound by plugging up the reflex ports with foam bungs.

 

[jaxwired]

The Excite series was specifically designed to work with more pedestrian amplifiers so I think you'd be ok with just £400 if you pick the amp carefully. Both the X32 and the CM9 are fanstastic speakers. I personally could be happy with either myself, but I would have to pick the X32 if hard pressed. But I don't think you can go wrong with either. I do agree with David that you will get more out of them if you spend a bit more on the amp, but I still think the X32s will rock with a budget amp if you pick the right amp. I also love how slim they are.

Knowing the amp that will be used would make the decision easier. Synergy is the most important factor. The CM9 is undoubtedly more forward sounding so a warmer amp would sound better with them.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello David and Jax,

Thank you for the replies. Unfortunately I'm in central London, so trekking out to Coventry might be a bit of a challenge especially given the state of the trains these days.

I had posted the same question on another forum and the consensus does seem to be that £400 for amplification is an injustice to either of these speakers. So I've decided to raise the amp budget a little bit - £800 - and am looking for a decent used power amp.

Thanks again for the tips.

 

[poldo]

Hello Frank,

Iam very interested in the B&W cm9 and Dynaudio x32 too, but also the Monitor Audio GS20 and Spendor a5.
Could you tell me how much space these speakers need to perform at the best? Am I talking about 40cm or even1mtr?

What are the alternatives when I only have 40 cm space from speaker to the wall behind? Maybe B&Wcm7 or 5 or MAGS10, Neat Motive 2 or Tannoy DCT6?

best regards,

rob

 

[Frank Harvey]

Hi Rob

The CM9's, X32's and GS20's need a fair amount of space considering their fairly slimline cabinets - they produce a fair amount of bass and are rear ported. How far from the wall will be depend on the room, but you'll typically be talking about 2-3 feet. As a guideline, solid walls reflect bass energy back into the room so you will need a bit of room, and partition/stud walls tend to absorb bass, so you'll be able to put the speakers closer to the wall.

The Spendors will fair better even though they are rear ported - their slot port doesn't seem to exaggerate bass like the usual round ports do.

If you need a speaker that works better nearer to walls, as well as the Spendors, try the KEF XQ40's and the ATC SCM40's. The KEF's are front ported and the ATC's are a sealed cabinet.

Hope this helps.