Home theater decision

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Hello all, I am a new member. Find these forums really informative. I have been auditioning speakers for music/HT and have come up with options (all in the same price range):

KEF: iQ1 surrounds, iQ7s fronts, iQ2 or 6 (can't really decide)center and PSW 3500 sub

Klipsch RB-61 home theater: RS 42 surr, RB61 fronts, RC52C center and RW 10d sub

B&W 685 theater: 686 surr, 685 fronts, HTM62 center, ASW608 sub

The KEF iQ7s sound really good for music, but I have noticed that the dealer keeps pushing up the volume. B&Ws sound different in the sense that they are almost holding back something. Klipsch sounds good, but I would think about the Klipschs if I decide to rule out the B&Ws and KEFs. Any suggestions, friends? The KEFs had been paired with a NAD that outputs 100W per channel (out of my budget, with the wife actually!) and the guy suggested that a lower end NAD with 50W per channel should still drive the KEFs well. I am concerned. The B&Ws were running on Arcam (again out of budget), so I need an alernative to these 2. How would a mid priced Denon, Onkyo or Marantz pair with the B&W or KEF. The Klipsch guy says it will run on almost anything! Please advise! Thanks. Andrew, noticed that the B&W 685 theater got a 5 star rating. My room is about 12 x 20 feet.

 

[Andy Clough]

I'd go for the B&W 685 Theatre package. It will work a treat with a mid-priced Denon, Onkyo or Marantz receiver, such as the Onkyo TX-SR606 (£400) or Denon AVR-1909 (£450). We're still waiting to test the new Marantz range.

 

[Gary233932]

I'd go with the B&W and a Onkyo 875,Richersounds were doing them at £599 VIP deal ask if they still can. As for the other amps the Denon has a 1080p Scaler and is meant to sound a little more refined with extra richness over the Onkyo 606, don't know about the Marantz range. Hope this helps Gary

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot for that guys! My only worry is whether the B&W 685s are capable of running music as a pair when compared to the KEFs. The 685s sounded very crisp, yes, but rock music seemed to lack the bass that the iQ7s could produce (unless we rigged a sub with the 685s). I prefer to listen to music without the sub if I can.

 

[Anonymous]

You want to make sure the B&W's are run in. I have a pair of them in the rear channels of my HT, but used to use them for music, and the bass is great for a standmount, as well as being tight, which is the way it should be IMO. The KEF sound is very cohesive but I have never been tempted by them due to their lapses into brightness, and to me, they sound a little less 'complete'. If you go for the KEF's watch what equipment you use them with, IMO don't go for an Onkyo or possibly Marantz receiver. Pair the B&W's with almost anything.

If you like your bass but don't want to use a sub, you should consider spending a little more and get some B&W floorstanders, although could be a little pricey.

 

[professorhat]

Also, make sure the B&Ws are on decent weighty stands - Partington Dreadnoughts are ideal but expensive. I use Atacama Nexus 6 stands mass loaded with Atabites and they sound wonderful with music IMO.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that. I have been reading threads on how the B&W 685s need to be broken in. How do you reckon the B&W company stands are? And I notice that all of you seem to steer clear of Klipsch/KEF. Personal preference or just that B&W sounds more complete than both KEF/Klipsch?

 

[Anonymous]

Never heard anything from Klipsch, they seem to do alright on the forums but being American you rarely see them over here so I can be of no help there!

The KEF's are accomplished speakers but need pairing well, but their sound doesn't agree with everyone. I avoid bright speakers because my amp doesn't allow, you should test them with your amp and see what your ears think.

I'd avoid the B&W speaker stands, whilst you'll get recommendations to buy the stands designed for the speakers they are simply overpriced and soundwise you will match them for a quarter of the price.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Prof and Octopo! If I am thinking KEF, what would be a good AVR to pair with, other than NAD? If I am getting the B&W, I was actually thinking about getting stands only for the surrounds and to leave the 685s on the very long table (built into the wall) that I have below my TV. I guess that might not be the best option. Prof, if I remember an earlier post, you have the 685 theater? Are you using 685s for front and surround, or 685s for fronts and 686s for surround, and are you using the HTM61 or 2 for center?