Is B&W the only way to go?

[admin_exported]

Hi guys. I'm a novice in the area of home cinema systems.

I'm really looking for some advice. Have bought a 50" Samsung plasma and would like good speakers for it which aren't too pricey. Have heard really good things about B&W's 600 series. However, the centre speaker for this range looks quite bulky and I'm looking for a wall-mounted centre speaker. So, should I consider getting 2 686s and 2 685s and another centre speaker from B&W other ranges or consider another thing totally. Have heard that Monitor Audio are good too. Are their speakers as good or perhaps better than B&W?

 

[Anonymous]

What are you after playing music, movies or both. Which is priority as there's usually a compromise. I'd say the 685/686 are hi-fi first, hence the size. That of course doesn't mean they wouldn't be fab with movies too, they probably are.

Tell us your layout, wall or stand mounting, room size, etc.

R

 

[Anonymous]

Bowers & Wilkins did really wonderful speakers

the aim and quality can still be found in the high end models, but unfortunatly the mid range cant be signed B&W anymore, in my opinion

A Very good comprimse, would be Dali http://www.dali.dk/

If you are looking for an outstanding speaker for Hifi and HC for a very good price

I d suggest checking the Ikon Series

and add a little Sub Velodyne spl... to your set

You wont regret it.

 

[Anonymous]

mate rubbish the b&w are great on andrew everards advice i bought 4 685s for my surround and 600series front and sub and i tell you for the money they are exellent . im 60 hrs in to them now (they take 40 to come to life) and im so impressed . my brother has a dali surround system and these are almost if not better . everyone has opinions so just throwin in mine lol B&W new 600series exellent

 

[Anonymous]

I would consider the B&W CM range as I think this is the smallest centre speaker they do at approx 7" high and use the CM1s for front and rear and the PV! sub

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="agr61"]
I would consider the B&W CM range as I think this is the smallest centre speaker they do at approx 7" high and use the CM1s for front and rear and the PV! sub
[/quote]

Or the FPM's but they ain't that cheap..........

 

[Anonymous]

Must be me but i find the ikon bright and siblant!

 

[Anonymous]

the CMC is 6.6" high compared to just over 7" for the 600 series

 

[Anonymous]

For the best front sound I strongly recommend you stick with the same manufacturer and even range where possible to retain the tonal quality/response. I am a big B&W fan but would apply this advice to any make.

As the center front channel is the most important speaker in a Cinema set-up, it inevitably needs to be bigger than is convenient. How about a thin compromise center speaker for normal TV viewing but a stand mount "proper" one for watching movies that can be removed after?

If you have room, a pair of CC6's, one above and one below the screen could be a nice solution.