Hi, I recently had an extensive demo session at sevenoaks in glasgow and the speakers we listened to were the BR2,SR1,S1 abd B&W 686.
The BR2's are not in the same league as the others.The soundstage is smaller, stuck to the speakers, compared to the other speakers we listened to, and they just sound like much cheaper speakers.We only gave them few minutes as they were completely outclassed.
The SR1's were superb with a stunning mid and treble with plenty of bass.My only real gripes were that they are perhaps lacking in slam and are ruthless when it comes to production quality.If a cd is not perfectly recorded you will know all about it.
Tthe best speakers though, in my and my friends' opinions, are the new B&W 686s.They are awesome.All the mid and treble clarity of the SR1's but with punch and drive that is quite superb.The soundstage was more 3D too and they had as much bass depth as the SR1's.Myself and my friends were blown away by them.
Of course the SR1's have a real wood veneer but they also cost £70 more.IF you are planning on spending £200 on the BR2's try and reach for that extra £80 and get the B&Ws.They trounce the BR2's.i have a set of S1's, which are too poilite for my taste, and they are currently being advertised as i have to get a set of the B&Ws.
By the way, my pal got a set of BR1s.They are superb.Better than BR2s and they kick out an astonishing level of bass for the size.