New speakers and Amplifier - any thoughts?

admin_exported

New member
Aug 10, 2019
2,556
4
0
I'm thinking of upgrading my amplifier (Cambridge Audio A500) and speakers (MS 902, not i or Avant) and would ideally like to put together a system using a set of B&W 685s.

Any recommendations for an Amplifier? I don't want to spend too much money, and had been thinking of the Rotel RA-04 or Marantz PM6002 but don't know if either of these amps would be a match for the B&Ws.

Any thoughts?

The only part of my system that I won't be changing is my Arcam Alpha 7SE, which although quite old now, hasn't seen too much service and will remain as my main source component.
 

manicm

Well-known member
Investigate the new Cambridge Audio 650A, WHF apparently review them next month. The 685s apparently work well with bright equipment. I have them and they're nice.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
I have a set of b&w mt30s which I love, hense my preference for the 685s .

I'm going for a listen next week as ive only heard them briefly but I'm a real sucker for b&w kit.

Any other suggestions?
 

matthewpiano

Well-known member
Nov 23, 2007
494
332
19,270
The B&W 685s work very well with NAD amplification. A C355BEE would be well worth trying with these speakers.

I'd also suggest listening to alternative speakers, as the 685s aren't the only talented speakers at this price point. The MS Mezzo 2s are superb and partner CA amplification brilliantly. I would also suggest looking at the Dali range (Lektor 2 and Lektor 3) with NAD amplification, and the Rega RS1s with a Rega Brio 3.
 

ear

New member
Aug 24, 2008
118
0
0
matthewpiano do you stilll have the Quad's? if not, when you had them wich amp did you use? I listened to Quad's today for the first time and I was amazed.how would you compare them to the mezzo's 2?(never heard the 2 only the 6)
 

matthewpiano

Well-known member
Nov 23, 2007
494
332
19,270
ear:matthewpiano do you stilll have the Quad's? if not, when you had them wich amp did you use? I listened to Quad's today for the first time and I was amazed.how would you compare them to the mezzo's 2?(never heard the 2 only the 6)

I've had 11Ls on two seperate occasions. The first pair I had when I was using Arcam CD73 and A65+, and the more recent pair I used with the Marantz CD63MkII KI-Signature/Pioneer A400 and the CA 340c/MF V-DAC/NAD C325BEE.

The Quads have some superb qualities. They are very good at stereo imaging and can be quite detailed sounding. However, on every occasion, I have found them to be slightly veiled sounding. I personally think the Mezzo 2s are much better speakers because they image just as well, are even more detailed, and are incredibly open and spacious sounding with lots of pace and attack. I won't be going back.
 

lordmortlock

New member
May 21, 2008
45
0
0
matthewpiano:I'd also suggest listening to alternative speakers, as the 685s aren't the only talented speakers at this price point.

I'm with Matthew on this one. Contraversial I know but the 685s didnt press my buttons at all. The mezzos are a better speaker at that price point imho and the dalis are lovely and quick. You may want to check out second hand options too as there are some great deals out there. I've just bought some two month old mint proac studio 110s with stands delivered for £400 (which I'll probably bang on about all week) and they sound wonderful.
 

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts