Quad L2 or B&W 685

[MrBangle]

Hi Guys Im new to the forums, this is the only site where I find all the reviews im looking for!

Eventhough I have read the review about the B&W 685 5.1 System and the Quad L2 system im still not quite sure what to get. I do know that the quads are more expensive but lets ignore as I am getting a good deal.

I can either get a brand new 685 system or

Quad 11L2 and L2 Centre. Now should I go for a sub and 9l2 as surrounds or leave the sub and the 9L2 out and get 22L2's?

There are many review of the 685's and people say they are great, but there are also people say they dont sound that great. has anyone head both sets?

I have not bought my amp yet. Im looking at a Denon 1609 or 1909. Is the extra money worth it for the new 1610 and 1910 or should I go for another amp.

Oh and the room is not that large.

 

[Sorreltiger]

I can't offer you a definitive answer, but IMHO both packages are excellent and your choice will come down to personal preference after listening and other equipment. On that subject, I definitely think you should be looking at the 1910 (I think the 1909 may be hard to find now) or something from the new range from Yamaha or Sony - assuming the new models are in the same league as the old. You may have to wait a few weeks before you can find the right amp - now isn't a great time. With your choice of speakers, I wouldn't spend any less.

In a small room, the 11L2s will work much better than the 22L2s. You definitely need a sub - the Quad subs are very good indeed. You are obviously paying a bit of a premium for the Quad finish, but the speakers do look great.

Like a number of others, I bought the L-ite package last spring when it was going at a bargain price and was later tempted (again like many others) by some 12L2s and L2 centre to create a 7.1 system. To be honest, the new centre didn't add very much. You could, of course do something similar and add the 11L2s to the new L-ite2 package (if that proved cost-effective). The new L-ites haven't been reviewed in WHF, but I read a very postive review elsewhere.

BTW, my room is approximately 5m x 5m, I have a Yamaha RX-V3800 and, as far as I'm concerned, the system sounds brilliant.

 

[Anonymous]

My 685's are brilliant.

 

[MrBangle]

I will listen to the B&W's this weekend and maybe the quads too. The only thing is the quads in rosewood will go very well in the room but obviously sound quality first.

I have not purchased my receiver yet, after reading quite a few reviews I think im going to go with Yamahah. Either the DSP-AX863 or the newer RX-V765(just need a review now). I think they might be better than the Denon 1909. Both Yamahas are cheaper than the Denon 1910.

Thx for the advice Tiger, will have a look at the lite package. I will probably add two surrounds to the 11L2, maybe the 9L2 as the room is quite small and a sub. I dont think I will go with a quad sub? THey are expensive. Is it ok if I add a sub of my choice? I know different speakers have their characteristics and one should not mix and match but adding should be too bad?

 

[lobby]

Like many i bought the Quad-Lites in silver for £450 last year, and have to say they are amazing as the sub costs more than that, can comment on what they will sound like with another sub so audition would be a must.Around the £1000 mark there still good value, and the B&W 685,684, 683 are popular, also not sure on amp choice i use an Onkyo so i would add that to the mix maybe the 876. The MA Radius hd series also worth considering not sure how they deal with music, but good for movies and a nice looking package.Good Luck

 

[Sorreltiger]

It doesn't really matter if you have a sub from a different manufacturer. My Quad sub is a very sizable piece of kit, but it has the same shiny finish as the other speakers and looks really good (as well as sounding good!) In the real world of living in a family, appearance has to be a consideration - especially if you want 'big boxes'!!

 

[Big Aura]

I love my 685s and like my 1909....

 

[Anonymous]

I have got Quad 22L2 floor standers for left and right also used for stereo from quad 33/303 amp, L2 centre and 9L2 for the surround no subwoofer as yet, very good and superb stereo. I am looking at the BK electronic subwoofers, if I need one

I can not comment on others but Quad has not let me down in 40 years with superb after sales and service.

 

[Clare Newsome]

MrBangle:
I have not purchased my receiver yet, after reading quite a few reviews I think im going to go with Yamahah. Either the DSP-AX863 or the newer RX-V765(just need a review now).

We're due to receive our review sample of the Yamaha RX-V765 on Wednesday - just a touch too late for us to test it in time for the next issue, sadly, but we'll get our test in-mag or online in July.

 

[MrBangle]

Clare Newsome:MrBangle:

I have not purchased my receiver yet, after reading quite a few reviews I think im going to go with Yamahah. Either the DSP-AX863 or the newer RX-V765(just need a review now).

We're due to receive our review sample of the Yamaha RX-V765 on Wednesday - just a touch too late for us to test it in time for the next issue, sadly, but we'll get our test in-mag or online in July.

Great looking forward to the review. I listened to the B&W 685 5.1 sytem this weekend. To be honest I was not that impressed, especially in stereo. I does not compare to the sound I had (Phase linear direct coupled state amplifier and Dahlquist DQ-28 speakers) eventhought its old. Then I listened to a pair of quad L11 not the l2 and then a pair of 12L. I cant believe how much better the 12L sounds compared to the 11L. I am limited to bookshelfs because of space, so 21l or 22l are not an option.

I think I will go for 12L front L centre and 11L rear. (thats if I can get the older 12L's)

My other options are these:

Front: 11L and L centre Rear: 11L2

Or

Front: 11L2 and L2 Centre Rear: 11L

Once my system is up and running I will get a sub, either a Boston or B&W 608 which is nice and compact.

 

[MrBangle]

I finally got my speakers but still need to decide on an amp! I ended up getting Quad 12L (front) Quad L Centre and 11L rear. I got these brand new from the supplier at a very good price as they were left over stock and also because the new L2 dont seem to be much better if at all. I also got a B&W ASW608 sub, the room is quite small if I need anything bigger I will upgrade.

Only thing left is the amp. At first my mind was set on the 863 or the denon 1909/10. I would probably go for the 10 because of the new features. Now I have read a few reviews on the Marantz SR6003 and they say this is a really good amp, its a but more expensive but I think its worth the money. What do you guys think?

Here are some reviews.
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/receivers/marantz-sr-6003-476805/review
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review/6321/marantz-sr6003-a-v-receiver-review

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/529-a-secrets-receiver-review.html

http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-cinema/review/2009/01/03/Marantz-SR6003-AV-Receiver/p1