Replacing front speakers connecting to v3900

[admin_exported]

I recently became the proud owner of a new yamaha v3900 amp. However i know to get the most out of it my speakers need an upgrade. I currently have a 7.1 setup consisting of a B&W PV1 sub and seven M1 speakers. Now i hope i right in thinking i can get away with the M1's in the surround positions for awhile and the sub should be ok, so for the moment its the front three that need the most urgent attention. Would i be right in thinking id be best sticking with B&W if im only replacing the front speakers ? What front speakers would best suit my current setup? Size is not too much of a concern & i am looking to spend in and around 1500 pounds.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[d4v3pum4]

I would look at the B&W 600 series for the fronts and centre and also disagree about the sub. It's a lifestyle sub, all design and little substance in my opinion and you would be far better off with a BK (XLS300 or Monolith) or SVS. Okay, they don't look as pretty but the specs and ultimately sound quality blow the PV1 out of the water. I assume thatt as you have a 7.1 setup, that the room is quite large, if so, that would be another reason to replace the sub imho.

http://www.subsonicsounds.co.uk/html/sb12plus.htm

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofers/monolith-df.htm

There's some ex demo 600's here: http://www.canterburyhifi.co.uk/speakers.shtml

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice/links. Will take it on board.
I was actually fairly happy with the pv1,thought it did a decent job,my room is only medium size, i simply find 7.1 helps create a better surround effect.
Have you happened to have had any experience with the B&W XT speakers? Are they again more style over performance?

 

[d4v3pum4]

I've not heard the XTs, they're simply not in my price bracket ! ! ! The XTs certainly look the part and I'm sure a fair chunk of the RRP is in the design and manufacture. By all accounts (just quickly read some reviews) they sound quite nice but I'm sure you could get better sounding speakers for a lot less, in the end you can't cheat physics.

 

[Anonymous]

Good point, think the 600 series will more than meet my needs and i can use the cash saved perhaps on that sub upgrade you suggested. I hope to demo some speakers soon, Thanks for the help!

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

If you like the B&W sound and it works in your room I would stick with them. The Xts are very well made but only really get going with some serious power behind them. The 600 series should be a nice step up without breaking the bank.