Replacing old B&W 685 with newer DALI OBERON 1?

[Hobnob]

Hello peeps!

I am thinking about replacing my old "vintage" B&W 685 speakers with the newer DALI OBERON 1.
Looking at the specs the B&W looks better. But DALI OBERON 1 is newer (better technology?).

Is it worth the change?

My amplifier is an NADC338. I use my system for music and for watching movies.

EDIT: I accidentally wrote 686, but I meant that I have B&W 685.

 

[Jasonovich]

The B&W 686 are classic speakers. I recall an old Stereophonic review, where the technical measurements wasn't quite up to it's peers but subjectively the sound was excellent.

I'm not sure how these compare to equivalent modern speakers like the Dali Oberon 1 but I can say as Dali Oberon 3 owner, these are amazing sounding speakers.
Nice clean treble and sound stage.

 

[matthewpianist]

I owned a pair of 686s when they were current. On that basis, and having heard more than a few Dali speakers, I would opt for Dali over B&W every time. They seem to have a knack of making speakers that sound natural and musically engaging, and they're generally room and amplifier friendly too.

 

[nopiano]

As we are so fond of saying here, only you can decide. In your room, with your amp, and with your ears!

I guarantee they won’t sound alike. But after that, it’s anyone’s guess, though my experience is similar to Matthew’s with Dali, so I’d guess I would likely prefer the Danish brand.

 

[manicm]

Hello peeps!

I am thinking about replacing my old "vintage" B&W 686 speakers with the newer DALI OBERON 1.
Looking at the specs the B&W looks better. But DALI OBERON 1 is newer (better technology?).

Is it worth the change?

My amplifier is an NADC338. I use my system for music and for watching movies.

Bag a pair of vintage 685s, the bigger brother, instead. If you can find an unharmed pair. It does everything the 686 does but with better scale and bigger soundstage.

 

[Hobnob]

Bag a pair of vintage 685s, the bigger brother, instead. If you can find an unharmed pair. It does everything the 686 does but with better scale and bigger soundstage.

Aahhhh I accidentally wrote 686 but I meant that I have the B&W 685...

Is the Dali Oberon 1 still a better choice?

 

[Al ears]

Aahhhh I accidentally wrote 686 but I meant that I have the B&W 685...

Is the Dali Oberon 1 still a better choice?

As many have said that will be entirely down to your room and ears
Try to audition a pair. That said I think the Oberon 3 might be a better cpmparison.

 

[matthewpianist]

Oberon 3 is definitely the more direct comparison to the 685. The 685 was a better speaker than the 686. B&W worked to hard to get more bass out of the 686 than the box could really produce, and it made for a pretty poor experience overall. The 685 is a different kettle of fish entirely. Audition.

 

[Integralista]

Hello peeps!

I am thinking about replacing my old "vintage" B&W 685 speakers with the newer DALI OBERON 1.
Looking at the specs the B&W looks better. But DALI OBERON 1 is newer (better technology?).

Is it worth the change?

My amplifier is an NADC338. I use my system for music and for watching movies.

EDIT: I accidentally wrote 686, but I meant that I have B&W 685.

Hi, I think Dali Oberon is more balanced speaker line than your old 600 B&W. Nad C338 is not bad, has quite good dynamic and neutral character. It will fit well also with french Triangle Borea or QAcoustic 3000c line. The best will be to try your favourite combination in hifi shop or at home. BR.

 

[Kenneth Lundgren]

I bought my 685 S2 several years ago with NAD D3020 amp, pleased with that. Unfortunately my amp broke few months ago, desperately need for a replacement. My choice was Arcam A5 and my speaker never sounds better, really hard to replaced them now.

 

[Al ears]

I bought my 685 S2 several years ago with NAD D3020 amp, pleased with that. Unfortunately my amp broke few months ago, desperately need for a replacement. My choice was Arcam A5 and my speaker never sounds better, really hard to replaced them now.

Keep them.
Well positioned and driven by an amplifier with plenty of power they are excellent speakers.
I had a pair some time ago.....

 

[Integralista]

I bought my 685 S2 several years ago with NAD D3020 amp, pleased with that. Unfortunately my amp broke few months ago, desperately need for a replacement. My choice was Arcam A5 and my speaker never sounds better, really hard to replaced them now.

Hi, Arcam A5 or A15 or A25 are very good amps. Big step ahead of previous Arcam amps. I am not so sure about NAD D amps. BR.