Seeking Help From Across The Pond

[admin_exported]

I live in the states, which is a good thing, except when it comes to military policy, healthcare, and unfortunately, Hi-Fi. I love reading about all of the great products in What Hi-Fi? but I am not able to enjoy the wide array of superior Hi-Fi that you all have access to.

So, to my question: I currently am using a Cambridge Audio 540C as my source, a Cambridge Audio 640A as my amp, and B&W 601 S3 standmounters. I am seeking to tone down the sometimes enthusiastic treble of the B&W's while adding a bit of confidence to the bass while at the very least retaining the good imaging and soundstaging abilities of the 601's. I would like to try some small floorstanders, possibly KEF IQ5's (especially b/c of their ability to supposedly be less finicky about positioning) or Monitor Audio BR5's, but I'm also considering B&W 685's. (I can only find the 685s to demo...)

Could you please help me decide what pairing would create the best synergy and offer me a noticeable increase in fidelity and musicality? Thank you for your help!

 

[John Duncan]

Check out the Totem range, which may very well be cheaper and more readily available in the States than here.

 

[Anonymous]

If you like the B&Ws have you thought of trying a subwoofer? They make some great ones in the US.

 

[Anonymous]

B&W have bad tweeter. Get one with nice silk dome.

 

[d_a_n1979]

I wouldnt agree with B&W speakers having a bad tweeter at all. In fact id say they make some of the best tweeters on the mark with regards to mid-range priced speakers.

If you like the B&W sound id stay away from Kef. I dont like the Kef sound compared to B&W speakers. I've had Kef speakers and B&W speakers and i'd stick with B&W now.

The 685's are very good speakers but i also feel that the pairing with your C/A stuff would help with the sound problem. I dont think that C/A has the right sound for B&W speakers and they dont seem to drive them as well.

Not wure what's available in the US separates wise but Arcam and NAD would be a good match.

If you can get decent 2nd hand separates, B&W 602 S2 or S3 standmount speakers are very good.

 

[drummerman]

Rega R3

 

[JoelSim]

I think the overenthusiastic treble is also down to your Cambridge gear. If I were you I would trade it all in and look at the likes of Rega, Arcam, Dali and NAD if you're looking for musicality and sweet treble.

 

[AlanS]

I'm in the same position - Brit abroad looking to get some decent gear. I have the Cambridge 640v2 CD and Amp and have been looking to upgrade the Mission's I brought over with me. I've found a couple of places in California that sell the Epos range and have the M5 and M12 in stock. These have pretty good reviews, and I've seen this CD/Amp system well reviewed with the M5's. Has anyone used the M12's with this setup and how do they sound?

 

[Anonymous]

The metal dome tweeters on the 602s3 were truly awful.

 

[Anonymous]

santino.b.it:B&W have bad tweeter. Get one with nice silk dome.

Well, the metal dome tweeters on the B+W 602s3 were truly awful.

 

[Anonymous]

The Totem line is really good in North America, much more reasonable price points over here.

 

[JoelSim]

I don't understand this fascination with Cambridge and Monitor Audio, B&W is also in my view, a dance speaker, tight bass but no musicality and if the tweeters are poor too then ouch.

Shrill, tight, not musical. Hmmmm. Get some Arcam and ProAc!