sub-£500 speakers: B&W 685 vs floorstanders

[admin_exported]

I'm going to purchase my first hi-fi system soon, and I've been debating over the speakers for a while.

What benefits do the 685s have over comparatively priced floorstanders such as the Mordaunt Short 916i or KEF iQ5SE or even the Mezzo 6 ?

Will the bass be as good (685s only go down to 49Hz, whereas floorstanders extend to sub-40Hz).

Furthermore, what stands would people recommend if I did get the 685s?

 

[matthewpiano]

685s aren't the only talented sub-£500 stand mounts you know!

 

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:685s aren't the only talented sub-£500 stand mounts you know!

What would you recommend?

 

[matthewpiano]

The 685s are excellent so deserve an audition, but you also need to hear the Mezzo 2s and the Dali Lektor 2s and 3s. I chose the Mezzo 2s over the 685s after trying both extensively at home, because I felt they combined all of the strengths of the B&Ws with more life, attack and spaciousness.

It all depends what sort of sound you are looking for. Personal experience suggests that standmounts are better at pace, attack and stereo imaging. I have rejected all sorts of speakers over time, but I can't fault the Mezzo 2s.

 

[plastic penguin]

jaxzo:

I'm going to purchase my first hi-fi system soon, and I've been debating over the speakers for a while. What benefits do the 685s have over comparatively priced floorstanders such as the Mordaunt Short 916i or KEF iQ5SE or even the Mezzo 6 ?

Will the bass be as good (685s only go down to 49Hz, whereas floorstanders extend to sub-40Hz). Furthermore, what stands would people recommend if I did get the 685s?

Depending on your amp and cd player, look at Epos or Dali Ikon 2.

Regards your choice of whether floorstanders on bookshelf again depends on your room size and their uses.

 

[Anonymous]

plastic penguin:
Depending on your amp and cd player, look at Epos or Dali Ikon 2.

Regards your choice of whether floorstanders on bookshelf again depends on your room size and their uses.

I'll probably get either the Cambridge Audio 550A or 650A, depending on how they fair in the reviews next issue.

Usage will be mainly for music, but also for movies (hooked up to my computer).

 

[Craig M.]

you really need to demo some kit to find out what kind of presentation you prefer.

budget cambridge stuff usually has a slightly bright detailed sound, whereas nad for example, tends to have bigger bass and a punchier sound, imo. you will only know what you prefer by listening.

 

[plastic penguin]

I that case I would go for floorstanders. Hi-fi is always a compromise, if you don't have room or budget for a sub then plump for something like Kef IQ5's - alternatively, look at Monitor Audio RS5's. They are very good indeed in the sub-£500 bracket. WHFI S&V haven't tested them but IMO they give a better all-round sonic character than the Kef's.

 

[plastic penguin]

Craig M.:

you really need to demo some kit to find out what kind of presentation you prefer.

budget cambridge stuff usually has a slightly bright detailed sound, whereas nad for example, tends to have bigger bass and a punchier sound, imo. you will only know what you prefer by listening.

You're spot-on there. Always listen before greasing the retailers palms. The only snag is Richer Sounds don't have demo fascilities, although they do offer a 14 day exhange plan.