Evaluating B&W 684 with Paradigm Monitor 7 / 9
|
New member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 2 Registered: Oct-07 | Gurus: I am evaluating the following combinations. Much as you helped Ganesh, I need your input as well. I promise to buy within 2 weeks though  No malice intended, Ganesh B&W combination #1 - $ 2300: Front - 684, Center - HTM62, Surrounds - 686, Sub woofer - ASW608. B&W combination #2 - $ 2650: Front - 684, Center - HTM61, Surrounds - 686, Sub woofer - ASW610. Paradigm combination #1 (Monitor 7) - $ 2146: Front - Monitor 7, Center - CC290, Surround - ADP190, Sub woofer - PS1000 Paradigm combination #2 (Monitor 9) - $ 2940: Front - Monitor 9, Center - CC390, Surround - ADP390, Sub woofer - PS1000 For the AV receiver, I will buy either a Marantz SR5002 or an Onkyo TX-SR805. Thanks for your advice. |
|
Gold Member Username: Frank_abelaBerkshire UK Post Number: 2436 Registered: Sep-04 | BE, I don't know the Paradigms at all, so cannot help you there. I am not a fan of B&W subwoofers, finding them too characterful for their own good. I can usually place them thanks to their relatively poor cabinetry. I would choose something else from a subwoofer specialist such as Velodyne. I have tried this combination (well, with a 683/htm61/686 system) and it worked very well. As to the B&W combinations, I have not heard the HTM62. However, it should be substantially better than the HTM61 since the 62 has the FST drive unit as ni the 683. The HTM61 also uses drive units which are not in your main speakers. Therefore, I suggest that if you can accommodate the HTM62 (it's big), that would be the way to go. The perfect solution is with 683s of course, since they have the same midrange unit, but that's a bit more cash to fork out... The 686s are effective surround speakers which work well. They use similar drive units to the HTM61 and 62 (apart from the FST). In a sense, it would be better if you used 685s at the back because they have the same main drive unit as the 684s, but I don't think this is as important, especially since the 685s are pretty big to act as surround speakers... Regards, Frank. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 11 Registered: Oct-07 | Brilliant. Thanks Frank! Anyone else has any knowhow on the Paradigm Monitor 7 or 9? The B&W dealer who carries both (B&W and Paradigm) said that I am OK to compare Monitor 7 versus B&W 684!! |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 567 Registered: Jun-07 | If the Paradigms you are looking at are the new V5 series than the Monitor 9's are better hands down, no comparison. The monitor 9's in the V5 series are the best the Monitor Line have now. The 9's in the V4's were another story, arguably the 7's were the best in the V4 series. Spec wise, they were the flattest. Go the 9's if you do choose Paradigms. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 12 Registered: Oct-07 | I am auditioning both Paradigm 7 and 9 versus B&W 684 tomorrow. Will post details later. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 569 Registered: Jun-07 | Right on Eagle, look forward to your post. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 19 Registered: Oct-07 | NOTE:I am posting the same analysis that I posted on the Receivers site. Before I start, please undertstand that this is a guy who did not know the difference between a B&W and a Bose until 2 weeks ago. So take this analysis; understanding that this is from a novice. Anyway, here are my findings: Overall: To get the same dB levels between the 684 and Monitor 7, we had to cut the Monitor 7 volume knob down a few notches. I can understand this because the Monitor 7 has a higher sensitivity (94 dB) than the 684 (90 dB). What I heard: Bocelli's Con Te Partiro - almost purely vocal. My analysis: Both speakers performed equally. To my novice ears, at the same vol level, I cound not discern the difference between the Monitor 7 and the B&W 684. What I heard: Yanni Live at Acropolis - Santorini. Duran Duran - Come Undone My (inexperienced) analysis: The Monitor 7 seemed to accentuate/highlight a certain frequency range (mid-level) than the 684. I believe that this is because the Paradigm folks, who got beaten up about their Monitor series 4 (earlier design) did a whole lot of rework in series 5 and apparently finessed their mid-range much more. You see, I believe this has something to do with the sound stage being created as well. Other instruments in Santorini that should have been behind or left, right, did not appear as much separated. It was as if all of them very close to each other. I felt I could hear all the instruments relatively clearly. You might say that I find more clarity in the Monitor 7. Maybe? Now with the 684, I felt the other instruments were a little subdued. As I listened to the B&W more, I could actually map the sound stage. Some instruments behind the piano, some to the left, etc. Now in "Come Undone", the drums were louder (??) than the B&W 684. So... that is why I believe that the B&W 684 has a more defined sound stage than the Monitor 7. However, the mid-range clarity of the Monitor 7 seems clearer than the 684. The store manager interpreted my analysis as "the Monitor 7 is more bright than the 684". What I heard: Dire Straits - On every street Dire Straits - when it comes to you My analysis: The guitar was more real in the B&W 684 than the Monitor 7. The Monitor 7, heard by itself was fantastic on the guitar; but switching between the two speakers rapidly during the same song, made me believe that the guitar was a little pitchy in the Monitor 7 than the B&W 684. Now, I don't know the original sound of that guitar. If the pitch was indeed higher, then the Monitor 7 is more real, isn't it? Anyway, to MY ears, it felt more real with the B&W. Next, reverberation... a sense of the concert hall, you know?... more of a feeling I was in the same place where Mark Knopfler was singing... may have something to do with the sound stage being created... more with the B&W than the Monitor 7. What I heard: High resolution test: Rebecca Pigeon - Spanish Harlem Midrange Purity test: Livingston Taylor - Grandma's Hands Naturalness test: Ana Caram - Correnteza Focus test: Vivaldi - Flute concerto in D Dynamic test: Chesky - solo drum test My analysis according to the instructor on the CD: High resolution - both scored equally Mid-range purity - Monitor 7 better Naturalness - B&W 684 better Focus - B&W 684 better Dynamic - close to call - Monitor 7 better maybe What I heard: The store manager brought out something I had never heard. A blues recording by Muddy Waters. I *think* the album was called Folk Songs. This was the last test before I left. My anaysis: Again, switching between the speakers during the same song, in the Monitor 7, I felt that Muddy Waters was singing with hands cupped around his mouth. On the B&W 684, it did not feel like that. So, did my vocal analysis of the earlier tests falter? I would never know. Attractiveness: B&W 684 looks nicer hands down. The Monitor 7 looks skinny; maybe it was because I was looking at a 5 1/2 inch black speaker versus the 6 1/2 inch red cherry B&W. SUMMARY: At the end of the day, I should have compared the Monitor 9 ($950 per pair) to the B&W 684 ($1000 per pair). Both have 6 1/2 inch drivers, and priced about the same. I did not have that luxury so I had to test the Monitor 7 against the B&W 684. The Monitor 7 costs $679 per pair and is a 5 1/2 inch driver setup. I honestly feel that the Monitor 7 stood up to the B&W 684 very very well. To the untrained ear, the difference would be hardly perceptible. So... EXPERTS... based on this analysis, what do you think? Did I just confuse myself and everyone? Or was this a decent effort? Regards Eagle |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 585 Registered: Jun-07 | I think that from what you have so far heard, that you will end up liking the Monitor 9's the best. The new V5 monitor 9's beat the Monitor 7's in ever way shape and form. Tell them to get some in and take them for a test drive. I would put money on it, that you will come home with the 9's. Cheers. |
|
Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 5457 Registered: Feb-05 | What was the amplification and source? Listening to the Monitor Series 5's I find very litle to like between the Atom Monitor and the Monitor 9. If you indeed liked the Monitor 7 then the 9 should really do it for you as it is a far better balanced speaker. Also keep in mind which speaker will you be able to listen to for extended periods. Inexperienced folks often extoll the virtues of enhanced detail until they hear it for a couple hours and realize that their ears are tired...listener fatigue. Just something to be aware of. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 21 Registered: Oct-07 | You guys are right. I'm out of commission next week; but the week after, I intend bringing the Monitor 9s home for a couple of days of testing. We'll see how that goes. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 588 Registered: Jun-07 | Awesome Bald, good choice man. Good choice indeed. Art is completely right, give them a good solid listening to for a couple hours, if you dont have a headache by then, or running out of the room covering your ears, then you ok.lol |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 22 Registered: Oct-07 | Yeah... but I didn't tell you that I don't have an A/V receiver LOL! So, I have to buy a receiver before any testing can commence. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 591 Registered: Jun-07 | LOL true. If your choices are still Onkyo and Marantz, I would consider Onkyo. The NEW stuff from them, I read everywhere and have friends in the audio business that tell me the new Onkyo stuff is pretty good. They are making a come back. If you can afford something better, then by all means. But for the money I hear the Onkyo stuff is again, a very good performer. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 24 Registered: Oct-07 | Art: Sorry for not replying to your question. The A/V equipment was something that was used for the entire store... some really high end system that connected stuff throughout the store. I did not ask the details. I will however, post the details after talking to these guys on Monday. The player was a decent Sony 5 disc changer. Don't know the exact model. Don't know if it matters! Running through the tests again, I felt that while technically both came shoulder to shoulder; I may have enjoyed the B&W more. However, like you say, I need to listen to both for an extended period of time before I make a decision. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 595 Registered: Jun-07 | Yes it does matter what the cd player is.lol. I would rather someone punch me in the face than listen to something on a Sony cd player.HAHA!! I hope they have something better for u to demo the stuff on. |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 8942 Registered: Dec-04 | BE, it is the source.That's why it's called that. A zillion poopsmake just a bigger pile. A dozen roses on the other hand... And if you test with a Sony changer again, you will be abused! Friends don't let friends listen to Sony players. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 26 Registered: Oct-07 | LOL!  You guys are hysterical! OK! I will not commit that Sony blunder again! HA! But then, I wonder why the heck a B&W, Paradigm dealer would install a Sony CD changer in his audition rooms?? Strange. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 600 Registered: Jun-07 | in still wondering the same thing. Ask him.lol. |
|
Silver Member Username: GavdawgUpstate, New York Post Number: 958 Registered: Nov-06 | Even though some dealers sell Onkyo, I believe that they sound slightly grainy on paradigm speakers, at least with the older models (both receiver and speaker). |
|
Gold Member Username: Frank_abelaBerkshire UK Post Number: 2440 Registered: Sep-04 | BE, From your descriptions I would surmise that the Monitor 7s are indeed a tad brighter than the B&Ws, or to put it another way, the Monitor 7s push the midrange (also known as the presence band) toward you by comparison to the B&Ws. I'm not entirely surprised by this. My view is that the B&Ws are smooth and well balanced, if a little presence band limited. Observation: your experience has been written in a dry, analytical way which I believe reflects the nature of the demo! I noted you said that you were switching between tracks rapidly to tell the differences between the speakers. I appreciate that this method helps you identify technical differences between speakers, one brghter than the other, one having better reproduction of ambience and acoustic cues, etc. However, this is a very bad way of demoing in my opinion! When you are in this situation, you are listening critically and focussing so much on the differences that you never really get an entire picture of the capabilities of a particular piece of equipment. You define the capabilities of the equipment only in reference to the other. That said, it [i]is[/i] important to make the distinctions. You did mention one thing which I considered most important. You said you [i]may have[/i] enjoyed the B&Ws more. It is very important in my view to allow yourself to relax and enjoy the performance of the music being played. Involvement or engagement is the whole point of the exercise. Obviously, if you don't like the [i]sound[/i] of a speaker, it impacts your involvement since you become aware of the artificial nature of the voice of the speaker. On the other hand, the voice is merely a prtrayal, and the question is whether you connect with the emotion behind the portrayal which is the true message of the music. This is very hard to get with a Sony CD changer! However, it is easier if you listen to an entire track or most of a track for the emotional response and then swap over and restart the track to see if it hits you in the same way, better or worse. Just my $0.02... Regards, Frank. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 29 Registered: Oct-07 | Frank, Thank you for your detailed analysis of my demo experience. Your points are well taken. The problem I had was simply one of complete inexperience. 3 weeks ago, I couldn't tell the difference between a regular AIWA boombox and these high end systems. Indeed, I used to be one of those people who would argue with others about what a scam this whole audiophile business was... Insofar as to my available options were concerned; the best way for me to figure out which speaker was better, was by testing them via this monotonous, phenomenally dry method. You're right, everyone (including the store manager) told me to pick the speaker that I enjoyed the most. To this novice, something as superficial as the look of the B&W speakers (yellow/black, kevlar, etc) produces a bias against the Paradigm!! Unfortunately, I have not come to that stage (of maturity) as yet. Hence, I intend to get the speakers home to test for a few hours. Whichever speaker I enjoy more, I will buy that one. I just hope these guys allow me to take the speakers home. I met a B&W dealer who would not let anyone take speakers home for a test drive. Again, thanks for your comments. I'm sure I've taken in at least 25% of what you've said! Regards BE |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 32 Registered: Oct-07 | Guys, we were talking about a Monitor 9, but a buddy of mine would possibly give me his Monitor 11 for $ 900/pair. Brand spanking V5 series new. Should I consider biting? Considering that the Monitor 9 is listed at $ 950/pair... |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 606 Registered: Jun-07 | I wouldnt, for 950 u get a brand new pair and a better speaker. The 9's really are the best in the V5 line, along with the little Atom. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 33 Registered: Oct-07 | Well... the Monitor 11's I am considering are the newer V5 series. These speakers have not even been taken out of the box. Are you really saying that the Monitor 9's are better than the Monitor 11's? The 11's have 7 1/2 inch drivers compared to the 6 1/2 inch 9's; I'm sure they must sound bigger, right? This is like comparing the 7's to the 9's. hmmm... just asking... Did you happen audition both? Or this is based on what you audiophiles know as common street knowledge? This'll be such a bummer  Regards Eagle |
|
Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 5474 Registered: Feb-05 | BE, he was talking about the V5. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 35 Registered: Oct-07 | Right... right... I was just surprised that a higher end model (in a series) is not as good as one below it. I would expect Monitor 9 to be better than Monitor 7 and Monitor 11 to be better than Monitor 9. Isn't that how it is? Or am I missing something? I guess my note was prompted more out of surprise than anything else. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 36 Registered: Oct-07 | Frank: A correction... Just re-reading your earlier post. I think you swapped HTM61 and HTM62 in your explanation. Accordng to the B&W website, HTM61 has the FST drive and is larger. HTM62 is smaller and does not have the FST drive. |
|
Gold Member Username: Frank_abelaBerkshire UK Post Number: 2442 Registered: Sep-04 | BE, Yes, that's right. I sit here in awe of your superior knowledge. I just can't get my head around B&W making the better speaker the lower numbered one... As to your choice of Paradigm, beware buying something that is so good that all it will do is make your amp work too hard or show up the limitations of your electronics. Speakers are, strictly speaking, the last thing in the system chain. Regards, Frank. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 608 Registered: Jun-07 | OK, this is the last time im saying this. Frank, Art, you are my witnesses.lol. BE- The new Monitor 11's are S$!T. I have listened to, up and down, the whole line of the V5's. More times than I have fingers and toes. Based on straight audio engineering specs, the Monitor 9 V5's are the flattest. Based on my ears, and many many many other guys, like Art. The monitor 9's sound the BEST, therefore sounding better than the 11's. THis is probably do to driver size/location and cabinet dimension and build. I dont build speakers so I cant say for sure. But the 9's do sound better than the 11's. Model numbers dont mean a damn thing. Cheers. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 37 Registered: Oct-07 | Funny man, Frank! That's indirect marketing I think. they want you to see the better (more expensive) speaker first... kinda like how stores set up stuff they want you to see on the right hand side as you walk in. Yes, I will heed your warning as well. Speaking of which... how do I figure out via the specs about how much the speakers will drive my amp? Nick, I hear you loud and clear, dude! Thanks for driving the message home! Unfortunately, no one I spoke to has the Monitor 9s in stock to lend. This weekend is going to be big for me. I am getting the Monitor 7 and 684 home to test for the weekend. I just wish I could get the 9s as well. I spoke to a dealer today who had the 9s on the floor, but he wouldn't lend Go figure... |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 611 Registered: Jun-07 | Tell u will pay for the 9's up front, and if u dont like them just get your money back. If u do, u will keep them. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeaglePost Number: 40 Registered: Oct-07 |  I think I'm dealing with a dealer with an attitude... I don't think the Monitor 9s are coming home for an audition. And the other dealer who has the Monitors for my home testing, has only the Monitor 7 and 11!! So... there... |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 627 Registered: Jun-07 | wierd. A lot of Paradigm dealers are still basing the fact that they didnt carry the monitor 9's in the last series because they were not that great. So they seem to be continuing the trend. Too bad, maybe that dealer needs to come on this forum and learn something. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 44 Registered: Oct-07 | You can say that again, Nick! I've spoken to so many dealers in the past 3 weeks... it's amazing how little some of these so called a/v experts know.Really... th epeople on this board know a heck of a lot more I feel. |
|
Gold Member Username: Frank_abelaBerkshire UK Post Number: 2456 Registered: Sep-04 | BE Amps drive speakers, not the other way around. Have a look at two main things - sensitivity and impedance. An average speaker is 87db/w/m sensitive and 8 ohms impedance. If you choose a 90db/w/m it's more sensitive than average. However, if the speaker has a lower impedance (say, 4 ohms), the amplifier has to dump more current into it to drive the speaker. Roughly speaking a 90db, 4 ohm speaker is roughly equivalent to an 87db, 8 ohm speaker. It's unusual to find speakers with other impedances. Simply put, if you could miraculously halve the impedance of a speaker you'd need to double the current the amp needs to deliver to come out with the same level of sound, so low impedance is a bad thing. Sensitivity is also fairly important however. If you have an 85db speaker with an 8 ohm impedance, the impedance might be benign, but to get the speaker to go loud, you're still going to have to turn up the volume and put more power through it to get there. Regards, Frank. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 631 Registered: Jun-07 | Well said Frank. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 50 Registered: Oct-07 | Guys, Now I really need your help. A basic rookie problem. I've been concentrating on fronts so much, that I lost track on the whole system. So now that I am about to purchase one of these systems (Monitor 9 or B&W 684) in a 5.1 configuration, I found something I completely overlooked. Place to put my surrounds and center channels. Scenario: The room is 15 feet (4.8m) wide and 17 feet (5.4m) long. The TV is on the long end of this room. Center Channel problem: The plasma TV is on a table. Take a look see... http://www.bush-furniture-online.com/bush_VS05250-03.html. This table has no place for neither the B&W CC (HTM61, HTM62) or Paradigm CC (CC290, CC390). What the heck am I to do? I really need to raise the TV by about 10 inches to accomodate the center channel. Surround problem: Behind my sittinig position, there is no back wall to speak of. It's all closet doors. My wife will not let me hang the speakers on the doors. Aesthetic appeal and all that. Also afraid that we might damage the speakers while opening the doors in a hurry. The only place I have is a 2 feet segment on both my left and right side walls. But, this segment is in front of my listening position. About... 2 feet in front. The dealer recommends: B&W center channel: Put the speaker on the carpeted floor to the left of the table. Paradigm center channel: Buy a CC390 (7 driver HUGE speaker) and put the TV on the speaker! Surrounds: Paradigm has dipoles as the surrounds, and he says that dipoles in front of the listening position, though not ideal, will work. As for B&W, I'd have to go with the DS3 dipoles. What do you guys think? Regards Eagle |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 681 Registered: Jun-07 | I would go with the CC390 and put the tv on it. That center channel is huge. And get the dipole surrounds and put the on the wall on both sides of the listening position, slightly above the eye level(if possible) |
|
Gold Member Username: Frank_abelaBerkshire UK Post Number: 2486 Registered: Sep-04 | I'm not a fan of that idea since the vibration caused by the centre will be transmitted directly into the TV which is detrimental to the picture. The stand does have space for a centre speaker so all is not lost. Options: 1. If there's enough height, you could remove the central drawer and if necessary the central shelf and use a bookshelf variant of the speakers you're going to buy. i.e. if it's the B&Ws you could buy a pair of 686s and use just one for the centre. 2. If the above idea is unacceptable, buy a small high quality centre speaker which will match the main set tonally. Unfortunately, B&W's only small centre speaker is the M-1. This is tonally similar but quality-wise not in the same league as the 68x series. M&K are still around (just) and their Xenon LCR36 speaker is an excellent speaker, tiny (about the size of the one in the picture on that site), very pretty and a suitable tonal match. 3. If it's a panel, attach the TV to an independant stand which sits behind the furniture stand and is tall enough to allow you to place a centre speaker under the TV. As to the surround speakers, placing them 2 feet in front of you is sub-optimal. However, it also depends how far away the side walls are from you. If they are relatively far from you, it doesn't make a huge difference. If you have to place them ahead of you, place them higher on the wall - 6'6" is about right allegedly. And use dipoles or tripoles, as the man said. The DS3s (tripole) are pretty good and tonally matched. An alternative is to fit ceiling mounted surround speakers. Not as good or effective as the first usually but at least you get to place them in ideal (for ceiling speakers) locations. 3rd option, which I have done in my room: you're not going to like this. I use M&K Xenon Surround 26 speakers and have them placed on the floor behind my couch facing up. These are tripole speakers and I have had to swap sides on them because of the unusual siting. Although not perfect I get very good results. You could use the same things, or something M&K call Column speakers (which would have been my first choice had I but known of the option!), or if you have the space place the DS3s on the floor behind the couch, but something tells me that this might cause a minor eruption at home... The most likely option is going to be the DS3s in dipole mode or the Paradigm dipoles at 2m height... Regards, Frank. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 51 Registered: Oct-07 | Hey Frank, Thanks a ton for the detailed answer. For the center, your idea #1 is quite remarkable, really. I need to check the height though. Idea #2 - I could not find MK's website to locate a dealer. What is the web address? Of course, my wife will be loathe to the idea of me bringing mor espeakers home to "test" . I've had it my way so far, but may not win this battle. Idea #3 will not work as my plasma is on a stand as it is. There is one more idea: Move the TV a little to the right or left, and put the center channel vertically beside the Plasma. Would this not work? Yeah, aesthetics take a dive... So, my choice is bipoles or tripoles on the side walls a little forward, or really, stands behind my sitting position. Regards Eagle |
|
Silver Member Username: JethroLansing, Mi Post Number: 175 Registered: Jan-06 | Why can't you mount the plasma on the wall and put the center on the stand, or use a center channel speaker stand and put it in front of the bush? |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 52 Registered: Oct-07 | Hi Jeff, yeah, I could've mounted the Plasma on the wall behind; except that there is no wall... there is a large picture window. So, I think maybe a center channel stand is another option... not very wife-approvable, still, it is an idea to consider. One thing I was looking at was to raise the plasma by putting 5 inches polished wood blocks for the Plasma to sit on, and then, I can put the center channel right on the table in front of the Plasma. If I get a step stool that matches the color of the BUsh, that would be ideal, but I am yet to find anything. Thanks! BE |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 53 Registered: Oct-07 | An update: As you guys know, I was oscillating between the Paradigm Monitor 7/9 and B&W 684. Both seemed great, the Paradigm being significantly cheaper. Still, the deal breaker was warranty. B&W has a fantastic worldwide warranty, whereas Paradigm does not. I plan on moving overseas soon and I needed to be 100% sure that I would be covered. I even spoke to the head offices of both companies. So, not only did I opt for B&W, but I upped my specs by going in for a 3-way system! SO, I am a buyer NOW!! I placed my order for B&W speakers. Fronts 683, Center HTM61, Surrounds 686, Sub ASW610 (I know, you said go for HSU/Velodyne.. still...) Thanks for your guidance and support guys. On to the next step of buying an A/V Receiver. Regards Eagle |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 690 Registered: Jun-07 | Congrats Bald. Enjoy. |
|
Gold Member Username: Frank_abelaBerkshire UK Post Number: 2497 Registered: Sep-04 | Whoa! And I just put a note in the Receivers thread... Congratulations BE, the 683s are quite a bit better than the 684s. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 55 Registered: Oct-07 | Frank, Thanks, man... yeah, I just went head-first... thanks to you good folk . BTW, I replied to your other post in the Receivers thread... copied and pasted a note from this thread. You'll see... Now though, I need to decide on the Receiver. Regards BE |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 9137 Registered: Dec-04 | A nice pre amp and power amp BE. Check out Outlaw. A receiver is going to suck the life out of your speaker selection, I kid you not. When the first gunshot or 'boom' comes along, the strenghth of your power supply will come true when a receiver cannot do the second boom. Been there, don that, it's even worse when your speakers are begging for more music, but the power supply whimpers like a tired dog. Most definately you need to pony up for a real amp. This means a real preamp as well. Check Outlaw.com for goodies. Rotel make pieces that are made to order for B&W as well. If you buy short, don't tell me I didn't tell you so. Rule of thumb... your amplifier should be able to outdo the speakers by twice. |
|
Silver Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 692 Registered: Jun-07 | I agree with Nuck, unless you want to spend 2-3 grand on a receiver. Which for that price you can have a OUtlaw pre/pro. Or if you already bought your receiver at least add a 2 channel power amp for the fronts for music and sound stage during movies. I only use my receiver to power the center and rears letting a power amp do the fronts and get good results. But a full Pre would be better. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 57 Registered: Oct-07 | Nuck, The problem is that I am scraping the bottom of the barrel now... I spent most of my money on the speakers. If I had my senses, I would have stuck to the 684 instead of the 683 and put the $$ on the receiver. Ideally, I wanted to get the Rotel. But the Rotel nor the Outlaw has HDMI support. So, I am guessing I buy something cheaper for now, and then upgrade when my barrel fills up. So, now my budget is $500-$800. That's all I have left . What are my options? Nick: your config might work with this budget, right? Regards BE |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 9151 Registered: Dec-04 | Eagle, a couple of Outlaw 2200 mono amps are like 500$ or so. Plus cables and a space for them. |
|
Bronze Member Username: BaldeagleMichigan USA Post Number: 58 Registered: Oct-07 | Thanks Nuck... I need some explanation, but since this is a speaker forum, maybe I will continue this discussion in my thread on Receivers at https://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/forum/home-audio/394818.html. Regards BE |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 9154 Registered: Dec-04 | see you there... |
Main Forums
Today's Posts- Home Audio Forum
- A/V Receivers Forum
- Amps Forum
- Cassette Forum
- CD Players Forum
- CD Recorders Forum
- DAC & Transports Forum
- DVD-Audio & SACD Forum
- Equalizers Forum
- Integrated Amps Forum
- iPod Docks Forum
- MiniDisc Forum
- Mini Systems Forum
- Digital Music Systems Forum
- Phono Forum
- Preamps Forum
- Speakers Forum
- Subwoofers Forum
- Tuners Forum
- Home Video Forum
- Home Theater Forum
- Car Audio Forum
- Accessories Forum
- All Forum Topics