I've got a pair of 686's that I used to use for surrounds..... and they're currently pulling "2-channel" duty in another room because they sound so nice..... for a bookshelf speaker they're very nice.
I like how B&Ws sound.... In addition to the 686's I have a pair of 703s, 705s, HTM7 center, and DS6 surrounds.. I also got 5 of the M-1's for the bedroom system.
I would recommend sticking to Velodyne, or Martin Logan, or Def Tech for subs..... B&W subs are pretty pricey for what they deliver (for HT use)
If you're around Ohio, I'll give you a deal on a pair of 686's with about 20 hours of use on them
