B&W 683 Help and Advice Please!

[mkohman]

Hey All,

I currently have a B&W MT-30 package with the PV1 Sub which I am currently using with my Onkyo 608 amp and it sounds great... However I am always getting this feeling that I am missing out on something.. (i.e floor standing speakers are better right?)

Well I keep having this vision in my mind to sell the MT-30 and invest in a floor standing setup. Here is what I had in mind. Please tell me if I am mad and should keep the setup I already have or if I should go ahead and sell the MT-30 kit and go with this:

Front L & R : B&W 683 speakers
Centre: B&W HTM61 Centre Speaker
Rear Surround: B&W 684 speakers
Sub: B&W ASW610XP or ASW610

Now guys, here are the questiones :

1 - Is this an overkill? My room is 6.5 Metres long and 5 metres wide...

2 - Will the Onkyo 608 be able to cope or will I need to upgrade my amp also? I am using QED XT Evolution Speaker Cables

3 - Shall I just stick with the MT-30 kit and wait a few more years as I just really purchased the MT-30 ...

PS: I will be using the set up 95% for Blu-Ray Movies..

Please advise ..

[Scooby Blu]

No there is no such thing as overkill with my addiction to sound. Check out my picks u will love the sound !!!! Run to your local dealer an get em!

[mkohman]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

No there is no such thing as overkill with my addiction to sound. Check out my picks u will love the sound !!!! Run to your local dealer an get em!

Thanks for the reply.. How ever I need to know a few things.. Shall I get:

1- 684 for fronts , HTM62 centre and 685 for rears or

2 - 683 for fronts, HTM61 centre and 684 for rears?

Also will my Onkyo 608 be capable of driving this set up or will I need to upgrade the amp too? If so then I may just stick with the MT30 as it will cost far too much ..

Thanks..

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by mkohman

Thanks for the reply.. How ever I need to know a few things.. Shall I get:

1- 684 for fronts , HTM62 centre and 685 for rears or

2 - 683 for fronts, HTM61 centre and 684 for rears?

Also will my Onkyo 608 be capable of driving this set up or will I need to upgrade the amp too? If so then I may just stick with the MT30 as it will cost far too much ..

Thanks..

I say add an amplifier & be done with it !

Just my opinion !

[callas01]

based on using the system so much for HT, you could use the 685 bookshelfs or 684 towers. Since you will be using the sub all the time, a good pair of bookshelfs will be great for HT, since you will want to crossover to the sub around 80 hz anyways, you won't need the extra low end frequencies like you would in 2-channel music.

As far as B&W subs, they are a little over-priced for the performance. I take it your in the UK or in CAD..... I don't know if there are Internet Direct manufactures that ship to the UK w/o it costing you too much, or if there are distributors for SVS or some other ID mfg.

Otherwise.... I think the upgrade would be a great idea.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

I say add an amplifier & be done with it !

Just my opinion !

608 doesn't have preouts.... it would have to be a whole receiver/amp upgrade that way....

[mkohman]

Originally Posted by callas01

based on using the system so much for HT, you could use the 685 bookshelfs or 684 towers. Since you will be using the sub all the time, a good pair of bookshelfs will be great for HT, since you will want to crossover to the sub around 80 hz anyways, you won't need the extra low end frequencies like you would in 2-channel music.

As far as B&W subs, they are a little over-priced for the performance. I take it your in the UK or in CAD..... I don't know if there are Internet Direct manufactures that ship to the UK w/o it costing you too much, or if there are distributors for SVS or some other ID mfg.

Otherwise.... I think the upgrade would be a great idea.

Hmmm I hear what your saying.. If you say that I will be using the sub alot then I may as well stay with the MT30 kit as the PV1 Sub is phenominal and also this package has won awards for the last 5 yrs .. Please check this link:

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2462

I will only be using it for movies really.. so does that mean that I really wont be missing out on much if I just stuck to the MT30?

Thanks.

[Scooby Blu]

Originally Posted by mkohman

Thanks for the reply.. How ever I need to know a few things.. Shall I get:

1- 684 for fronts , HTM62 centre and 685 for rears or

2 - 683 for fronts, HTM61 centre and 684 for rears?

Also will my Onkyo 608 be capable of driving this set up or will I need to upgrade the amp too? If so then I may just stick with the MT30 as it will cost far too much ..

Thanks..

K I would get the what I have. 683 fronts 686 rears and the htm61 center. I have this set up and it sounds stunning with my Integra. Down the road I will subcumb to upgrade itis and get more goods. I have a cool wife!!


Up to u I know the cost factor all two well I have invested over 25k in all my antics. but well worth every penny. Get my speakers and get amp down the road. Just my opinion!

[callas01]

while the MT30 may be a nice set, it is basically satelite speakers... the 685s are "full range" bookshelfs. They should offer you better performance.

Another idea would be the HTM61 as LCR speakers, and since they are a 3 way speaker they would be great as a LCR setup, just put the larger of the 2 speakers at the bottom when standing vertical

Or go for the 684s and the HTM61 setup.

[mkohman]

Just took these pictures now for a quick reference for my room size.. Please advise if you think the 685 would be better or the 684 for the rears? IF 684 then they will be placed behind the sofa and the sofa will come a little forward.. Please see pics..

[callas01]

IMO, if I were in your position, here is what I would do.

First Id go with the 684s and the HTM61, Then wall mount the 685s where your satelites speakers are near the couch.

Secondly, that stand below the TV, can you take one section out? The towers, whether the 684s or 683s will not want to be tucked away into that left front corner, it will make it sound boomy and the sound stage may not be the best because it won't be able to image itself properly. If you could pull out one of those section and center the rest of the stand that would let the tower speaker in the left front more space. It should probably be about 12" from that side wall.

the HTM61 is a great speaker, and a 3-way center, which is nice, my dad has the 600 LCR, its about 13 yrs old, but it is still a very good speaker paired with his 603 S2s. I have heard the HTM61 and the HTM62, and the 61 is a superior speaker, Id say go with that.

I think you would have a really nice setup. Like the house....and the wicker baby basket.

[mkohman]

Originally Posted by callas01

IMO, if I were in your position, here is what I would do.

First Id go with the 684s and the HTM61, Then wall mount the 685s where your satelites speakers are near the couch.

Secondly, that stand below the TV, can you take one section out? The towers, whether the 684s or 683s will not want to be tucked away into that left front corner, it will make it sound boomy and the sound stage may not be the best because it won't be able to image itself properly. If you could pull out one of those section and center the rest of the stand that would let the tower speaker in the left front more space. It should probably be about 12" from that side wall.

the HTM61 is a great speaker, and a 3-way center, which is nice, my dad has the 600 LCR, its about 13 yrs old, but it is still a very good speaker paired with his 603 S2s. I have heard the HTM61 and the HTM62, and the 61 is a superior speaker, Id say go with that.

I think you would have a really nice setup. Like the house....and the wicker baby basket.

Hey Callas,

Thanks for the advice.. I have just got back home from a B&W dealer and after a chat and some advice from him .. here is what I have decided to do :

1 - I am keeping both rear surrounds as my M1's because the 605's are too large in size and may be a little overpowering as to where I sit.

2 - I am also keeping my PV1 sub as the dealer said its one of the best Subs he has heard and its a true performer.. now this leaves me with the L C and R speakers..

3 - I am definitely going for the HTM61 as everyone here and elsewere said this is a far more superior centre speakers.

4 - 683's for my left and right speakers..

So overall I will have:

Front Left and Right: B&W 683's (PS: I will take out one of the cabinets to compensate the extra space needed for the left channel as it will be too close to the wall.

Centre: B&W HTM61

Rears: 2 x M1 Sat speakers

Sub: B&W PV1 Sub

Now the way I have been planning on doing this is to purchase my centre channel first and then later on in a month or so go with the 683's .. and then later later on (say 6 months) I will up the AMP to a much more powerfull and better amp..

Do you think that the 683 and the HTM61 will communicate well with the PV1 sub and the 2 x M1's as rear surrounds?

Many Thanks

[mkohman]

Just another thought keeping the rears as the M1's and the sub as the PV1 will it be wise to consider a Monitor Audio RX6 or RX8 or even a RS6 or 8 front speakers and a MA centre speaker or will it be best to stick with B&W all the way round. I have a gut feeling that sticking with B&W would probably be better as they will all be the same brand and probably communicate together better but just wanted to hear some advice and ideas.. Also which is better for sound for movies Monitor Audio or B&W 683 in your opinion?

[callas01]

It won't matter if you go with either the Monitors or the B&Ws, the surrounds speakers do not have to match. Its more important to have a fronst sound stage that matches. I am looking at getting a Dynaudio or Totem front sound stage, but I will be keeping my Energys as my rear speakers.

As far as which speaker to choose, its a personal choice only you can make. They both make excellent speakers.

for getting the sub to match whatever you get, just use an SPL meter to set the bass to level match with the towers, about 75dbs.

[mkohman]

Originally Posted by callas01

It won't matter if you go with either the Monitors or the B&Ws, the surrounds speakers do not have to match. Its more important to have a fronst sound stage that matches. I am looking at getting a Dynaudio or Totem front sound stage, but I will be keeping my Energys as my rear speakers.

As far as which speaker to choose, its a personal choice only you can make. They both make excellent speakers.

for getting the sub to match whatever you get, just use an SPL meter to set the bass to level match with the towers, about 75dbs.

Just when I decide that I want the 683's and the HTM61 for my front sound stage to compliment my PV1 sub and rear M1's I keep reading mixed reviews of the 683's ... some people say it sounds too "boomey" some say it sounds pin sharp and fantastic.. some say the listened to the 684 and they sound better?

I mean I will be using it 99% for DTS and DD movies etc with my Home Theatre PC playing bluray .mkv files. which will be the better one for me do you think? Alsp bare in mind I have the PV1 sub so will the 683 be too much bass or not really? I am so confused lol

If I go with the 683 then without a doubt I will go with the HTM61 centre but if I wet for the 684 then should I go for the HTM62? Please advise..

Many Thanks..

[painted_klown]

I have the 684s and I really like them a lot. For a home theater setup they are an excellent choice. Especially if you plan on adding amps later. This will make a HUGE difference. Adding amps really open up these speakers and allow them to come alive. Also, I suggest try bi-amping them. I tried this for the first time a few days ago and nearly crapped my pants. It made me remember why I bought these speakers in the first place.

Having said all that, I would have bought the 683s if I had the money at the time...and I non-stop dream about eventually getting the CM-9s!!! The thing is, I care about music more than I care about movie sound.

If I had to do it all over again, and if it were for HT only I would buy the best B&W bookshelves I could afford all the way around. Reason is because in a HT set-up you are running a sub (or two) and the low frequency extension from your mains is not as important. Having a quality matched front stage is really the top priority at that point. Just my .02.


Good luck with whatever you choose. :

[mkohman]

Originally Posted by painted_klown

I have the 684s and I really like them a lot. For a home theater setup they are an excellent choice. Especially if you plan on adding amps later. This will make a HUGE difference. Adding amps really open up these speakers and allow them to come alive. Also, I suggest try bi-amping them. I tried this for the first time a few days ago and nearly crapped my pants. It made me remember why I bought these speakers in the first place.

Having said all that, I would have bought the 683s if I had the money at the time...and I non-stop dream about eventually getting the CM-9s!!! The thing is, I care about music more than I care about movie sound.

If I had to do it all over again, and if it were for HT only I would buy the best B&W bookshelves I could afford all the way around. Reason is because in a HT set-up you are running a sub (or two) and the low frequency extension from your mains is not as important. Having a quality matched front stage is really the top priority at that point. Just my .02.


Good luck with whatever you choose. :

Hello and thanks for your reply.. I am looking to up the front stage to a HTM61 and the 683's .. I am currently going to stick with my ONKYO 608 and I know this probably wouldn't do much justice for the speakers I will be updating my amp possibly early next year sometime ..

However please can you explain to me what this bi amp is and how it works.. Also would I need to buy an amplifier for this how does it work .. please explain.. Does it make a hell of a difference?

Thanks

[mkohman]

Hey All,

After some serious thinking and weighing the odds, I have decided to stick with my MT-30 .. I did some tweaking with the settings in th eOnkyo 608 and all sounds a lot better and has more punch to it.. I upped my PV1 to +2db and turned the volume knobe on the sub to 3 o'clock also set the Low Frequency pass to 120hz. In the Onkyo 608 general Audio settings upped the bass to +4, Treble to +2, Centre Channel to +3.. (any other reccomendations with these settings?)

I am happy with the M1's as a surround speakers for front and rears.. I still fell that for a centre it hasn't got enough weight .. It sounds very good but hmmm you know what I mean

So I was thinking of getting just the centre speakers (B&W HTM61) to replace my centre M1 ..

I need to ask you guys if this is a bad idea? I mean will it over power the M1's or will it be a mismatch etc..?

I thought by doing this .. in the future I can upgrade my front surrounds in a year or so later down the road..

Please advise me if you think this will be an overkill and if it will be a mismatch with the M1 and PV1 sub .. Also if it will overpower the surrounds.

Look forward for your comments and advice..

Kind Regards... Thanks...

[Canada]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

No there is no such thing as overkill with my addiction to sound. Check out my picks u will love the sound !!!! Run to your local dealer an get em!

Hell I want 802's that I will be only able to afford if I win the lottery or in another life.