Just confused about where to start


Hello all,

I'm looking to add speakers to my audiophile setup which currently consists of (very high end) headphones. I want speakers for everything the headphones cannot do - simple enough. Problem is, I'm having difficulty deciding which gear I want to buy. I demoed a pair of B&W 705 S2's today and was very impressed. Unfortunately, my budget isn't that high. It's $1500 total, for the speakers and amp combined. Source is a computer. I listened to a cheaper pair of B&W bookshelf speakers (can't remember which, but were around $1200) and was not impressed. I am leaning toward bookshelf speakers but don't know if getting floorstanding at this price point would be a large increase in quality. The room they will be placed in is only 100 square feet. I am willing to buy used.

So, my questions, summed up are:

Is bookshelf a better option than floorstanding?

Is it worth looking at cheaper B&W models, or should I look at other companies altogether?

At least with headphones, I like a pretty neutral sound, if not a tad warm. Are there any companies that predominantly have this sound signature?

How should the room size inform my choice of speakers?



muffinhead123

Showing 9 responses by lowrider57

Amp and speakers have to work together. Consideration needs to be given to an amp that will be powerful enough to drive the speakers to their full potential. So matching is much more important than with headphones.
Lack of synergy may be the most common reason components are put up for sale. Auditions and a return policy are vital.
@muffinhead,
Yes, synergy is very important. Specs need to checked, but the amp and speakers need to compliment each other. ie, you may not want a detailed amp with highly resolving speakers.

Used is a good way to go, but you need to research the speakers online and try to find a shop that carries that line of speakers. They may have newer models, but you can get a sense of the sonics for that brand.

And there's no returning used speakers. That's why Elac is worth looking into.

Listened to the Kef LS50’s and thought they sounded like hot garbage. Dark, muddy, poor articulation. No way they’re worth $1000.
I listened to a pair of Martin Logan Motion 15’s...sounded great. Almost as good as the more expensive B&W’s to my ears. The salesman gave me a deal of $1500 which included the speakers, a subwoofer, and an amp.

Was the same amp used for both speaker demos?
Can you tell us which amp you would be purchasing?

Muffinhead, on which speakers did you make an offer?

Would it be best if I match receivers to speakers based on wattage? My concern is not getting enough volume.
When you select speakers, look at the specs; sensitivity (in dB), nominal impedance, recommended power rating.
If possible, check the impedance curve; how hard it is to drive the speaker throughout the frequency range.

When selecting an amp/receiver, choose power on the higher end of the speaker’s rating.

Thanks, looks like a terrific speaker... 87dB, so not very efficient. But 8ohm is good, typically it’s an easier load to drive.
Frequency Response down to 45Hz is very good for a bookshelf.

This is a very good find.