B&W 683 floor standers

Pdn: As to max power ratings and amp capacity - probably would not be a good idea to crank up a 380 watt amp to the max driving the speaker, but, so long as the amp is not continuously driving the speakers at max there is no problem. My guess is that 804ilawood drives the 1080 with a signal that does not push the 1080 to overdriving the speakers. Having this 'reserve' capacity, so to speak, goes toward not driving the amp into distortion. In short -an amplifier that is capable of providing more power than the speaker can take is actually a good idea.

Have you heard the 683? I've heard them a few times and didn't like them at all. The bass is a little improved over the previous model, but not much IMO. My biggest complaint is that they sound very un-cohesive. The lows, mids, and highs all seem to be detached from each other some how. Its hard to describe. The previous version didn't have this problem.

Everyone's ears are different. I've heard the 683 in a few different rooms and in a few different systems, and came to the same conclusion every time.

JR

Musicnoise: Thanks for the explanation on power ratings of amps vs the speakers they are driving. So what you're saying is that the Rotel 1090 would only actually put out it's full 380 watts/ch at full volume. Is that what you mean by max (full volume)? I never thought it's better to have an amp rated higher than the speakers they're driving. I would have always thought the opposite. It's complicated.

Kbarkamiam: Yes I have heard the 683's once I believe up close being driven by a high powered Rotel amp. From what I can remember, they sounded great but I respect your review and you could be right. That was back in late 2007 and I'll need to audition them again in depth.

When you refer to their previous version, I believe you're talking about the DM604 S3's. Is that correct? Those I had auditioned in depth vs the DM603 S3's back in early 2007 and I went with the 603's. What I'm considering now is upping from my 603's to the 683's which should improve on the bass ext, etc. What would you think of this potential upgrade?

I like the 603 better than the 604 as well. The bass was better controlled IMO. They both sounded a bit boomy to my ears. The 683 improved the bass, but messed up some other stuff IMO. Its all a trade off. The uncohesiveness I've heard in them wasn't due to electronics or the rooms. I've heard them with Mac, Bryston, Rotel, and NAD gear. Same results every time. Everyone's ears are different.

Regardless of this issue, I think going from 603s to 683s is more or less a lateral move. Perhaps a little better, but not a night and day difference in the end. I think it'll be more of a change than a true upgrade. If you're after significantly more bass energy, I doubt the 683 will be much of an upgrade.

If bass is your problem, have you tried playing around with placement? Improper placement can cause a ton of problems, most notably bass issues. There's no one correct way to place a pair of speakers, and a lot of it is trial and error. Here's a link to a great placement article if you're unsure about it -

http://www.audiophysic.com/aufstellung/beispiel_e.html

Also, what does the rest of your system consist of?

If that's not the problem, an excellent speaker I heard are the Revel Concerta F12 for about $1500. They've got a ton of bass and sound great too. I heard them next to the 683s and there was no contest to my ears. There was nothing the 683 did that the F12s didn't do far better. If you need low end slam and punch, these are a must audition IMO. I really liked them, but my room is way too small for them.

Just my opinions. Take them as you will.

JR