which B & W speakers for my system

N805 and later you add a highcap to power the pre-amp or find a used 805 (Matrix)for 1/3 of the cost of the new model (N805). You will like them.

[This message was edited by Tuan on SATURDAY 13 September 2003 at 12:04.]

Robin,
You cant go wrong with a pair of N805,s. They rock. And use NAC 5.
gOOD lUCK.
bILLYJ

I have a pair of 1NT’s and I warn you they spoil you for many monitors much more expensive. IMHO the extra money for the N805 is not justified. My reason for buying them sprang from the What Hi Fi’s reference system, and the fact that almost every salesman whatever the product they were selling me, would admit that they had a pair of B&W monitors at home (mainly the 805matrix). If you are willing to jump up in price the new Royd monitors rule..

If you think your system sounds excellent! who cares what the CDM 1NT Speakers sound like!!!

Use yor own ears not those of some reviewer who is mindful of not wanting to upset the advertisers in the magazine for which he writes.

He who pays the piper...



Regards,

Steve.

I agree wholeheartedly, but resale values are closely influenced by the reviews. Naim receives boatloads of favorable reviews and enjoys a firm bid for their goods.

I just read in HiFiNews October issue (I know it's still September but there we are) that the CDM1NT and the rest of that model range are being retired and replaced by B&W with an updated improved speaker range with very similar look but different sound. These are the 705 range.

The reviewer is not falling head over heels in love with them (reading between the lines because he has a few "buts" at the end of his review). Basically he says that they have excellent "monitor like" reproduction qualities but are "lazy" and don't get your foot tapping.

I found that with the older B&W CM range myself which I had to drive to higher volume levels to wake up. I am not saying that applies to the N805's, just to the medium priced B&W's. Worth being carefull to demo if buying.

regards
GEOFFP

Geoff is correct - the CDM range is being replaced by the 700 range. We have heard the 705s and they are a lot better than the CDM1NT. We were never big fans of the CDM range but the 700 range looks to be one to beat in the next year or two!

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

quote:

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Originally posted by Geoff P:
I just read in HiFiNews October issue (I know it's still September but there we are) that the CDM1NT and the rest of that model range are being retired and replaced by B&W with an updated improved speaker range with very similar look but different sound. These are the 705 range.

The reviewer is not falling head over heels in love with them (reading between the lines because he has a few "buts" at the end of his review). Basically he says that they have excellent "monitor like" reproduction qualities but are "lazy" and don't get your foot tapping.

I found that with the older B&W CM range myself which I had to drive to higher volume levels to wake up. I am not saying that applies to the N805's, just to the medium priced B&W's. Worth being carefull to demo if buying.

regards
GEOFFP

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B&W speakers need good power from amps and like to play loud (around 9 o clock setting on the Naim pre-amp as normal). They are good speakers for the asking price and quite popular when you sale them as s/h items. They produce coherent sound, smooth and natural BUT not "on your face". People tend to classify them as "lazy" but they are not. They just need good power and they will deliver the real sound.

Tuan

Yep I agree with your statement. I ran floorstanding CM4's and was very happy with them once I had the volume ramped up as described. This brings their bass performance alive and they started to swing. They were also excellent value for money.
Maybe a bit loud for a smaller size room?

regards
GEOFFP

Hi! Apologies to Robin for hijacking this thread.

I'm looking at a 2nd hand 805 but not sure if my Nait5 is able to drive the speakers. Can anyone advise?

I have recently bought a pair of CDM7NTs. I run them with a 3.5, flatcap, 92R (modded Nait 3) and NAP 180. So far, I'm very impressed. I tried 5 other pairs at Infidelity, including Focal JM Lab and Canton and the B&Ws blew them away in terms of detail, weight and overall presence. The only things I tried that had the edge on them were a pair of Shanian Arcs, which, in the end, I decided I couldn't afford. I must confess that the fact that the Arcs look like battered old 70s swing bins did also help to influence my decision to hold off on that particular upgrade...

Robin, IMO the best B&W speakers for your sistem are the ones you already have, money better spent on adding caps to your CDplayer and preamplifier. I'm sure this will be better than changing/upgrading your speakers.

Oops, posted to wrong thread - deleted.

Regards.

Phil
from I'd choose speakers last, too, Illinois, USA

Hi, I've owned CDM1 and M805s. I drove the CDM1s with 32-5/hi/140, and the M805s w/that, plus 72/hi/250. I also listened to those plus CDM2 in a round-earth store.

My thoughts on the B&W line: at the store I didn't think the CDM2 was worth it compared to the not much more expensive CDM1. I don't remember specifics, I just thought the 2s were mediocre and the 1s pretty damned good, and only slightly more money. The M805 is tighter and more detailed than the CDM1, and has better pace (not a strong suit in either, however). The CDM1 is sweeter and more forgiving, but more likely to turn to mush in the mid-bass. Moving from the 140 to the 250 made a very big difference, though a hicap is cheaper and does just as much.

My advice--if you desire a more neutral tonal balance, get M805s. However, if you like the sonic signature and just want better sound in general, I'd look for a used hicap or two, then a 250. If you don't want to buy used, get a flatcap2 as your first step.

--Eric

Hi. I have CDM1SE's with CD3.5/Flat/Nait3 and I am very pleased with the sound once the volume is up to reasonable levels (9 o'clock).

Since the arrival of little monsters about the house though I have had to reduce my listening volume for the majority of the time. At these low volume levels I find the CDM1's torpid with little to no bass weight resulting in an experience that fails to engage.

Given the change in listening arrangements I am considering adding a NAP140 to the Nait (once modified) to see if this helps the situation. If this fails to improve things I will start to trial other speakers.

Any suggestions?