Yes another "which speaker" question

Posted by: Passmestick on 28 October 2015

Hi all, last year I replaced my ancient Sugden with the Uniti qute2, which I'm delighted with!

 

A year has passed and I now want to replace my equally ancient B&W DM22s. My budget is limited to under £1000 and cannot be stretched unfortunately (well not without divorce being involved)

 

The speakers need to be floor mounted and will be away from the wall. I tend to listen at lowish volume so am after something the qute will be able to drive without going flat at low volumes. Been reading up on the B&W 684s and would be very interested in comment or experiences, also suggestions of alternatives.

 

Hope I'm not asking to much.

 

Cheers

 

John

Posted on: 28 October 2015 by MangoMonkey
Kudos x2
Improved my adding a nap 100.
Posted on: 28 October 2015 by gary yeowell
If new then the above suggestion, as well as my own, Neat Motive SX2, are over budget, so would have to be ex- dem or 'used'.
Posted on: 28 October 2015 by badlands

That is roughly $1500.00 US dollars, I think you can get into some pretty good sounding speakers in that price range from Monitor Audio, check out the Silver line of floor standing speakers.

Posted on: 29 October 2015 by Innocent Bystander

At that price point I wouldn't even consider buying new, as secondhand jumps you up a price bracket or three, depending on age...  

Posted on: 29 October 2015 by Passmestick

Thanks everyone for the advice, some interesting ideas there. I know my budget is low and I envy you guys who can spend two three the times the amount, but sadly for me it's not an option. Ex-demo second hand is a good idea.

 

Cheers

 

John

Posted on: 29 October 2015 by Frank Abela

How big is the room? the UnitiQute2 is relatively limited in terms of power so a large room can be difficult to fill, especially if you play at low volume. That's when the sound collapses back into the speakers.

 

Are standmounts allowed?

 

B&W 684s are ... ok. They're warm and a bit woolly and not the most incisive speaker around.

 

I hear good things about the Q Acoustics floorstanders at £500-ish. Never heard them myself though.

 

Am I right in saying the Guru Junior is still £800? That on stands would be another very highly recommended choice.

 

My personal choice would be the Totem Dreamcatcher (£695ish) on stands (£100-£200 depending on stand). Bags of fun and engagement. Not the last word in bass response as they are tiny!

 

2nd hand, if the speakers can go near the wall, a pair of Naim Credos or Naim Intros should be well within your budget. You might even get a pair of Naim Allaes in your budget. But these all need to be near a rear wall for bass reinforcement. 

 

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.

Posted on: 30 October 2015 by Passmestick

Thanks Frank, that's a really helpful answer.

 

Have read elsewhere on the forum that the 684s are a bit woolly so think I'll vross them of my list.

 

Cheers

 

John