Although I do not own the new 70x line of B&W, I have owned the CM line before -- CM5 (bought and returned within 30 days) and CM10 s2. When the 7 series replaced the CM line, I went to the local Magnolia design center to listen. My impressions ...
The CM line was a bit too sparkly in the upper frequencies. I always felt they were not as balanced as some of the other speakers in the same price bracket. I was never really able to get around that problem. Listening to the new 7 series (705), I felt that the same issues persist. While they sound pretty amazing in the shop, they do cause a bit of listener fatigue when listening extensively.
I have not personally listened to the Elacs yet but have read good things about them -- specifically, that they are very balanced top to bottom.
I've also listened to Revels at a friend's house, but can't remember the exact model name. IMO, the Revels have a better house sound than B&Ws.
The CM line was a bit too sparkly in the upper frequencies. I always felt they were not as balanced as some of the other speakers in the same price bracket. I was never really able to get around that problem. Listening to the new 7 series (705), I felt that the same issues persist. While they sound pretty amazing in the shop, they do cause a bit of listener fatigue when listening extensively.
I have not personally listened to the Elacs yet but have read good things about them -- specifically, that they are very balanced top to bottom.
I've also listened to Revels at a friend's house, but can't remember the exact model name. IMO, the Revels have a better house sound than B&Ws.