ProAcs or B&W--Not hifi experienced, but luv music

What happened when you listened. Those are totally different speakers (forget about the rest of the setup for a while and focus on the speakers). What did you like and dislike about each? This should be driving your choice, not what we think.

Either speaker is a good choice, but very different. Oh, about the B&O, that choice will really limit you in the future. It's fine for background music and for making a style statement, but not really good for serious music.

Why get a MacBook when an iPod Classic (80 or 160GB) will do everything you need for playback (use LossLess if you care at all about sound). You only need the computer if you don't have one and you don't need to go Mac merely to load an iPod. It's a poor choice for playing CDs as many good players are available for way less. In fact, I'd suggest a universal player, like the Pioneer DV 58AV or Oppo, so you have the option of higher resolution and multiple formats, beyond what the Mac or a CDP could do.

Keep in mind, you don't have to buy everything in one place. If you want the Linn and the B&Ws you can buy each separately.

Dave

03-31-08: J4tonks said:
"I'm listening as this is all new to me. I have learned to focus on the speakers. I like the B&W as the ProAcs seem to be a little light in bass. However the B&W 805s that I listened to didn't work together at first. I'm going back to listen again. This is very confusing, but I think I will piece all this together, if you can help."

OK Jane, you are hearing like the rest of us. The Tablettes have exceptional midrange and highs, but they give up some bass in exchange for their small size. The problem with the B&Ws was that they were probably very poorly placed in the dealers listening room. Maybe, if you ask, the dealer will let you hear them placed better in a room without so many other speakers. You evidently were able to listen through and hear their fundemental goodness. I guarantee that they'll sound better in your home.

What music will you be listening to? Do you already have a CD collection? Are you really serious about your music, or a casual listener? Do you carry an iPod or iPhone or similar device?

Dave

03-31-08: J4tonks said:
"Dave -- Do you think the ProAcs are better? They were shipped for me, since they are signatures, but I don't know if the retailer would let me take them to listen to next to the B&Ws then return if I like the B&W better."

Oh! Generally I prefer ProAcs to B&Ws, since I'm very critical of the midrange and highs. They really get female voice and trumpet (I play trumpet) right and I'm very sensitive to that. I was trying to let you direct us rather than impose our priorities on you.

The ProAcs are less forgiving than the B&Ws; therefore, I'd never pair them with a laptop-based front-end. If you're critical, then you'll want a CDP or universal player (my preference). You'll need a good amp, since the ProAcs will reveal ANY weakness in your chain; however, it'll reward a well set up system. (The Linn/Rotel will likely jump that hurdle)

Ok, I'll spill all. I think the first dealer, with the ProAc/Linn/Rotel system is steering you to better sound. I was concerned however that you might want more bass. Personally, before I could afford true full-range speakers, I opted for small monitors with exceptional midrange and imaging (no longer available Celestion SL-600). The ProAcs fill that bill, but you'll sacrifice bass extension. I wanted to hear what you said about the B&Ws first.

The ProAcs driven by the system they're driving the B&Ws with will sound harsh and thin, so a side-by-side will be futile. What you really need is the B&Ws in the Linn/Rotel system for a valid comparison.

So, your priorities are what's important. Both speaker systems are valid and neither would be a "mistake"; however, if it were me, I'd go for the ProAc/Rotel/Linn system and make the computer purchase a separate decision.

Dave

Don't evaluate with your ear near a speaker. The larger the speaker the more discontinuity you'll hear. Back up to the listening position.

Take some of your favorite most complex music (with lots of things going on) to test coherance. If things "don't work together" you won't be able to pick out details within a large group or things will seem slightly muddied or unfocused. Really good systems let you hear the details, not with just solo classical guitar, but when lots of things are going on.

Don't be embarrassed to go back a couple of more times. You'll learn more and more as you realize what to listen for.

Dave

The Oppo is a universal disc player CD/DVD/SACD/DVD-A/mp3 etc. It does two-channel or video. It's a very good value.

Dave

Yes, you sound more like a Tablette person to me. Have you seen this review of the Classik?:
http://www.stereophile.com/digitalsourcereviews/307/
I think it would handle the B&Ws also very well.

I know that I'd prefer the Linn/ProAc system more.

Dave

04-01-08: Aktchi asked?:

Blu-Ray?

Not yet, but I bet it happens this year.

Dave