2. speakers
  3. 1139332669

"The B&W Sound"

Does the "B&W sound" that may critics complain about have more to do with design or materials (perhaps both)? (i.e.: does a metal dome tweeter always impart a bright signature, or does it depend more on the crossover design?) I don't hate my 703's, but I'm certainly not satisfied either. I have been considering speakers that utilize a soft dome tweeter. What are the signatures (i.e.: weaknesses) of a soft dome design (if any)? Most importantly, what speakers will: 1.) Play at least as loud as the 703's (yes, I'm a product of the 70's -louder is better); 2.) Offer superior highs (smother, but still detailed); 3.) Rival or better the 703's bass response; 4.) Cost less!! ($2,000 - $3,000 range)??? I would like to hear from previous B&W users - preferably those who have replaced their 703's with speakers that offer a less fatiguing (i.e.: bright/harsh) sound.

Thanks,

Ben
2chnlben
baffled
106 posts
 
Listen closely to what Sugarbrie said. I was very unhappy with my 800N's until I started upgrading the digital front end. A high end tube CDP added bass and smoothed out the treble a bit. I have a new tube preamp on the way. New cables too. I am confident my speakers are going to sound great.
You should have no trouble auditioning your speakers with some good gear. There seems to be a B&W dealer on every corner.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the 703's are very nice with the proper gear. no need to upgrade without a really big jump in price.
super_agent_86
23 posts
 
I do not have "the right stuff". Moving from CDN 1NT to Tylers Linbrooks ( Seas Tweeter). I can´t listen to music more than an hour!!! Having B & W´s speakers for than eight years, I feel is enough.
midirons
42 posts
 
Ben - Maybe you've already thought about some of this but....What about your room? It can, and likely does, have a huge impact on the sound of your system. What about speaker placement? Try listening with them straight ahead, then toe them in slightly, etc. There are a number of tweaks that will change and, in many cases, improve the sound of any speakers. Besides, tweaking the room is part of the fun. Good luck.
maclogan
49 posts
 
Someone here or on another audio forum recently reported taming the treble output of B&W CDM1s by upgrading capacitor(s) in the crossover network. I didn't take a note of this because I got rid of mine after 6 years of struggle trying to integrate them into a suitable system. If they hadn't been so good in all other respects I wouldn't have bothered, but a combination of warm amp (Plinius 8150) and cdp (Arcam CD93) still didn't work. It wasn't that the treble was harsh or otherwise objectionable - there was just too much of it. I've ended up happily with New Zealand-made Image speakers with Morel drivers, including a soft-dome tweeter, but these are not yet readily available outside NZ.

In the same room with the same ancillaries they give an all-round better performance than either the CDM1s or the newer 704 or 705 models (which I've trialled) at less than half the price. But if I had been able to tame the treble on the CDM1s it is quite likely I would have held on to them for life. I've got no issues with the rest of their pwerformance.
More to discover