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Question

HT B&W 685 s2 / Sonos / soundbar

Sep 5, 2016 12:59AM PDT

Currently I have an old Home Theater system: Harman & Kardon AVR 235 with JBL SCS200.5 satellite speakers. In the past I had a stereo 3-way speaker system with separated audio components: Yamaha AV730, Pioneer CT676 tape deck, Sony CD and I.Q. LK 3 speakers ( I came for a couple B&W is sale but they where sold out, I was 15y, newspaper job, saved money...)

My Problem:
1. Every time I use the system I have to hook up my rear speakers.
2. I also like to listen to, good quality sound, music (stereo).

My living room is 6x7,5m with an open kitchen, the actual sitting area is about 4 x 5. So behind my bench there 2m open space.

I want to bye a new system but I am very in doubt what to do.
- First I like to watch movies, with great sound. And secondly I like to put up some music with also good quality sound.

So to solve the rear-speakers problem I put my mind on the Philips Fidelio E5, years ago. But than I heard about the Sonos and the Denon Heos.
So one day I listen to the sound of these last 2 in the shop but I found them sound less than my current system. So that's why I put my mind (back) on the B&W 685 s2. With a new amp it could sound great again. They are small, so less worries with my wife,

But if I want to have HT I have to bye the sub (B&W ASW610), rear B&W 686 s2 and centre B&W HTM62 S2. And the new problem occurs. "big" rear speakers. I don not matter, but my wife does Sad
And it will coat me a lot of more money to spend Sad

And what amp, stereo, AV. Prefer around 500,- (euro).

So any good suggestions?
Setup? hardware?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
additional info
Sep 5, 2016 1:28AM PDT

Some additional info.
If there is an other great system you recommend I like to hear!
I also thought about a stereo amp with B&W and a separate sound bar.
Or a HT solution with the 685 front and some other in rear. I assume wireless in combination is a no-go because of delay.

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Answer
and the winner is
Oct 24, 2016 3:02AM PDT

Well, not because the answers where devastating or helping. Sad Angry Plain
But just for the those who has the same hope as I had to get some information around here from community users hereby the set it has become:

NAD T758, B&W 685 s2, B&W M-1, B&W ASW610, B&W HTM62 S2.

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Sounds great to me! ;)
Oct 24, 2016 11:25AM PDT

Sorry I missed your earlier post- I was in the process of moving into my new house(!) Wink

I would appreciate feedback on the NAD receiver you have- the whole idea of upgradable modules (their 'MDC' feature) is intriguing to me.

Enjoy!

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change in decision
Nov 7, 2016 8:55AM PST

Well Pepe7,

After being in much doubt I have decided to buy an other amplifier because the NAD is not compatible with 4k pass trhough. NAD sounded really good. But the missing 4K and a bit no streaming keep me away of making the final decision. What is to bad. NAD has a policy to keep there products clear of gimmicks, what I admire, but to keep products in this new digital world full of benefits in the way of listening and using music (and movies) they are walking behind in a world that is developing.

What I do know is they release there 4k module with Bluesound in a few months. And they will release a new NAD T758 (v2?) with these upgrades integrated. Unfortunately, the module will cost, in the Netherlands around 499,- and the new NAD T758 (v2?) will also be 500 euro more, from original price, 1699,- ? And that is over my budget.

So now I bought a Marantz 6010 I also listen too.
Because it's an older model it was more interesting in the total price overall.
It also has good reviews concerning the more complete Audyssey MultEQ. It has 4K pass through and streaming possibilities.

The delivery is this week, so I'm ready to rumble!

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Wow- that Marantz even has dual HDMI output??!! ;)
Nov 7, 2016 10:29AM PST

Now you are speaking my language!!

Keep us posted on your gear/system. I am trying to leverage as much input as possible before finally getting around to upgrading to a (proper, not kludge) 'whole home audio' solution.

cheers