Speakers : B&W 685 v B&W CM5's

Hi,

I currently have the B&W 685 Theatre package :

http://www.whathifi.com/review/bw-685-theatre

I’m thinking of upgrading the left and right 685’s with B&W CM5’s :

http://www.bowers-wilkins.co.uk/Speakers/Home_Audio/CM_Series/CM5.html

I will of course audition the CM5’s before making a decision but I’m wondering if anyone has experience moving from one to the other ?

Thanks

 

That's what I use. No music just movies are played through it. I'm happy with the 685 series.

 

In my opinion the CM5s are definitely a step up, but I admit if I was primarily using the system for movies I'd probably not do the upgrade. If you listen to a lot of music (particularly 2 channel) then it might be worth the extra refinement you'll get out of the CM5s.

 

I don't watch very many movies actually, mostly live concert blu-rays, 5.1 channel music and stereo music

 

Might be worth the upgrade then.

 

Yeah, if music is your focus it might be worth pursuing this upgrade.

 

I bought the CM5s for a friend who uses them for both movies and music and she loves them. Do try them out but I have a feeling you'll like them a lot.

 

I love the 685's, if they are better than those, which they must be at the price, I think I'll he happy

Will audition in the next couple of weeks, they are going to be a birthday present to myself

 

The 685's are great little speaker at a fair price.

 

I'm off to audition the CM5's vs 685 this afternoon, I'll report back tomorrow

 

Great, I'd like to know what you think the differences in the speakers are.

 

So I went and listened to the CM5's yesterday, switching between those and my current 685's in the shops listening room and I was impressed. I took a CD of songs I know well (Steely Dan, Tool, The Police and Metallica) and when the music went from the 685's to the CM5's it seemed to open up a lot, the music seemed to be coming from a wider area in front of me rather than from a pair of speakers. Forgive my simple description but I guess that's what 'soundstage' means ??

I was also impressed with the beefier bass that they produced, not sure how much of an effect that will have in my system as I use a subwoofer but I'm sure it can only improve things.

Needless to say I bought the CM5's, unfortunately they weren't in stock so I will have to wait until Tuesday to pick them up. Now to put the 685's on eBay !!

 

Glad you liked them! That is indeed a bigger sound stage that you were hearing.

 

So how much larger can a sound stage get ?????

 

Those 685's will make a great little speaker for someone. Congrats on the new speakers!