I need your expertise - 685S2 v Rp-160M

[ThunderClap]

Hello all ,

Yamaha 1060 avr

Svs sub

I can go bookshelves- your suggestions for these two ? Or possibly something else ?

I m looking @ jbl 230 as well

Thx


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[lovinthehd]

What have you heard and liked or is this a blind buy? Are you trying to stick to big box type brands or are internet direct brands also on the menu? What's the budget? Just for L/R speakers? What do you have now?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

$700 or $400 for a pair?? Why such wide range, Why these specific models? Do you happen to have BB Employee 50% discount off or something?
I am going to assume your actual budget is closer to $400.
Answer is a easy one, these:
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html
Unless you'd find something amazing deal 2nd hand you won't beat these with anything from BB even 3x the price. (Thou Sony Core are not terrible)

 

[speakerman39]

Of the three speakers the OP mentions, I would easily opt for the B&W 685 S2's w/o even hesitating. The S2's tweeter and mids have been significantly improved over the S1 versions. In fact, the drivers employed in the 685 S2's are the same exact drivers used in the CM S2 series. However, the CM S2 series has much better cabinet finishes, bracing, and/or higher end crossover components. Thus, the difference in expense.

As a few have asked, we just need more info from the OP to really give good advice. Perhaps, the OP will help in that regard.


Phil

 

[ThunderClap]

Looking to keep
It @ $500 ish

I watched a guy on YouTube highly regarded Tharbamar and he panned the 685's and loved the rp 160 m..

I heard 685 @ bb sounded good until I saw his video - cast doubt


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[lovinthehd]

Can't imagine making a speaker judgment on a youtube video myself. Let alone the opinion of "a guy on youtube" I did hear 685s a while back and wasn't impressed myself. Have Studio JBLs, but the 5xx series. No experience with the RP Klipsch altho I'd like to try them from what I've read. I think you should consider the Philharmonic AAs, maybe these Ascend 340SEs

 

[ThunderClap]

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[speakerman39]

Looking to keep
It @ $500 ish

I watched a guy on YouTube highly regarded Tharbamar and he panned the 685's and loved the rp 160 m..

I heard 685 @ bb sounded good until I saw his video - cast doubt


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I agree with Chris in that a speaker should never be judged by a youtube video. Are you using mainly for music or are you more into HT? In your price range there are a lot of good speakers to consider. Are these the ONLY (3) that you are considering you listed in your original post? How big is your room and more importantly how far is the sweet spot from your front-stage? Lastly, what are you using to power said speakers?

Personally, I really like the B&W 685 S2's. Right now though, I prefer my Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary speakers more so to my B&W CM1 S1's. But, my preference is at least 90% music listening and only 10% HT. The Dentons can be had for $500 shipped! They are great for music with no listening fatigue at all. Very warm and laid back, yet also very detailed. Here is a link for the Dentons:

https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/wharfedale-denton-80th-anniversary-bookshelf-speakers-pr



Phil

 

[ThunderClap]

From all I'm seeing on review sites - the klipsch rp- 160 m are an unmatched Bookshelf speaker ?
People rave but they are huge and imo not a true bookshelf.


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[zieglj01]

From all I'm seeing on review sites - the klipsch rp- 160 m are an unmatched Bookshelf speaker ?
People rave but they are huge and imo not a true bookshelf.

I would keep the JBL Studio 230 on a short list

All reviews are subjective -- it comes down to preference and taste -- and no one can speak for your ears. You may or may not like Klipsch

For the budget minded, the Sony Core speakers are good

 

[ThunderClap]

Yeah I can't decide: the 685 s2 v the 230 v the 160m

I want all three lol , I keep reading reviews and I find all 3 to be highly regarded - people Love those 230's.


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[speakerman39]

Yeah I can't decide: the 685 s2 v the 230 v the 160m

I want all three lol , I keep reading reviews and I find all 3 to be highly regarded - people Love those 230's.


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Maybe this will help make your decision:


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-bowers-and-wilkins-685-s2-2017-05-14-speakers-80526-fort-collins-co


Here is the smaller matching center:


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-bowers-and-wilkins-htm62-s2-2017-05-14-speakers-80526-fort-collins-co


Not sure if you are interested in a center or not, but posted it just in case. Both look to be in pristine condition. Just thought that I would mention them since seeing posted for sale. Good luck in making your decision.



Phil

 

[zieglj01]

people Love those 230's.

That might be a strong hint.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Looking to keep It @ $500 ish ....

I think you should consider the Philharmonic AAs, maybe these Ascend 340SEs

This +100

 

[speakerman39]

The B&W 685 S2's that I linked are $600 shipped and look to be in pristine condition. The OP wants to stay closer to $500 ish. As such, if he decides on the 685 S2's, then the link I provided offers a very viable option. Moreover, I also provided a link for the matching center just in case the OP was thinking about going in that direction. I do, however, wish the OP the very best in rendering HIS decision!


Phil

 

[ThunderClap]

Awesome find Phil thanx ! It's down to these 685 's & the rp 160 m!
Jbl is out
Hmmmmm.... decisions decisions ....


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[speakerman39]

Awesome find Phil thanx ! It's down to these 685 's & the rp 160 m!
Jbl is out
Hmmmmm.... decisions decisions ....


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There is no right or wrong answer here. It all boils down to what sounds best to your ears. As for me, this would be a rather easy decision for me. What sounds best to you and fits into your budget is what it is all about. We all have different needs and /or goals. Both are excellent choices inmho. Best wishes!


Phil

 

[ThunderClap]

There is no right or wrong answer here. It all boils down to what sounds best to your ears. As for me, this would be a rather easy decision for me. What sounds best to you and fits into your budget is what it is all about. We all have different needs and /or goals. Both are excellent choices inmho. Best wishes!


Phil

Why would you so easily choose 685?


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[ThunderClap]

This has me thrown

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[zieglj01]

This has me thrown

Speaker reviews tend to be subjective and preference -- and no ears are alike. You need to give speakers a test drive -- that is to audition. While YouTube can give some insight, I tend to ignore most of them and they are the last source that I depend on. There is no perfect speaker out there. It comes down to what is good enough and perfect enough for you.