B&W Home Theater setup

[Movie2099]

which receiver are you using with 703s ? i was mrantz 6014 will that be a good pair?

I have the Pioneer Elite SC-LX701 paired with and Outlaw 5000 amp. I'm only using the amp for my front 3 which gives them a smidge over 200w/ch. I left my surrounds in the receiver which gives them 135w/ch. I'm only running a 5.1 right now.

Only reason I have the Pioneer is because I got a really good deal on it from Magnolia a couple years ago. I purchased the Outlaw on Audiogon and got it for very good deal. I will say I got my 703's for a very good deal working with Magnolia. I don't endorse Magnolia at all, but my experiences have been alright. Just need to speak with the right people. Since you want B&W, they specialize in that product and love that product and can most likely find you some sweet deals and discounts that only they can get. Just an option.

 

[ankur]

I'm a pretty big fan of the B&W 800-series speakers I've owned in the past.

I am having trouble reconciling a $19k budget and B&W 703's (which max at ~$2k/speaker; but realistically a system won't average that high).

I agree with a Yamaha, Marantz, etc. Buy an AVR based on the features you want. If you want to future-resist; make sure the model has pre-outs and you can add an external amp if you wish later.

For my own home theater, I went with theater-designed speakers (Klipsch KL-650-thx) for their sensitivity and placement options. Elsewhere in the house, I'm a big Salk fan.

But regardless of speaker choice: resist overspending on the solid-state parts.

below are the details; any feedback to optimize it will be great

Receiver	AnthemMRX 1120 US	3500​
Projector	SonyVPLVW295ES	4999​
Center Speaker	B&WHTM71 S2 Gloss Black	1499​
Dome Speakers	KlipschPRO16RC * 2	698​
Sub-Woofer	REL AcousticsT/9i - BLACK * 2	2198​
	Custom Labor 2 Men	960​
	Wiring	270​
	Projector Mount	270​
	Remote and control	1125​
Floor Speakers	B&W703 S2 Gloss Black	4000​

 

[ankur]

I have the Pioneer Elite SC-LX701 paired with and Outlaw 5000 amp. I'm only using the amp for my front 3 which gives them a smidge over 200w/ch. I left my surrounds in the receiver which gives them 135w/ch. I'm only running a 5.1 right now.

Only reason I have the Pioneer is because I got a really good deal on it from Magnolia a couple years ago. I purchased the Outlaw on Audiogon and got it for very good deal. I will say I got my 703's for a very good deal working with Magnolia. I don't endorse Magnolia at all, but my experiences have been alright. Just need to speak with the right people. Since you want B&W, they specialize in that product and love that product and can most likely find you some sweet deals and discounts that only they can get. Just an option.

this is a fair advice; will connect with Magnolia people

 

[Movie2099]

below are the details; any feedback to optimize it will be great

Receiver	AnthemMRX 1120 US	3500​
Projector	SonyVPLVW295ES	4999​
Center Speaker	B&WHTM71 S2 Gloss Black	1499​
Dome Speakers	KlipschPRO16RC * 2	698​
Sub-Woofer	REL AcousticsT/9i - BLACK * 2	2198​
	Custom Labor 2 Men	960​
	Wiring	270​
	Projector Mount	270​
	Remote and control	1125​
Floor Speakers	B&W703 S2 Gloss Black	4000​

Speaker choice is excellent. I would change your dome speakers to B&W. Stick with same speaker materials and quality. Not sold on the REL subwoofers. I think for what you are paying you can get better elsewhere, SVS, HSU, Monoprice. You could get two nice subwoofers for under $2500. Anthem is a solid product. Personally I wouldn't spend the money on a receiver when you get quality speakers. I would go the pre/pro route. I think if you were to look at some nice processors and pair it with a nice amp you would be better off. Your receiver won't be able to push those speakers by itself. The Sony 295ES is a solid projector. It's 4k, but entry level 4k. I'd say drop down to the Epson 5050ub, shave off the half that price and put it towards processor and amp.

 

[JerryLove]

Speaker choice is excellent. I would change your dome speakers to B&W. Stick with same speaker materials and quality. Not sold on the REL subwoofers. I think for what you are paying you can get better elsewhere, SVS, HSU, Monoprice. You could get two nice subwoofers for under $2500. Anthem is a solid product. Personally I wouldn't spend the money on a receiver when you get quality speakers. I would go the pre/pro route. I think if you were to look at some nice processors and pair it with a nice amp you would be better off. Your receiver won't be able to push those speakers by itself. The Sony 295ES is a solid projector. It's 4k, but entry level 4k. I'd say drop down to the Epson 5050ub, shave off the half that price and put it towards processor and amp.

I'm going to go the opposite route and suggest that there's overspending on the AVR.

I've no opinion on projectors... I lack the knowledge to speak intelligently on it; but I don't see benefit in spending this much on the receiver.

Even when using external amps, AVRs with Pre-outs are still the more cost-effective way to go (plus you can us the built in amps for the surrounds and only externally power what you need to)

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Do not buy the real t9. It’s a 10”, with an f6 if 28hz. That’s much too small, and the low end FR much too high for HT. Not to mention the dynamic range of the B&W’s is very likely to be better. The usual recommendations of Rythmik, HSU, PSA, SVS, Monolith monolith series etc, will give fat better performance, and much better value.

 

[Movie2099]

I'm going to go the opposite route and suggest that there's overspending on the AVR.

I've no opinion on projectors... I lack the knowledge to speak intelligently on it; but I don't see benefit in spending this much on the receiver.

Even when using external amps, AVRs with Pre-outs are still the more cost-effective way to go (plus you can us the built in amps for the surrounds and only externally power what you need to)

I mean you could go either way. I have an AVR using the pre-outs so I can't say it's bad. But I know going forward for my next theater build I will be going with a nice processor and nice amps. No AVR. I'm more or less just suggesting that because if he's willing to spend that much just on the AVR I think he would be better off going down the separates route at that price. He could pick up the Marantz AV7705 for $2200 and get the Outlaw 5000 or 7000x for $650/$980 and he would be around the same price point or cheaper if he only needed 5 channels.

Just my 2cents.

 

[JerryLove]

I mean you could go either way. I have an AVR using the pre-outs so I can't say it's bad. But I know going forward for my next theater build I will be going with a nice processor and nice amps. No AVR. I'm more or less just suggesting that because if he's willing to spend that much just on the AVR I think he would be better off going down the separates route at that price. He could pick up the Marantz AV7705 for $2200 and get the Outlaw 5000 or 7000x for $650/$980 and he would be around the same price point or cheaper if he only needed 5 channels.

My home theater runs off a lovely Onkyo I picked up for $499.

Almost everything else runs off something I got used.

 

[2channel lover]

I think you should go with the 700's. You won't regret spending the extra money. I have the CWM703's for my theater and they are flipping amazing. The sound quality and experience is all top notch. Not only for movies, but for music too. Spend the most on your front stage.

Bowers and Wilkins speakers are high end speakers. Lots of people on here are not fans for whatever reason. They are very brand loyal to other things. B&W are very well respected speakers and I have not seen a single negative review on them at all over the internet. Each model has their pluses and minuses, but overall each speaker series is very well made and includes very nice materials and they do measure well when put to the test. You can't go wrong with them. I only wish I could afford their 800 D3 Diamonds!

Good post.

I've owned a pair of B&W 804M (matrix) for 22+ years now. I recently upgraded to the Salk Song 3A....

For whatever reason...prior to buying new speakers...I demoed a lot...the 804D3, and 803, and just for sh@ts and giggles (the 802D3) in the B&W line...then I ventured out and started demoing other speakers that were noted to be more neutral in terms of accurately playing back what's on the recording. That's when I started drifting away from B&W.

For me, I still like the 800 series speakers but price and accuracy to the recording were the biggest reasons for not building my new system around the B&W line.

 

[Movie2099]

My home theater runs off a lovely Onkyo I picked up for $499.

Almost everything else runs off something I got used.

I keep my eyes open for things on the used market. I will actually check their first before going the brand new route. I purchased my Outlaw 5000 amp used and it's worked flawlessly. Got it for $425. I will say when I purchased my Pioneer Elite receiver I was a home theater newbie and the Magnolia guy talked me into it because he was offering a deal for it that shaved off almost $500. Now, I've had no problems with it, but the funny thing is I don't ever see a lot of discussions from people using Pioneer AVR's. I've seen positive reviews of them, but all the home theater websites I've come across I just don't see many people recommending them. More people talk about Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc..

 

[Movie2099]

Good post.

I've owned a pair of B&W 804M (matrix) for 22+ years now. I recently upgraded to the Salk Song 3A....

For whatever reason...prior to buying new speakers...I demoed a lot...the 804D3, and 803, and just for sh@ts and giggles (the 802D3) in the B&W line...then I ventured out and started demoing other speakers that were noted to be more neutral in terms of accurately playing back what's on the recording. That's when I started drifting away from B&W.

For me, I still like the 800 series speakers but price and accuracy to the recording were the biggest reasons for not building my new system around the B&W line.

I will say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my CWM703's. They were a significant upgrade over what I previously had and I have no regrets doing it. Before going down that route I did demo some Monitor Audio speakers that were pretty darn nice, but I felt like I couldn't find enough reviews out there for their speakers to justify the cost. I felt more comfortable with B&W (minus getting a very sweet deal for them) but they have a great history and make very quality products.

I'm looking forward to demoing some RBH SI-6100R in-walls here in a couple of weeks. I've narrowed down my list for my next theater build and I'm pretty sold on using RBH speakers. They look like a very solid company with a great reputation and the reviews I've seen out there for their products have been top notch. Other reviews not on Audioholics. I know Gene loves them and promotes them a lot. But I've seen nothing but great feedback from actual users. So would feel comfortable using their products for a build. If they didn't work out for some reason, I know I would be totally comfortable going with B&W's again.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Do you have an example of the measurements of their $30K speaker? Not inciting anything, just genuinely curious.

These are 802Ds and 800Ds.

You can also Google reviews from Stereophile, Home Theater Magazine, Sound and Vision Magazine.

Their Off-Axis look worse than their on-axis.

 

[2channel lover]

I will say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my CWM703's. They were a significant upgrade over what I previously had and I have no regrets doing it. Before going down that route I did demo some Monitor Audio speakers that were pretty darn nice, but I felt like I couldn't find enough reviews out there for their speakers to justify the cost. I felt more comfortable with B&W (minus getting a very sweet deal for them) but they have a great history and make very quality products.

I'm looking forward to demoing some RBH SI-6100R in-walls here in a couple of weeks. I've narrowed down my list for my next theater build and I'm pretty sold on using RBH speakers. They look like a very solid company with a great reputation and the reviews I've seen out there for their products have been top notch. Other reviews not on Audioholics. I know Gene loves them and promotes them a lot. But I've seen nothing but great feedback from actual users. So would feel comfortable using their products for a build. If they didn't work out for some reason, I know I would be totally comfortable going with B&W's again.

RBH is a good brand I have their book shelf speakers...B&W is good brand...lot of good brands out there.

Monitor Audio...I demoed the gold 300...really nice speaker that I was leaning towards until I discover the Salk line. FWIW, I would never tell a person not to buy anything unless I just knew it was trash. So I would never tell a person not to buy B&W. I don't really care for Klipsch (it's a me thing), but I've suggested them to people several times where they seem to be the best fit. It's a well respected brand.

My suggestion for any speaker purchase is demo as much as you can and keep the demo material consistent. Demo a few out of your price range just to see what you may (or may not be missing).

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm a pretty big fan of the B&W 800-series speakers I've owned in the past.

You mean the 800 Matrix, which were among the best measured and best regarded speakers in their days.

 

[Movie2099]

RBH is a good brand I have their book shelf speakers...B&W is good brand...lot of good brands out there.

Monitor Audio...I demoed the gold 300...really nice speaker that I was leaning towards until I discover the Salk line. FWIW, I would never tell a person not to buy anything unless I just knew it was trash. So I would never tell a person not to buy B&W. I don't really care for Klipsch (it's a me thing), but I've suggested them to people several times where they seem to be the best fit. It's a well respected brand.

My suggestion for any speaker purchase is demo as much as you can and keep the demo material consistent. Demo a few out of your price range just to see what you may (or may not be missing).

I agree with you. I will admit that I don't have as much speaker experience as a good majority of the people on this site, but I have been building up my speaker knowledge and staying up to date on the the good and bad's of certain companies and products. It just boggle my mind how many people on here are negative towards one of the most respected speaker companies on the market (B&W). I do believe all the best recording studios in the world like Disney, Skywalker Ranch and Abbey Road Studios all use Diamond Series B&W. I mean that has to speak some volumes there about the company and product being put out there.

I will have to check out the Salk line. Don't know much about them. I will say a product line i'm not too keen on is Sonus Faber. I think they're owned by McIntosh now. Some people are to the moon with them, but I've seen some pretty negative things regarding them. Do you have any experience with them?

 

[JerryLove]

You mean the 800 Matrix, which were among the best measured and best regarded speakers in their days.

Those are them.
Also didn't have the 801N's I had.

 

[JerryLove]

I do believe all the best recording studios in the world like Disney, Skywalker Ranch and Abbey Road Studios all use Diamond Series B&W. I mean that has to speak some volumes there about the company and product being put out there.

I'm going to go out on a limb and believe that Skywalker uses THX certified equipment. Best I can tell, that does not include B&W towers.

I will have to check out the Salk line. Don't know much about them. I will say a product line i'm not too keen on is Sonus Faber. I think they're owned by McIntosh now. Some people are to the moon with them, but I've seen some pretty negative things regarding them. Do you have any experience with them?

Salk is amazing.

Amazing sound with heritage-grade cabinet work.

I highly recommend them, especially for music rooms.

For home theater, I will certainly not push someone away from Salk; but I found a better personal match with higher-efficiency, for-theater designs (Klipsch KL-650 THX's).

 

[John Parks]

I'm going to go out on a limb and believe that Skywalker uses THX certified equipment. Best I can tell, that does not include B&W towers.


Salk is amazing.

Amazing sound with heritage-grade cabinet work.

I highly recommend them, especially for music rooms.

For home theater, I will certainly not push someone away from Salk; but I found a better personal match with higher-efficiency, for-theater designs (Klipsch KL-650 THX's).

 

[JerryLove]

View attachment 34413

It looks like (and this is out of date now) Skywalker ranch used primarily M&K (THX certified) but used some amount of others (B&W, Blue Sky); possibly for marketing reasons

Skywalker Sound so which speakers do they use?

Ok Mr Lucas which is it? According to B&W its not M&K http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=local.news&ObjectID=77450F53-CE74-4B25-A9837A85737DCB01 George Lucas recording studio, Skywalker Sound features new B&W Nautilus 802's surround system "We are extremely proud that...

www.avforums.com

 

[2channel lover]

I agree with you. I will admit that I don't have as much speaker experience as a good majority of the people on this site, but I have been building up my speaker knowledge and staying up to date on the the good and bad's of certain companies and products. It just boggle my mind how many people on here are negative towards one of the most respected speaker companies on the market (B&W). I do believe all the best recording studios in the world like Disney, Skywalker Ranch and Abbey Road Studios all use Diamond Series B&W. I mean that has to speak some volumes there about the company and product being put out there.

I will have to check out the Salk line. Don't know much about them. I will say a product line i'm not too keen on is Sonus Faber. I think they're owned by McIntosh now. Some people are to the moon with them, but I've seen some pretty negative things regarding them. Do you have any experience with them?

I can't speak for anyone else, but I like B&W...agreed, the 800 series line is one of the most respected speaker lines in the world, thus relationships with Studios like Abbey Road. Much like McIntosh, Krell, some of the iconic brands in highend audio, owning these products means to own the brand that they have carefully developed and nutured for many years.

Not that they don't make good quality products, but one I think those companies share...to sustain their world wide images, the products have to be good, but the marketing depts probably have some of the highest paid, brightest minds in the company.

Salk Sound is an internet direct sale company that focuses on delivering high quality drivers sourced from around the world paired with crossovers by one of the best men in crossover electronics...Dennis Murphy...Salk's niche was to house his speaker drivers in custom furniture grade speaker cabinets.

With no middle man mark up he can offer audiophile grade speakers starting around $2k a pair for floorstanders.