An update to those who helped

[zumbo]

Wouldn't enclosure volume have an impact also?

Sure. Along with port, and placement. But, one really shouldn't be concerned about bass when auditioning such a speaker. I have never auditioned Totem, so I can't say either way. But, B&W's are just sooooooo good at mids. It's sometimes better to audition such a speaker with a sub, as well as alone. One might miss what B&W has worked so hard at perfecting. If I were just to play my Cerwin Vegas in 2-channel, compared to my Quarts in 2-channel, many people may think the Cerwins blow the Quarts away. (I know a lot of stupid people) However, add the sub to the mix, and you quickly begin to understand how much better the Quarts are at what they were designed to do.

 

[EJ1]

Sure. Along with port, and placement. But, one really shouldn't be concerned about bass when auditioning such a speaker. I have never auditioned Totem, so I can't say either way. But, B&W's are just sooooooo good at mids. It's sometimes better to audition such a speaker with a sub, as well as alone. One might miss what B&W has worked so hard at perfecting. If I were just to play my Cerwin Vegas in 2-channel, compared to my Quarts in 2-channel, many people may think the Cerwins blow the Quarts away. (I know a lot of stupid people) However, add the sub to the mix, and you quickly begin to understand how much better the Quarts are at what they were designed to do.

The B&W's can sound a little bright to people. Is that a normal tendency for them?

 

[zumbo]

The B&W's can sound a little bright to people. Is that a normal tendency for them?

I have heard that a good bit, but I don't consider them to be bright. You never know how people in different demo rooms have a system set. This is another huge reason I don't spend too much time in different shops. Many of the places available to me will have some twenty year-old(no offense meant) working for minimum wage running the room. And, other shops may have older people who just don't have the experience to be doing what they are doing. My guy at my local B&W dealer knows exactly how to set-up a system. They offer Klipsch as their entry-level brand. That, is what I consider bright. Even harsh.

 

[Neijii]

Both speakers were hooked up to the same receiver/amp with the same wiring. I just liked the sound on the Totems more. And like you said, the 685s were made in China, these in Canada.

The guy who helped me actually went to MIT for audio something...doesn't matter, I'm happy with the purchase.

 

[zumbo]

Both speakers were hooked up to the same receiver/amp with the same wiring. I just liked the sound on the Totems more. And like you said, the 685s were made in China, these in Canada.

The guy who helped me actually went to MIT for audio something...doesn't matter, I'm happy with the purchase.

The wiring comment was a joke.

 

[EJ1]

I have heard that a good bit, but I don't consider them to be bright. You never know how people in different demo rooms have a system set. This is another huge reason I don't spend too much time in different shops. Many of the places available to me will have some twenty year-old(no offense meant) working for minimum wage running the room. And, other shops may have older people who just don't have the experience to be doing what they are doing. My guy at my local B&W dealer knows exactly how to set-up a system. They offer Klipsch as their entry-level brand. That, is what I consider bright. Even harsh.

Good point. And yes, I've heard many people mention that they can only listen to Klipsch speakers for a little while until they can't take it anymore.

 

[Neijii]

Well here's a pic. It looks a lot nicer in person lol...still working on the wires.

 

[3db]

I have heard that a good bit, but I don't consider them to be bright. You never know how people in different demo rooms have a system set. This is another huge reason I don't spend too much time in different shops. Many of the places available to me will have some twenty year-old(no offense meant) working for minimum wage running the room. And, other shops may have older people who just don't have the experience to be doing what they are doing. My guy at my local B&W dealer knows exactly how to set-up a system. They offer Klipsch as their entry-level brand. That, is what I consider bright. Even harsh.

Specialty audio shops is where you want to go instead of these huge chain stores. As far as B&W goes, liking a speaker is purely subjective and I noticed a few shocked looks on this thread when Totem was picked over B&W. It didn't surprise me. Totem makes some really kick *** speakers but unfortunately alot of these are inefficient and require a real robust amp to drive them.

 

[Neijii]

You should go listen to the 685 and Mite side by side if you can...i found that there was a big difference.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

the 685s were made in China

What?

They make some B&W speakers in China now?

It's not bad, of course, but just interesing!

What other B&W speakers are made in China?

 

[Neijii]

The lower ends, like the ones I was looking at...not sure about the others.

 

[EJ1]

What?

They make some B&W speakers in China now?

It's not bad, of course, but just interesing!

What other B&W speakers are made in China?

I believe just the 600 series and they have strict QC.

 

[zumbo]

Specialty audio shops is where you want to go instead of these huge chain stores. As far as B&W goes, liking a speaker is purely subjective and I noticed a few shocked looks on this thread when Totem was picked over B&W. It didn't surprise me. Totem makes some really kick *** speakers but unfortunately alot of these are inefficient and require a real robust amp to drive them.

Stereo shop, specialty shop, however you want to word it. Doesn't matter here, all but one have the type employee I mentioned. BB, CC, and others are for the typical American audio consumer. You should know there is nothing typical about my system.