So I was wondering about the focal and b&w...
1. Are 600 series and 700's similar standard? Ie are they comparable or are the 800's closer to the 600 series? I know that focal are more expensive for what u get due to higher cost of manufacturing in France vs china (600 series)
2. Main difference between b&w vs focal sound? What can I expect when I finally hear the 683?
3. Difference between denon 1510 sound and rotel 1520 sound? Since I want to be able to consider amp effect on 683 when I listen to it.
4. A room such as I described... 683 maybe a better option since it comes with plugs? Manage bass better...?
5. Any other thoughts?
To be honest I already listened to 683s but wasn't impressed but this is due to the fact that the shop was renovating and they ha them in a padded room which allowed no reflection at all. So I want to give them another chance in a similar environment to when i tested the focals
1. The 700's should be closer to the 800's.
2. You have to hear it for yourself, the specs are comparable and the 683 has better low bass response.
3. I think the Denon will have more power for your speakers in the real world, when continuous power is not as important as peak/dynamic power capability.
4. Hard to say, your best bet is to run Audyssey and let it EQ the bass, you can bypass the L/R channel if you don't like its effect, but let it take care of the bass.
5. Those speakers could probably do better in your not too small room with more power than the Denon 1510, if you like to listen a little loud and/or music contents good dynamic range. I would get a 4311 for that room, for a littel over 1k it is the best deal right now if you can find it. Your room being full of windows, tiles and concrete, you should benefit from the 4311's Audyssey XT32. It is also 4 ohm rated so quite suitable for either the B&W or the Focal, both have impedance dips below 4 ohms.
