Creating a new 2.1 stereo system

[Vipick]

I am planning on getting the b&w 685 $700, energy 8' 240W sub $280, and marantz slimline 250W $300. It will be in a room 16x23. What do you guys think of it? Thanks

 

[markw]

The receiver is fine. If you've heard the speakers and like them, you're fine also.

As for the sub, you can get better bang for your buck from a Dayton sub from parts express, particularly if you can follow simple instructions and can wield a screwdriver without inflicting harm upon yourself.

http://www.parts-express.com/cat/powered-subwoofers/95

But, as another alternative, I got one of these a few years ago and don't regret it at all

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M

In any case, that's quite a large space for those speakers and that amp. If you don't go car-azy with volume, you should do "OK".

 

[Vipick]

I know it's a large space and I think I would be ok with it but I want to keep the sound quality of the speakers but I am at the end of my budget. I also listened to them. Which Dayton sub would you recommend and the BIC looks like a good sub for the money.

 

[markw]

With the Dayton, or any for that matter, subs generally the best you can afford will be your best bet. You can always turn 'em down if you need to, but the opposite is not true.

 

[KEW]

I am planning on getting the b&w 685 $700, energy 8' 240W sub $280, and marantz slimline 250W $300. It will be in a room 16x23. What do you guys think of it? Thanks

As Mark said, if you've heard and like the 685's. that is that; however, I heard them and was not impressed (it was years ago and I am afraid that I cannot remember what it was I didn't like).

If you are looking for alternatives, indicate "looking for best speakers for around $700" in your next post and if you have some specific desires for the speakers (play really really loud, accurate vs warm, etc.). The size of the room you will put them in and the type of music you listen to.

Indicate your general location. If you are near me in Ga, I have an Energy 8 sub you can try out and the Dayton sub Mark recommends (and I agree with his statement, the $150 Dayton SUB-1200 is better, but if you need the compactness of the Energy 8, it is good for it's size and price).

What is the receiver model number?

BTW, good on you for asking before you bought. Your list is far better than most, but many come on here and say "I just bought X, Y, & Z! What do you think?"

 

[big O]

why not a used preamp and two channel amp? i bet you you could put something together for $300 that 15 years ago sold for $4000. its crazy seeing a preamp that once sold for $3000 now going for $150.

also, people are upgrading or downsizing all the time. you can get much better value for your money buying used. where are you and what does your used market look like?

 

[theJman]

I am planning on getting the b&w 685 $700, energy 8' 240W sub $280, and marantz slimline 250W $300. It will be in a room 16x23. What do you guys think of it? Thanks

Nice speakers + mediocre subwoofer = unhappy owner. You might want to save for a bit longer and buy a sub that would complement the speakers, not insult them. If you try to blend that setup I somehow imagine you'll regret it in the long run.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Imo You could do much better than B&W 685 at this price. Ascend CMT-340SE with stands will be better and will fill your large room easier.
Not sure which Energy sub you're looking at, back in the days (before Klipsch takeover) Energy had build some VERY very nice subs, like S8.3 and S10.3, but I'm afraid new ones are not nearly as good.

This one would probably be better fit for your room size:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1500-15-150-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-634

 

[zieglj01]

I am planning on getting the b&w 685 $700, energy 8' 240W sub $280, and marantz slimline 250W $300. It will be in a room 16x23. What do you guys think of it? Thanks

What you like (speakers) is what you like - however, I would try to squeeze a little
more for a subwoofer - something like the HSU STF-2 subwoofer.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Your call