What bookshelf would you recommend with my setup?

[thephatp]

I have the current setup right now:

ASW600
LCR600
DM603 S3 (x2 -- front)

I'm looking for rear to make a 5.1 setup, and I'm wondering what I should get to complete my setup. I want to stay with B&W and within the series, so I'm trying to decide between the DM600/601/602.

My first thoughts were "Get the 602's, more sound, no regrets." But then, when I started thinking more logically, I've heard the 602s are pleasant FRONT speakers for many people, so they may be too much for what I need in the back.

I've not heard the 600s or 601s, and I've only heard the 602s as front channel. So, what would you recommend? Are the 602's too much? Are the 600's not enough? I do listen to a good amount of music, but in my house, the speakers will be within 4 feet of the main sitting area, so they will be REALLY close.

The room is VERY open (imaging TV wall with sound equip, right wall with windows, left wall is half wall into dining, and back is open to kitchen/breakfast nook), and it's all on ceramic tile.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

thephatp

 

[zildjian]

If it was me the difference between getting the 600,01,02 for surround use may be largely determined by the space you have relative to the size of the speakers. I wouldn't go with the 600's over the 601's if you have room for the 601s... and so forth with the 602's... if you have room for them, I'd go with the larger ones considering the 3 models. I have listened to all 3, and the 600's are nice, but again, if the room is available, I'd go with the larger 601's or 2's.

What are your feelings about the surround model in B&W's 600 series? DS6 S3? I haven't auditioned them (or I didn't pay attention if they were there, I was looking at bookshelf mains), but I personally like dipolar or bipolar surrounds vs the regular 600 or 601s... but you said you don't have a back wall and only a half wall on the left side, so I don't know how exactly you will be placing the speakers... If the DS6 S3 speakers would work positionwise, I'd consider them. Being dipolar or monopolar configurable, they give you the option of chosing what you like best, and if the speakers are going to be 4 feet away, they may be more diffuse sounding than the direct front firing models.
Brad

 

[thephatp]

What are your feelings about the surround model in B&W's 600 series? DS6 S3? I haven't auditioned them (or I didn't pay attention if they were there, I was looking at bookshelf mains), but I personally like dipolar or bipolar surrounds vs the regular 600 or 601s... but you said you don't have a back wall and only a half wall on the left side, so I don't know how exactly you will be placing the speakers... If the DS6 S3 speakers would work positionwise, I'd consider them. Being dipolar or monopolar configurable, they give you the option of chosing what you like best, and if the speakers are going to be 4 feet away, they may be more diffuse sounding than the direct front firing models.
Brad

I haven't really considered them, but I guess I could. I'd just always imagined having the bookshelf speakers, but I wouldn't be opposed to the DS6's. Do you know if there is a stand I could put them on? If not, I'd either have to mount them just below the ceiling (9'), or actually on the ceiling, neither of which would be very good options.

I also have plans to do a 7.1 setup eventually (already have the wiring in place). The only problem is that I have to piece it together. Plus, I'm not sure that I'm going to do the 7.1 just because the living room is smaller than I anticipated, and the middle channels would actually be a couple feet in front of me, either mounted 9' on the wall, or in the ceiling. So I'm not sure I'll actually do 7.1. Would it still be worth it if the speakers are in front of me?

Ok, back to the discussion...As far as the size of the room, I'd say it's fairly small. The dimensions are 15' wide by 17' deep. The only thing is that it's in a very open area, with ceramic tile. So I have a lot I have to deal with. And I don't want something over the top because my ears are pretty sensitive.

Here is a link to my current floorplan, and pics of my livingroom where the rear speakers will be.

Any more advice is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[zildjian]

Do you know if there is a stand I could put them on?

I assume any speaker stand of appropriate size would work.

Would it still be worth it if the speakers are in front of me?

I wouldn't place surround speakers in front of you. If they were to your sides it would be one thing, but not right in front of you.

 

[westcott]

If it was me the difference between getting the 600,01,02 for surround use may be largely determined by the space you have relative to the size of the speakers. I wouldn't go with the 600's over the 601's if you have room for the 601s... and so forth with the 602's... if you have room for them, I'd go with the larger ones considering the 3 models. I have listened to all 3, and the 600's are nice, but again, if the room is available, I'd go with the larger 601's or 2's.

What are your feelings about the surround model in B&W's 600 series? DS6 S3? I haven't auditioned them (or I didn't pay attention if they were there, I was looking at bookshelf mains), but I personally like dipolar or bipolar surrounds vs the regular 600 or 601s... but you said you don't have a back wall and only a half wall on the left side, so I don't know how exactly you will be placing the speakers... If the DS6 S3 speakers would work positionwise, I'd consider them. Being dipolar or monopolar configurable, they give you the option of chosing what you like best, and if the speakers are going to be 4 feet away, they may be more diffuse sounding than the direct front firing models.
Brad

I agree. Dipoles designs are well suited for surround speakers and I would consider them. In the end, you could not go that wrong with any B&W.

 

[mike c]

i would suggest the 601 as minimum. 602 if budget and space allows.

 

[thephatp]

I assume any speaker stand of appropriate size would work.

I haven't looked at the speakers in person. Do they have a way to mount on a pole/stand, or would it just be sitting them on the stand (no way to strap them down)?

I wouldn't place surround speakers in front of you. If they were to your sides it would be one thing, but not right in front of you.

Sorry, I guess I didn't make it clear above. I had transitioned for a moment to the sides (with a 7.1 setup that I would eventually like to do), and was wondering if it was ok to have the sides (middle channels) slightly in front of me.

I'll try to find them in a store soon, and take a listen!

One more question. With the setup that I have, do you think the spacing is just too narrow (too close to the sitting area) to take full advantage of the speakers (i.e., staging, etc.)?

Thanks again!