Built To Chill
Prominent Member
I have agreement for a 5.1 HT speaker upgrade .
Agreed budget is ~£2,000, which I plan to spend on the front stage: i.e. L, R and centre channel.
Current 5.1 setup includes Wharfedale 220s along the front (~£100/pair), two of which I will use as surrounds in the new setup. In the short-mid term I plan to additionally buy a decent (like a BK PB12).
I currently have my sights on Kef or Bowers and Wilkins. Although I'm confused whether to go for their budget ranges - i.e. Kef Q / B&W 6000 - where I can afford the largest towers, or instead go for their next tier, where I can just about afford the smallest towers + matching centre (Kef R5, B & W 704 S2).
Also, the speakers will have to be close to the wall, as in the pictures. Perhaps ~20cm out. I appreciate this will hamper their performance but it is non-negoitable. So any insights into how Kef vs B&W perform relatively with this constraint would be gratefully received.
As would any other suggestions/thoughts.
Many thanks.
Agreed budget is ~£2,000, which I plan to spend on the front stage: i.e. L, R and centre channel.
Current 5.1 setup includes Wharfedale 220s along the front (~£100/pair), two of which I will use as surrounds in the new setup. In the short-mid term I plan to additionally buy a decent (like a BK PB12).
- Room is 6m x 4m total size. "TV Area" (in the pictures) is just one end: 2.5m x 4m.
- I have my heart fairly set on towers for front L & R.
- AVR is a Denon 4700H. I may run the L & R through a separate amp in the future, but ideally want something that will sound ok in the meantime.
- I know that I like warm speakers, and given the wooden flooring, want to avoid anything even slightly on the forward/bright side. From reading I've pretty much ruled out Monitor Audio, Klipsch, Dali and SVS. But do let me know if you feel incorrectly. I have had bad experiences selling expensive speakers that have proven to harsh for my tastes/environment, so am particularly concerned about tone.
I currently have my sights on Kef or Bowers and Wilkins. Although I'm confused whether to go for their budget ranges - i.e. Kef Q / B&W 6000 - where I can afford the largest towers, or instead go for their next tier, where I can just about afford the smallest towers + matching centre (Kef R5, B & W 704 S2).
Also, the speakers will have to be close to the wall, as in the pictures. Perhaps ~20cm out. I appreciate this will hamper their performance but it is non-negoitable. So any insights into how Kef vs B&W perform relatively with this constraint would be gratefully received.
As would any other suggestions/thoughts.
Many thanks.