B&W PM1 with JL sub or 805D?

The April issue of TAS reviews the PM1 and directly compares it to the 805D. According to the reviewer, the extra $2+K for the 805D does not buy you extra bass, but rather more transparency and treble detail. If anything, the reviewer felt that the PM1 has more bass, or more perceived bass and the 805D has a leaner tonal balance. Therefore if you spent the extra money on the 805D you'd also be wanting a sub very soon.

He made it clear that the PM1 isn't lacking in speed, clarity or transparency, just that the 805D has more of it. Between the two I think the PM1 would be easier to live with, with or without a sub. I heard the PM1s with the B&W sub and I could easily live with that in a mid-sized room on a wide variety of program material.

Seems like it depends on the type of music you listen to. Is it Pink Floyd or small scale acoustic? Might make a difference.

I find it tough to find a good speaker with an awesome midrange and deep bass for under 10k used. The smaller speaker with a great midrange and a good sub is a good path in your price range. You might want to go with the D and later pick up a nice sub.

I own the PM1's and the PV1D, which goes down to 7hz...yup! They are freakin awesome speakers. In my medium size room, they deliver a similiar gestalt to that of my Wilson 6's in a larger room. They are a breakthrough product for B&W and offer a more musical experience than some of their other designs...less leanness and forwardness. The 805D's will be re-worked shortly without a doubt.

Yah, an online reviewer just compared the PM1's to the Focal Diablos directly and quite favorably. Probably one of the greatest bang for the buck speakers available. From B&W no less. I am toying with the idea of putting them in a largish home theater room 3 across the front, scms side surrounds.