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ProAcs or B&W--Not hifi experienced, but luv music

I have a 5K budget for a compact system. I have looked at three systems. The 4K setup is a Linn Classik w ProAc Tablette Signatures. The 6K one is Rotel receiver w/ B&W 805s w/a Mac Book as the CD player and a Benchmark digital to analog converter. The store is giving me a discount on demo stuff. I would be willing to spend the extra $$$ as that includes a notebook, on-line radio, etc. I like both of these. The third option is B&O at 5K. This is pretty but the the sound doesn't justify the $$$. I enjoy listening to international, classical, putamayo, jazz, latin. Which do you think is the better system?
j4tonks
j4tonks OP
12 posts
 
I'm listening as this is all new to me. I have learned to focus on the speakers. I like the B&W as the ProAcs seem to be a little light in bass. However the B&W 805s that I listened to didn't work together at first. I'm going back to listen again. This is very confusing, but I think I will piece all this together, if you can help. Thanks. Jane
j4tonks OP
12 posts
 
By the way -- I wanted the Mac and hard drive so I could store my music and to listen to internet radio. Please keep up w/the advise. I need it. Thanks, J
j4tonks OP
12 posts
 
Dave -- Do you think the ProAcs are better? They were shipped for me, since they are signatures, but I don't know if the retailer would let me take them to listen to next to the B&Ws then return if I like the B&W better. Thanks, Jane
peter_s
1,335 posts
 
Jane, I would say this: take your time, don't feel pressured in to anything. In this day and age, when so much hifi gear is sold used (on this site), your dealer is lucky to have a client who wants to work with him in the traditional way. He should certainly be accomodating.

The 805's are very nice speakers. Do they come with stands - they should - and they should be set up a bit "out" in the room. I'm not too sold on the Rotel receiver - I think you could do better. I think you want a warm sounding amplifier, not too sterile, with the B&W's. As I said before, if you are purely listening to digital and internet radio, you can use the Benchmark as your preamp. I think the Benchmark is a bit sterile sounding, all the more reason to get a warm sounding amplifier.

Not sure what you mean about the 805's not working together. That's a bit of a red flag - please explain. Also, be aware that the Benchmark has had a few iterations over the years, and the newest version is the best. I don't know how old the dealer's demo is, but this is something to consider.

Finally, make sure you rip your music to the hard drive using a lossless format, such as FLAC or Apple Lossless (for itunes). You will want to buy an external hard drive (they are cheap) to back up all your music.

Hope that's not too much information. Peter
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
03-31-08: J4tonks said:
"I'm listening as this is all new to me. I have learned to focus on the speakers. I like the B&W as the ProAcs seem to be a little light in bass. However the B&W 805s that I listened to didn't work together at first. I'm going back to listen again. This is very confusing, but I think I will piece all this together, if you can help."

OK Jane, you are hearing like the rest of us. The Tablettes have exceptional midrange and highs, but they give up some bass in exchange for their small size. The problem with the B&Ws was that they were probably very poorly placed in the dealers listening room. Maybe, if you ask, the dealer will let you hear them placed better in a room without so many other speakers. You evidently were able to listen through and hear their fundemental goodness. I guarantee that they'll sound better in your home.

What music will you be listening to? Do you already have a CD collection? Are you really serious about your music, or a casual listener? Do you carry an iPod or iPhone or similar device?

Dave
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