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

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

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

03-31-08: J4tonks said:
"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."

Oh! Generally I prefer ProAcs to B&Ws, since I'm very critical of the midrange and highs. They really get female voice and trumpet (I play trumpet) right and I'm very sensitive to that. I was trying to let you direct us rather than impose our priorities on you.

The ProAcs are less forgiving than the B&Ws; therefore, I'd never pair them with a laptop-based front-end. If you're critical, then you'll want a CDP or universal player (my preference). You'll need a good amp, since the ProAcs will reveal ANY weakness in your chain; however, it'll reward a well set up system. (The Linn/Rotel will likely jump that hurdle)

Ok, I'll spill all. I think the first dealer, with the ProAc/Linn/Rotel system is steering you to better sound. I was concerned however that you might want more bass. Personally, before I could afford true full-range speakers, I opted for small monitors with exceptional midrange and imaging (no longer available Celestion SL-600). The ProAcs fill that bill, but you'll sacrifice bass extension. I wanted to hear what you said about the B&Ws first.

The ProAcs driven by the system they're driving the B&Ws with will sound harsh and thin, so a side-by-side will be futile. What you really need is the B&Ws in the Linn/Rotel system for a valid comparison.

So, your priorities are what's important. Both speaker systems are valid and neither would be a "mistake"; however, if it were me, I'd go for the ProAc/Rotel/Linn system and make the computer purchase a separate decision.

Dave

Try a used pair of ProAc 1sc's on good stands. They are the signature ProAc sound. I think you will like them and not consider any of the current ProAc's or B&W. I have ProAc 140's and 1sc's. The latter sound better then the 140's, you figure.

The dealer was going to help me set up the Mac so I didn't drop much data in my copy. I do not own any MP3s as I don't care for the sound quality. I have my music turned up in my car and have it on in my room constantly. I want to listen to internet radio -- hence the Mac. I enjoy putamayo, classical, jazz, international and some opera. I want to hear the swish on the drum and the slide of fingers on the guitar so I guess I can be serious a serious listener.
I'm working w/two dealers. One has the Linn w/ProAcs and the other has the Rotel w/B&W. I'm going to borrow some demo Tablettes and compare them w/the rotel & B&W 805 system. I think the second dealer will allow that. However I don't think the first dealer will let me test the signatures and I'm afraid I'll go w/B&W because the tablettes will be light on the bass.
Regarding the 805s -- I had read on the internet that they 'don't work together'. I had noticed when the dealer set them up and I listened close to the speakers that I heard bass from one and the rest from the other. Then I backed up and they sounded OK. So I'll be focusing on that issue when I hear them again. A big red flag... Again -- Thanks, Jane