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Older B&w 805 (N or S) vs new 705 S3

  1. Intrigued by all the positive reviews for 705 S2, would I be better served buying older technology from a superior product category 805 n,s,d... if net price point is less than or equal to the newer 705 S2. My equip is not audiophile but mid scale acceptable and older ( Yamaha Rx/vr800, b&w 685 and Pioneer elite Andrew Jones.2 way, Mission 702, ADS 780/2 (arriving this week), Paradigm 12” sub and cabling unknown but braided, a small Schita phono stage and Audio Engine B-1 Bluetooth and Project Debut with Ortofon red. Any candid insight is welcomed. I really do not want to spend more than $2k max for speakers. Was also considering a more cost effective CM6 S2. I just want more substantial presence to what I am listening to.
128x128just_asking
soix
9,549 posts
 
I’ve heard the 705s2 and think the reviews are being a little kind because they’re not all that great IMHO. If I’m you I’d get the LSA-10 Signatures here for only $1399, which I’m sure is a superior speaker and much easier to drive for your AVR as well. I also think it’s a much better looking speaker, but that’s just a bonus. They offer a 30-day trial so if they don’t blow you away you can send them back, but read the reviews that strongly indicate you probably won’t. FWIW, and best of luck.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
If you have to do B&W, skip the N805 and go for the 805S. I have no experience on the 705 S3 though but will take the older model as it's a higher range 800 series model back in the day.
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just_asking OP
12 posts
 
Thx to all for the input and for ignoring my S3 fat finger typo in the headline. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
My following comments are purely a guess based on my experiences with B&W D2 and D3 speakers.

The older 805S will likely be much more refined than S3 in a lot of ways.  However, a couple of things to keep in mind.  The older generations used the woven kevlar midranges and midwoofers.  These had a nasty breakup problem in the upper midrange.  It sort of had its own unique texture, but it could also come across as somewhat of a distortion in the upper midrange or ringing.  Also the older tweeters were aluminum dome and have been described as sounding bright due to the metal dome breakup.

The newer S3 models have evolved with newer and better technologies to counter these old behaviors.  However, S3 is likely not going to be as refined as the 805S level and would sound "low fidelity" in comparison.
kenjit
1,771 posts
 
These had a nasty breakup problem in the upper midrange. It sort of had its own unique texture, but it could also come across as somewhat of a distortion in the upper midrange or ringing.  
You've measured it have you? Can I see the results?
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