've had B&W CM7's setup mostly for 2ch, but they also served well connected to a HT system. For years, I used both a 2ch stereo amp, then switched speaker wires and used a HT receiver while watching movies.
It was time for an upgrade so the choices in my budget were 800 series B&W, Focal, Golden Ear, Joseph Audio and Legacy. Some were great, but I ended up getting Focal 1028be2's. Recently they dropped the price by almost $1K by using a less sophisticated finish on the wood, otherwise they are exactly the same.
The Focal's are great, and handily beat the B&W804d2. They have deep tight bass, a very "you are there" sound, stunning high's and a smooth midrange. They never sound "bright" or harsh, they just bring the music into your living room. They need some air behind the speakers, so don't place them too close to the wall or directly to the sides of your TV...give them breathing room.
Focal is very specific about setup procedures so if you read the manual, do the math for distances, and toe-in the speakers slightly so the the tweeter axis crosses behind your ears. I'd say in my room, I've got about 15degrees toe-in.
Other than a few megabuck speakers I've heard at shows or dealers, these speakers rank among the best sound I've ever heard other than live acoustic music or even amplified rock music provided you don't play them at 120db. Their dynamic range is incredible....they sound great playing with 90-98db peaks but mostly I listen in the 80-90db range.
Great Speakers!!!
It was time for an upgrade so the choices in my budget were 800 series B&W, Focal, Golden Ear, Joseph Audio and Legacy. Some were great, but I ended up getting Focal 1028be2's. Recently they dropped the price by almost $1K by using a less sophisticated finish on the wood, otherwise they are exactly the same.
The Focal's are great, and handily beat the B&W804d2. They have deep tight bass, a very "you are there" sound, stunning high's and a smooth midrange. They never sound "bright" or harsh, they just bring the music into your living room. They need some air behind the speakers, so don't place them too close to the wall or directly to the sides of your TV...give them breathing room.
Focal is very specific about setup procedures so if you read the manual, do the math for distances, and toe-in the speakers slightly so the the tweeter axis crosses behind your ears. I'd say in my room, I've got about 15degrees toe-in.
Other than a few megabuck speakers I've heard at shows or dealers, these speakers rank among the best sound I've ever heard other than live acoustic music or even amplified rock music provided you don't play them at 120db. Their dynamic range is incredible....they sound great playing with 90-98db peaks but mostly I listen in the 80-90db range.
Great Speakers!!!