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Bowers and Wilkins 805s, use as TV speakers ??????

Need opinions.....

I have 2 B&W 805s speakers with stands that I was planning to sell, as new speakers have arrived for my dedicated audio system (located in the music room). We just bought a new 65" Panasonic plasma TV (for the family room) which has extremely poor speakers built-in to the TV cabinet.

We do have an Oppo Blu-Ray player, but watch very few movies. The purchase of an external speaker system is a must. Was thinking about the B&W Panorama sound bar (retail at $2k) as I really have no desire for a surround system at this time.

As I was placing the 'for sale' ad for my 805s' I was wondering if the 805's would do the trick? Or, would the sound bar be better for this purpose? Again, not looking for surround sound, just want full sound.

Has anyone ever used these as TV speakers? Looking forward to your thoughts. Thanks!
bhpedalpusher
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
I would not sell them.

Sell the Rotel and get a modern/new receiver with 150+ watts per channel with the newest codecs DSP, sound management and HDMI in/outs. Run HDMI from cable box into the receiver and out of receiver to the TV.(See Marantz, Pioneer Elite, Sony ES, Yamaha.)

Use a good aftermarket power cord 12 to 14 awg, and good cabling.

If you decide to add a center channel later you will be all set a sub as well may be useful for low freq. effects. It will all be easy to integrate with the addition of a quality receiver. You could also use the receiver as a Pre/Pro and keep the amp in the system if you really like how it powers the B&Ws. Just my thinking.
bhpedalpusher OP
18 posts
 
Tom,

Thank you for the advice. That might be a nice option.

J
steveaudio
331 posts
 
M805's, or N805's? Neither are my favorite speaker (I've owned both), but you & lots of other people love them.

Anyway, I routinely watch movies & even general TV thru 2 channel audio systems hooked up to both of my TV's. Very satisfying, depending on the speakers, amps, etc. of course. I'm using little Spendor S3/5 SE's in my "bedroom system" right now, for TV, movies, & music, & they are terrific.

Anyway, I say, keep the 805's & even the Rotel amp, & use them with your new TV. It can also be a "dual purpose" music listening/movie watching system that way, with a CDP, or tuner, etc.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I used a stereo pair of speakers with TV for years and years (first ADS L1090s) and later Mirage M5si's with no ill effects. I used a stereo pair for 18 years before I finally got a digital processor and added a center and surrounds. WIth a good, clear speaker with good midrange (which the 805s have) you can hear everything including dialog just fine. Just make sure you configure the Oppo for 2-channel mixdown and you should be fine.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 
Bhpedalpusher,

Mine is just a simple set up due to room constraints. I have the LCD TV centered between the speakers with my stereo rack off to one side of TV. The speakers are of equal distance from the TV. This set up is along the long wall.

My amp is a Burson PI-160 intergrated. As good as your speakers are along with that amp (I used to own a Rotel RB-1080) you should have no problem getting good results.

All the best,
Nonoise
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