b w / martin logan / definitive

I was looking at the DefTech 2002tl, B&W Nautilus 804, and Paradigm Studio 80s & 100s. I almost instantly ruled out the Paradigms due to the fact that the DTs with their built-in sub sounded much richer. When it came down to B&W and DT, I chose the B&W for music and the DTs for HT. In the end I took home DefTech BP3000TL because I was offerred a deal I couldn't refuse, I couldn't be happier. You should consider the future though, which means you will eventually need three more amplified channels, at least, a center channel speaker,and surround speakers. At least with the center channel you will want the same drivers as in your mains. I'm sure DT and B&W make a matching CC, don't know about the Martins. Read reviews at audioreview.com, that might help. Good luck

I had the Definive Technology BP20's and the Powerfield 1800 sub in my home theater for a long time and I was very happy with the sound for home theater. Definitive has a variety of good matching center channel speakers and surrounds. I had the CLR 1000 for a center and was very pleased with its performance because it uses the same 5.25" drivers as the BP20's, (and 2000, 3000 etc) so the bass from the center made for natural sounding male voice. My friend has the B&W setup but I found many of the B&W center channel speakers are smaller and sound very thin in comparison. The HTM1 center is very nice, but expensive at $2000. Although I was happy with my Definitive setup for home theater, I had grown to hate listening to music on that system. I recently switched to B&W Nautilus line which was many steps up from my previous setup so now I am happy with music and home theater.

I guess it would depend on your priorities. The Definitive stuff with the built in sub saves space and does a good job for home theater stuff and there are a number of very good and more affordable center channel speakers to go with it. The B&W stuff is better for music. The CDM-NT series is really an excellent value and perhaps the center channel for that series would be good - I haven't had a chance to hear that. If mixing music and home theater is important then I'd lean toward the B&W stuff. If its going to be primarily home theater, you could probably get more bang for the buck from the Definitive Technology stuff.

If in doubt go for B&W.
Unless you can afford the Cello Palatte, we are at the mercy of the mixer of the music we listen to. Since 80% of all classical music is mastered on B&W speakers, you will automatically come closer to the original sound than you will on any other brand of speaker, all elso being equal.

I cant thank you guys enough, your feedback has helped me to make a decision.

I truly believe the definitive bipolars would be a better performer for home theater listening for most people. However, you may think i'm weird in saying this, but I prefer watching movies with direct frontal sound rather than being somewhat encompassed within it. In my personal experience the array of sound and effect in theater is more impressive, but overall I tend to lose concentration on the movie and can never seem to find a satisfactory volume level. (I wonder what kind of feedback I'll get from that statement!!)

I also dont want to compromise the ability for my speakers to perform musically which you pointed out and, is important to me. So therfore based on your feedback and my personal preferences, I have decided to go for the B&W's.

Again, my thanks to you all! Steve R

I'm going to check back to see if anyone responds to my theater listening statement. I'm curious to see if theres any others like me out there.

Steve--I think you are well on your way to a good system. I agree with most of the posts, and would say the DT is best for HT, the Martin Logan perhaps for music (I'm biased--I own ML speakers and love them), but for both the B&W fits the bill. As to your comment about the theater--well I do disagree, unless the rears are turned up too much--then I would have to agree with you--it's distracting--but when a plane flys in from behind I really like the effect and anticipation the rear speakers add. Also, in situtations like a rainy day--I like the rain all around, but the people clearly talking up front.