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B & W fans

For those familiar with and love B & W products - this question is for you.
To be honest I am quite unfamiliar with the B & W line. We have just re-entered the B & W market here in Winnipeg. After a few years without the line a local shop has taken on the brand.

For a secondary system I was going to purchase the new Denon DRAN5 Network Music receiver and a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze BX2's.

Then I saw the new A7 by B & W - it's got a 6 inch sub, 2 mids and 2 Nautilus™ tube aluminium tweeters. Plus it has a built in DAC. But it is a self contained unit.

Their (B & W) Zeppelin Air has a good rep and has received very good reviews.

The price point between these 2 systems is comparable.

My question is - can a self contained unit like this actually sound as good or better than a separate receiver and speakers? Can it truthfully offer the same depth and breadth of sound?

Any thoughts?? Your advice is appreciated.

cat9
Good listening!
cat9
tobb
131 posts
 
Ellrotts you should compare the Legacy Signatures to the 804s.
there isn't one thing the 804s have over the Sigs period and they are 20% less in cost
cat9 OP
26 posts
 
Well, I just thought I would close this off.

I had a chance to listen to the B & W product. First of all, nicely built and crazy good looking!!
But not even close!! I also had another listen to the Denon (last years model - my 2013 pre-order is improved in a few places) and Monitor Audio Bronze BX 2 combination and it blew the B & W out of the water. I'm certain there are situations where an all-in-one can out perform separates, but not in this case.

I am glad I got this out of my system and had a listen to the B & W because now I am certain I am getting the superior sound and have made the right choice.

Thanks all for the feedback,

cat9
realremo
460 posts
 
Cat, IMHO, any all-in-one product has no chance against an integrated+bookshelf combo, so I'm glad we agree there, now the choice is, which speakers to mate with the Denon DRAN product? Can you audition it with the B&W 685s?
cat9 OP
26 posts
 
Hey Realremo,

Yes I can because the Hi-Fi joint I'm purchasing the Denon receiver from carries both lines. The price point is higher with the 685's and so far the feedback I have received from a few that have owned both products is that for the money the BX 2's out perform the 685's.

But I will give them a listen none-the-less to decide for myself. But they will have to really out do the Monitor Audio's for me to lay out the extra cash for a secondary system - which this is.

This is part of the fun!

Thanks,

cat9
tobb
131 posts
 
Cat if you ignored Legacy I know you made the wrong choice. lol
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