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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
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
cat9 OP
26 posts
 
Hey Tobb,

lol indeed.....the Legacy's are a little out of the price range!
Never heard them - but beautiful lookers.

Good listening!

cat9
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