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Submitted by
Tom
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: October 20, 2012
Bottom Line: Have owned and really loved listening to a pair each of B&W 805 Matrix S2's and 602 S2's (year 2000). I know the traditional hallmarks of B&W sound: imaging, balance, clarity, and omission of sins. I *enjoyed* those speakers.
But the 685's are a real shame of a speaker to me. No way around it, B&W has succombed to the Wal Mart effect. They've tried to engineer around it, unsuccessfully. The 600 series was always about the balance of accuracy and dynamics on a beer budget. Well, those days are gone. Cheap is in and B&W are out. What a real shame.
I've since heard a few other speakers and have found a few other brands that will fill the void and ironically they're of US manufacture with mostly US components.
If you want the 685's, make sure you can try them in your own home for awhile before fully committing or you might be left wanting.
Used product for: More than 1 year
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: 2000
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Submitted by
Jean Henry Noel
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: April 1, 2012
Bottom Line: I used to have a pair of B &W DM2A. Transmission line. Those 685 cannot beat them.
Used product for: 1 to 3 months
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: 2010
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ivansteiven
a Audio EnthusiastDate Reviewed: April 7, 2011
Bottom Line:
i live in southeast asia and bought the 685 for $590 in our local store , first i was amazed how it sounded sooo clear and rich in sound and have decided to replaced my bose 301 as mains and the 301 will be my surround..
listening between b&w 685 and bose 301 my b&w sounds way ahead in every aspect and im a happy B&W owner
you cant go wrong with the 685 no regrets
Used product for: Less than 1 month
Duration Product Used: Audio Enthusiast
Product model year: 2010
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
DoctorX
a AudioPhileDate Reviewed: March 19, 2011
Bottom Line: I don't usually take the time to post reviews, but these small monitor speakers are outstanding. Not perfect, but an incredible value. Strenghts - balanced sound, very good imaging, great mids and highs, impressive bass for such a small speaker (does require some "tuning" for best bass respnse - in my case that required playing with the position of the speakers re: proximity to walls; I did not care for sound with the port plugs). More about the bass - I find it perfect for most recordings, especially classical and most jazz, but for rock, trance/dance/electronica and home theatre I think a subwoofer is a must). I've tried several - for my moderately sized room with a vaulted ceiling an old NHT SW1 with a MA1 amp sounds acceptable, crossed at 60Hz, out of phase). Mind you, I think you will need the right sub to keep up with these fast speakers for music - other subs I tried sounded boomy, bloated, or slow. And do play with the phase of the sub - mine sounded best out of phase with the 685s. They're not overly revealing and certainly not dry or analytical. While they do sound better with better gear, the mid-fi setup I have them paired with sounds great: an ARCAM AVR 200 receiver and an ARCAM Diva 135 CD/DVD player. Weaknesses? I find the female voice not perfectly reproduced, but otherwise none that I can think of. Tese are keepers for me.
Used product for: 1 to 3 months
Duration Product Used: AudioPhile
Product model year: 2010
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Submitted by
Earl p
a Audio EnthusiastDate Reviewed: February 5, 2011
Bottom Line: I went into my favorite audio store looking to buy the much-heralded Cm1 made by B&W. When I auditioned the Cm1's next to the 685's, I was floored at how the 685's handled the midrange and lower frequency better than the Cm1's. Plus they're 60% of the CM1 price. I've owned many a speaker (Klipsch, Vandersteen, Paradigm)......none provide this type Quality sound at an unbeatable price.
Used product for: 3 Months to 1 year
Duration Product Used: Audio Enthusiast
Product model year: 2010
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