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February 20, 2015 - 1:28am
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B&W CM9 S2 with Peachtree or KEF R700 with Hegel
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I like the B&Ws much better than the KEFs but that is personal taste. Both are excellent speakers and I would try and spend some time with them to see which you like better.
I have not heard the Hegel and have no POV on it.
I have heard the Peachtree and was pleasantly surprised at the quality and did not know it was Class D until I was told it was by the sales rep but I have one caveat. I was not listening to floor standing speaker's, only bookshelf speakers. From about 70hz and up, that Peachtree offers surprising detail and clarity at its very modest price point. I did not find it particularly warm but neutral. I am not saying it can't drive deep clear bass, I have never had an opportunity to judge it.
I have been shocked by recent market entries of Class Ds that sound as good as any class AB I have heard recently. NAD, Marantz, Primare, Pioneer Elite and Peachtree all have Class D units in the market that are performing as well as AB counterparts. I personally own a Marantz M-CR510 and would say that it sounds as good as a PM6005 - again driving bookshelf speakers.
The one criticism of Class D amps has been the ability to drive deep, crisp bass. I would say that you need to listen to it to see if it is delivering at the level you want.
The critical thing though is the traditional knee jerk reaction of, "It's Class D so it sucks" is no longer valid.
Thanks a lot for your opinion. This is exactly why it is difficult to make a choice. Set with CM9 S2 + Peachtree sounds pretty good to me. From a bass perspective I even have a feeling that they are going lower than KEFs. The only impression which I have got listening them is that after while something stings my ear. However I am not sure whether it is place thing, Peachtree or CM9 S2. Besides of that everything looks pretty good.
I find that B&W delivers a monstrous level of detail, to a point where it becomes tedious and fatiguing. Particularly if you are listening to string or acoustic guitar. I feel the same way about the PM-1s from B&W. That might be what you are hearing. If anything, I would find the Peachtree to soften that just a touch.
Yep, makes sense. I think I will try them tomorrow again. :)
B&W vs. KEF is a buying decision that folks have had to make for about 50 years.
Stereophile reviewed the KEF here http://www.stereophile.com/content/kef-r700-loudspeaker
The same author, Thomas Norton, reviewed the CM9 for Sound & Vision here http://www.soundandvision.com/content/bampw-cm9-speaker-system
I think he respected both speakers. But my take is that he preferred the B&W's "balance" over the KEFs softer top end. If the B&W's seem fatiguing to you, the KEFs might be a better match for you.
Let us know what you decide.
Scott
I would definitely go with the Hegel amplifier; I think it is outstanding.
There is a test I always perform to see whether a speaker (or amplifier) is going to be "fatiguing" to listen to. I have found this test very informative and reliable.
I use a good recording of a solo classical guitar, such as one by Celedonio Romero or Eliot Fisk, and play it.
A speaker that is going to be hard to listen to in the long run will over-accentuate the sound of the left hand as it slides on the strings. This sound should not be dominant or intrusive, but remain in the background when listening with a properly balanced speaker.
Thanks Scott. I will let you know once decision in made. I will test both setups again.
Best
Hi Commsysman
Thanks this is good hint. I will try it. Looks like I will have a chance to test Hegel and Kefs at home. This should give me the best overview.
Hi Colleagues,
I would like to thank you all for your advice and opinions. It was very helpful. I had a chance to test Kef R700 + Hegel H80 three days at home. This set sounds really great. This is my final decision so I am waiting for delivery currently. :)
Cheers
Lemon
Good luck to you!