Only YOUR ears can tell you which is the better speaker for you.

Wanna bet? If you have a wife, won't she? Always have to serve someone.......

Of course, its your prerogative but your room is not designed for high grade audiophile listening so wouldn't it be more practical to lower your picks for economical purposes? If you want bragging rights than I can understand your picks. In my opinion, the higher grade equipment isn't going to get you any more listening pleasure than a Yamaha set up and so forth. Remember, the room comes first and then the selection of equipment. If you are going to go with high grade equipment than it only makes sense to go with high grade acoustics for the room, which will open up a whole new can of worms that you may never sort out since you are at a level of asking for advice. No offense, of course. Be practical and you won't be worrying while you listen. Forthwith, the goal is to enjoy. So, take my advice on a lighter note. Just something to think about.

Hi Drew,

Does your kitchen add another 10 feet in length, so 26 feet total? Doesn't necessarily seem bad to me, but depends on furnishings, rugs etc. May need to add some damping etc, if bass and/or first reflections are a problem.

I would listen to your choices before purchasing if possible. Maybe a loaner or money back guarantee so you can audition in your apartment.

Quote:
Hey guys. Im moving into a new pad. Need help setting up the right HT setup. My question here is on speakers: I need help choosing between essentially 2.

Room: 15.5' deep x 16' wide. But there is an open kitchen which is an additional 100sqft. but the main listening area is the above spec.

I will be listening to music as well as watching movies on a 110inch Projector. sitting 14.5ft from the screen and speakers.

I've tested and narrowed down to two:
1)B&W 703
2)KEF XQ5's.
or
3)B&W CM7

Basically I can get the XQ5's for hundreds cheaper than the 703's.
I like my music nice clarity with depth; movies much the same. I listen to some jazz and r&b. Which is the better speaker for me. Or do you have more to recommend??

I advise you to try out the Vandersteen 3A speakers before you buy; they have satisfied thousands of experienced audiophiles who have tired of the idiosyncratic sound of many other speakers. They are superb, and will work better in your room than some of the others you mention.

What's wrong with your room? It's not a theater, duh.