Topic: Upgrade to B&W 685 S2

[jamjam]

Hi,

I have B&W 685 coupled with Denon 2311 amp. I was thinking of upgrading to S2 model but is it worth it? Is the sound difference really noticeable?

Thanks!

[jamjam]

48 views and no reply!

Come on guys!

[CoolTOYZPH]

I guess readers are wondering why you would want to upgrade.
What are you looking for in a new speaker.
More replies if you indicate what you desire to achieve.

[pa3ck608]

Hi,

I have B&W 685 coupled with Denon 2311 amp. I was thinking of upgrading to S2 model but is it worth it? Is the sound difference really noticeable?

Thanks!

getting a new model/version from the same line may not yield to an "upgrade", but rather just a side step imho. If you want significant improvement, you should go get the next series.

[jamjam]

I guess readers are wondering why you would want to upgrade.
What are you looking for in a new speaker.
More replies if you indicate what you desire to achieve.

I was thinking of replacing it with a floorstander but the S2 caught my eye based on some reading. And I have to admit I haven't visited a shop to audition.

[jamjam]

getting a new model/version from the same line may not yield to an "upgrade", but rather just a side step imho. If you want significant improvement, you should go get the next series.

Agree. I guess I was thinking of "refreshing" with the S2 as the S1 is already 7 years. Thanks anyway.

[gutierrez]

they have that on display at watt hifi.  You can bring one of your speakers and do side by side.

[CoolTOYZPH]

Are you looking for more bass/Low end as reason for the FS?

I was thinking of replacing it with a floorstander but the S2 caught my eye based on some reading. And I have to admit I haven't visited a shop to audition.

[traveler69]

getting a new model/version from the same line may not yield to an "upgrade", but rather just a side step imho. If you want significant improvement, you should go get the next series.

I would have suggested the same thing to do. At any rate, I love the sound signature of B&W in general. I have no buyer's remorse if and when I decide to get the next series even if it is more pricey.

Do yourself a favor by auditioning the speakers before buying.

[jamjam]

Are you looking for more bass/Low end as reason for the FS?

Yes I am. I thought adding a subs would drown the main speakers.

[jamjam]

I would have suggested the same thing to do. At any rate, I love the sound signature of B&W in general. I have no buyer's remorse if and when I decide to get the next series even if it is more pricey.

Do yourself a favor by auditioning the speakers before buying.

Will do probably this weekend. My Mirage S8, for the 3rd time, went dead again and I'm tired of sending it to the repair shop. I thought replacing it but if the S2 has good enough bass/low freq, then saves me a buck.

I am more on music -- acoustics, jazz, and orchestra.

[traveler69]

Will do probably this weekend. My Mirage S8, for the 3rd time, went dead again and I'm tired of sending it to the repair shop. I thought replacing it but if the S2 has good enough bass/low freq, then saves me a buck.

I am more on music -- acoustics, jazz, and orchestra.

When I audition speakers I always rely on my favorite music, those that I am very familiar with, not the store's own demo music, so I already know what to hear or expect to hear. I am also into acoustics, jazz/blues and orchestral music.

Examples:

For soundstage testing....Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" from the album "Time Out" Sony Bit Mapping 1997 Edition (there are several remasters of this album but this one sounds very natural to me)...an excellent speaker system should effortlessly bring out the precise aural locations of the following instruments used by Brubeck, such as alto saxophone, bass, drums and piano

For female vocals....Diana Krall's "S'wonderful" and "Maybe You'll Be There" both from the album "Live In Paris"

For male vocals....Jeffrey Osborne's "All The Way" from the soundtrack album "Dying Young" and Livingston Taylor's "Isn't She Lovely?" from the album Best Audiophile Voices

I hope it helps you in your quest for fine speakers.

[junbathan]

This is exactly what I did, upgrade from 685S1 to S2 after auditioning them side by side. The original plan was to upgrade to CM5, however I can't tell the difference between CM5 vs. S2, so ended with S2 (way cheaper). Also auditioned CM6, now you can hear the big difference.

[Conan]

Is your system for home theater or for music? If it's for music then instead of getting new speakers you should get a Rotel stereo amp. That will make your speakers sing so much better compared to your Denon AV receiver.

[Erwin-G7]

I love 685 s2... thou im using it as a surround.. i saw someone audition this 685s2 direct setting in music... all i can is thumbs up

.

[Courage]

I love 685 s2... thou im using it as a surround.. i saw someone audition this 685s2 direct setting in music... all i can is thumbs up

.

Congrats bro... Thats a very nice sounding speakers...

[arcbodom]

I heard more details on the S2 vs the older 685.  Try kef LS50 as well. I just have no idea how much they cost there in Phils. Here in NZ, their price is almost same.