We've been asked many times in the Forums what we think of B&W's surround sound speaker package, and specifically the one based around the Award-winning 685 speakers.
So here, two weeks ahead of its publication in the June issue of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, is our verdict on the B&W 685 Theatre system.
B&W 685 Theatre
£1206
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5 stars
For
Fine combination of control and openness; superb little sub; fine build
Against
At this price, nothing
Verdict
B&W builds on the 68 series' stereo success with a beautifully integrated surround setup
We really rate the latest Bowers & Wilkins 600 series, even if we still find it confusing that the company's model numbers go down as the speaker sizes go up. The 685s took a Product of the Year Award last year, and the other 68s we've tested to date have been solid buys, from the little 686s to the floorstanding 683s - see what we mean about those model numbers?
Of course, making a good pair of stereo speakers doesn't guarantee home cinema success, just as surround sound systems aren't always great with music. But B&W has an enviable reputation across both kinds of systems, with its MT-30 style system consistently scoring well in home cinema comparisons.
It also has the benefit of a truly massive range of speaker line-ups, and comprehensive coverage within those ranges.
That could all get confusing, so the company has packaged up a trio of 68-series Theatre systems, of which this is the smallest and most affordable. It combines the B&W 685 speakers for the front left and right channels, the smaller 686s for the rears, the HTM62 centre speaker and the new ASW608 subwoofer.
That combination creates a system that looks good - all the speakers apart from the sub come in a choice of four high-quality finishes -, and also promises much in sonic terms.
Dynamic, smooth presentation
All the main speakers in this B&W 685 surround system use the same tweeter, a 25mm aluminium dome, mounted on the front end of the company's tapered Nautilus tube, which loads the rear of the driver.
The mid/bass drivers are B&W's familiar yellow woven Kevlar units all round: a 16.5cm version in the 685s, 13cm in the 686s, and a pair of 13cm cones straddling the tweeter in the centre speaker. So there should be no worries about tonal matching around the system.
What's more, the system's relatively easy to drive, with reasonable sensitivity all round, and no great problems on the impedance front, so even relatively modest AV receivers won't be taxed too much.
In fact the only extra requirement is good solid support for the front three speakers, though the 685s and 686s can also be wall-mounted using built-in keyplates, or with optional ball-joint brackets.
And the sound? Well, as we'd expect of a B&W home cinema system, it works beautifully. There's power in spades from that tiny subwoofer, which proved more than capable of driving even our biggest listening room, and above it the rest of the speakers integrate superbly well, delivering a soundfield that's controlled and precise, while at the same time open and involving.
A special package
Voices sound crisp and easily intelligible without ever becoming abrasive, and spot effects are placed well and given full scope to thrill and delight. Even music is handled very well indeed, as you might expect given the pedigree of the speakers here.
This B&W 685 Theatre system a very special little package, with the wherewithal to take on the best at this level. Which is just what it'll be doing in the magazine very soon indeed.
Specifications
Sensitivity (f/c/r) 88/85/84db/W/m
Impedance (ohms) 8/6/6
Power handling (watts) Front, 100; Centre, 120; Rear, 100
Subwoofer power (watts) 200
Subwoofer driver 20cm
Finishes 4
The other 68- Theatre systems
The 685 theatre is the entry-level package in a range of three built around the company's 68 series speakers. As with the individual speakers, model numbers get smaller as the boxes get bigger.
The step-up from the system we have here is the £1626 684 Theatre, so-called because it uses 684 floorstanding speakers on the front left and right channels, and the ASW610 subwoofer, with the same centre and rear speakers as the 685 system.
The 683 system (£2546) uses a pair of 683 floorstanders and the larger HTM61 centre speaker comes into play. The rears are the DS3s, which are switchable between monopole and dipole operation, while the ASW610XP sub, with twin 200w amps, provides the thunder.
Technorati Tags: 5.1, 5.1-channel, B&W, Bowers & Wilkins, home cinema, home cinema speaker package, home theatre speaker package, puppy, Surround sound, surround speaker package
Comments
- #2This may sound a stupid question...but i am aware that there is a difference between a normal subwoofer and an 'active' subwoofer (ie...a normal subwoofer is fully controlled by the system and an active subwoofer has a built in amplifier) Now...are active subwoofers ran by mains or not? I have looked at a few on the net (with specifications) and there is nothing to state if active subwoofers are ran by mains. (this is new to me and not really my field as i have always used the usual 2x speaker set up.)
I haven't come accross any that don't. Which ones have you looked at? - #3This may sound a stupid question...but i am aware that there is a difference between a normal subwoofer and an 'active' subwoofer (ie...a normal subwoofer is fully controlled by the system and an active subwoofer has a built in amplifier) Now...are active subwoofers ran by mains or not? I have looked at a few on the net (with specifications) and there is nothing to state if active subwoofers are ran by mains. (this is new to me and not really my field as i have always used the usual 2x speaker set up.)
Yes Active Sub Woofers are mains powered they need the mains to run the internal amplifier. - #4Yes Active Sub Woofers are mains powered they need the mains to run the internal amplifier.
Cheers for that I wasn't quite sure as mentioned because they give very little info regarding this. - #5I haven't come accross any that don't. Which ones have you looked at?
There is a couple so far i have in mind which are as basic as you can get. (i must think about the neighbours.lol)
http://www.richersounds.com/showbigproductpicture.php?cda=showbigproductpicture&pid=GALE-STORM8-BLK&fname=small_302157.jpg
And also: (from argos)
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5137947/Trail/searchtext%3ESUBWOOFER.htm - #6There is a couple so far i have in mind which are as basic as you can get. (i must think about the neighbours.lol)
http://www.richersounds.com/showbigproductpicture.php?cda=showbigproductpicture&pid=GALE-STORM8-BLK&fname=small_302157.jpg
And also: (from argos)
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5137947/Trail/searchtext%3ESUBWOOFER.htm
The Gale is a much better one than the Argos option, while it is entry level as such it can still sound quite good. However if you can stretch a little more to £79.99 the Gale 4070 from RS would be a better option, it is a later model & has the Auto switching option which means when you feed the sub with a source it will automaticaly switch on. The storm does not have this and is 5W RMS less output. - #7There is a couple so far i have in mind which are as basic as you can get. (i must think about the neighbours.lol)
http://www.richersounds.com/showbigproductpicture.php?cda=showbigproductpicture&pid=GALE-STORM8-BLK&fname=small_302157.jpg
And also: (from argos)
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5137947/Trail/searchtext%3ESUBWOOFER.htm
If you have a dedicated sub woofer out I'd go with the gale but if you wish to run it off the standard speaker cable outputs, I'd go with the Argos one - #8If you have a dedicated sub woofer out I'd go with the gale but if you wish to run it off the standard speaker cable outputs, I'd go with the Argos one
The output is an actual 'sub-out' socket (single) and the system is only around 20-15wpc so i don't really need huge power as such.
Not sure if i would really need an active subwoofer even... - #9What other speakers do you have? And what is your main amplifier?
It is generally better to have a speaker that tonally matches the rest of your system, something in the same make & model range.
There is also the crossover to consider - the device that cuts out the high frequencies (gradually) from the low frequencies. A matching set would have this crossover set so that you don't get increased volume from the range of frequencies where both the primary and sub-woofer meet.
For instance, my speakers are full range. If I simply added a subwoofer much of the mid to low frequencies would be produced by both sets, thus causing an imbalance. Tonality is also an issue - the characteristics of the sound - which is much moe than just the amount of treble and bass applied.
But I am referring to audiophile Hi-Fi aspects here - for many people, with a relatively low priced budget setup who are satisified with that they get from their systems it probably doesn't matter quite so much. - #10The output is an actual 'sub-out' socket (single) and the system is only around 20-15wpc so i don't really need huge power as such.
Not sure if i would really need an active subwoofer even...
You would need an active subwoofer as a dedicated subwoofer output on an amplifer generally does.There is also the crossover to consider - the device that cuts out the high frequencies (gradually) from the low frequencies. A matching set would have this crossover set so that you don't get increased volume from the range of frequencies where both the primary and sub-woofer meet
The acoustic solutions has a variable cut off frequency so this should get around this problem as well as a variable volumne control
Sound quality wise, its not up to the standard of higher priced units but I have found with previous models of Acoustic Solutions subs that I have seen, their performace is pretty good for the price. - #11What other speakers do you have? And what is your main amplifier?
It is generally better to have a speaker that tonally matches the rest of your system, something in the same make & model range.
There is also the crossover to consider - the device that cuts out the high frequencies (gradually) from the low frequencies. A matching set would have this crossover set so that you don't get increased volume from the range of frequencies where both the primary and sub-woofer meet.
For instance, my speakers are full range. If I simply added a subwoofer much of the mid to low frequencies would be produced by both sets, thus causing an imbalance. Tonality is also an issue - the characteristics of the sound - which is much moe than just the amount of treble and bass applied.
But I am referring to audiophile Hi-Fi aspects here - for many people, with a relatively low priced budget setup who are satisified with that they get from their systems it probably doesn't matter quite so much.
Ok...here is my current (cheapo) set up...
JVC shelf system: Model- FS-SD77OR shelf system (around £130 brand new a few years ago)
Gale 4i floorstanding speakers ( Sand-filled, with spikes on slabs)
QED 79 speaker cable.
The JVC system was originally my wife's but as she upgraded to DAB, i brought this system off her a while a go when we were living in the flat. The speakers were originally mine as part of a seperates system/
We recently moved into a house but there is little room for seperates so i thought i would give this a temporary run in the lounge with the Gale speakers...and i am totally impressed with the audio quality...infact gobsmacked!
The original speakers that came with the JVC did not give justice - that's why i have tried the Gale speakers with the JVC and it seems a match made in heaven as regards audio quality for a system of that price and power.
To be honest - the bass is quite punchy for the size of the Gale speakers and the audio seems very smooth compared to the seperates system i had which always sounded 'harsh' on both amps i previously used. (Marantz and Yamaha) and both amps cost over £200!
Having heard later systems around the £400 price tag - i have to say i am unimpressed with the audio quality.
They either sound far too 'boxy' with too much midrange and very bass-light and too 'tinny' (if that makes sense)
I recently tried a Sony system on the Gale speakers and it was more expensive than the JVC but the audio quality was diablolical.
I only had this system as a temporary fill-in until i could find something better and i have been looking around for the last three months and i have lost count of how many all-in-one systems i have heard which do not sound no where near as good as the one i have at the moment. It is coming to the crunch where i am seriously thinking of hanging on to the JVC because i cannot find a better match anywhere for the amount i want to spend on a system.
I have heard the latest Denon/ Yamaha/Onkyo/Sony...i could go on and none of them really convince me to ditch the JVC...just yet.
The Yamaha CRX170 and the Denon DM35DAB are the nearest contendors with the Denon sounding far too warm and lifeless and the Yamaha which sounds rather 'tinny' but 'good' for the price but also seriously lacks 'bass'! (no wonder they have included a sub-out socket!)
The Onkyo all in-one systems score well in What Hi-Fi - but the audio quality of these systems does not unfortunately score with me personally whatsoever. There is far too much midrange (IMO) and the bass sounds very 'muddy' and kind of 'unstable' and the Sony systems sound 'bass-light' with very 'tight' bass and the treble is 'dull' (that is the only way i can describe it)
I see your point totally regards adding sub-woofers because too much bass will 'kill' the treble and completely unbalance the whole output spectrum. - #12Well - I must say from what you say you have an idea of what your looking for soundwise - and the question you have posed re 'active' subwoofers has been answered.
Even if your JVC has a powered subwoofer output the drain on the amp would be quite significant, so active is definitely the way to go.
If you like the Gale setup you already have, I would choose a sub in the Gale range - preferably in the same model series, if possible.
But I would see if you can get one on a trial basis (pay and return if not suited), many high street hi-fi dealerships run this kind of scheme.
You might find that a subwoofer isn't actually an improvement at all, given that you have full range floor standers. I have Monitor Audio 14's, sandbagged, and I don't feel the need for a subwoofer - 5 speakers is good enough for me at the moment. - #13
I have heard of Gale but I'm not familiar with how they sound or their frequency response, but know they can be picked up fairly cheap, so from this I would hazard a guess their low frequency response would be around 45-50Hz, not bad for music and movies without a sub, but if you are wanting lower frequencies I doubt very much you will achieve this from any of the subs that have been mentioned, they are budget models and probably wouldn't go any lower than the Gale floorstanders you have at present.Gale 4i floorstanding speakers ( Sand-filled, with spikes on slabs)
To get the low frequencies, especially those around 25-20Hz you really need to be looking at adding a fair bit more to your budget. LF bass comes from big drivers/big boxes and powerful amps, 6/8in drivers being driven by 50watt amps will not give you low end grunt.
You need to be careful when looking at manufacturers specifications as well, you will find those quoting their sub will go down to 25Hz, on paper maybe, but they definitely wont be usable frequencies, it all comes down to how they measure it. Steer clear of the +/-12db figures, you really need to be looking at more realistic figures like +/-3db.
Pretty rare to find manufacturers quoting these realistic figures, there are a few I know of but then you will pay a premium for their products, BK, Velodyne and SVS are three companies that do not try and pull the wool over the consumers eyes by advertising what I call truthful figures.
Recommended subs.
http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofers/monolith-df.htm
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-plus.cfm
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl.cfm
http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=3697
http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/subcategory.asp?id=23&srchoption=1&manid=126&pagesize=9
Probably much more than you want to spend but this is ideally what you need to be looking at to get quality bass over the Gales. - #14Gale are well known in audiophile terms. At least they were in the 1970's, when they were way beyond my budget. They were very highly regarded.
- #15
Which is precisely why spending £50-£80 on a sub will not improve matters.Gale are well known in audiophile terms. At least they were in the 1970's, when they were way beyond my budget. They were very highly regarded. - #16
Yep, at £60 this [click] would seem to be the closest you can get, new, today, that would match both aesthetically and tonally.Which is precisely why spending £50-£80 on a sub will not improve matters.
Incidentally, Richer Sounds are also well regarded in the budget systems market. I have nothing but praise for them, having bought a receiver from them. I broke the RC and they sent me a new one free of charge, without any warranty left. - #17Yep, at £60 this [click] would seem to be the closest you can get, new, today, that would match both aesthetically and tonally.
Incidentally, Richer Sounds are also well regarded in the budget systems market. I have nothing but praise for them, having bought a receiver from them. I broke the RC and they sent me a new one free of charge, without any warranty left.
Correct me if I'm wrong but this looks an awful lot like a centre speaker to me? - #18I got myself the budget Tannoy SW from RC recently to replace the one that came with my elderly Denon midi A/V system after it started blowing power fuses. Had to wop up the SW output on the amp by +3dB but I am very happy with it.
I went budget as I will eventually be looking to upgrade my whole A/V system to one which can handle HD when eventually my (t)rusty old CRT gives up the ghost. If I was buying now the Onkyo 606 would be on my shortlist. - #19Silly old me - yes - it is. Sorry - I'm so embarrased.
Try this instead [click] - #20Silly old me - yes - it is. Sorry - I'm so embarrased.
Try this instead [click]
Happens to us all but i can blame it on a 'Senior Moment' whats your excuse?
Yes that's the Sub I recommended should fit in well with his system.:) - #21
I doubt it would make much difference as it only goes down to 40Hz, then again I doubt that's a true figure anyway, I'm betting the Gale floorstanders would more than likely match this frequency it in any case, the 4040's are rated at 39Hz.Yes that's the Sub I recommended should fit in well with his system.:)
The only benefit I can see is it would relieve the floorstanders of the low frequencies when using the xover, they may get better bass response from the dedicated sub leaving the floorstanders to concentrate on the higher frequencies, but then again the drivers are probably better quality in the floorstanders then the sub given it's low entry price.
Would be a better match for their 4010s bookshelf speakers where the frequencies only go down to 90Hz. - #22
A disabled's senior moment?? !!Happens to us all but i can blame it on a 'Senior Moment' whats your excuse?
Yes that's the Sub I recommended should fit in well with his system.:) - #23I doubt it would make much difference as it only goes down to 40Hz, then again I doubt that's a true figure anyway, I'm betting the Gale floorstanders would more than likely match this frequency it in any case, the 4040's are rated at 39Hz.
The only benefit I can see is it would relieve the floorstanders of the low frequencies when using the xover, they may get better bass response from the dedicated sub leaving the floorstanders to concentrate on the higher frequencies, but then again the drivers are probably better quality in the floorstanders then the sub given it's low entry price.
Would be a better match for their 4010s bookshelf speakers where the frequencies only go down to 90Hz.
I have to agree with your analysis. I have Monitor Audio 14s - floorstanding & sandbagged - and there's bass aplenty.
Is there a cavity for weighing down these Gale's? It might be the answer he's looking for. And unweighted floorstanders often give a muddy and undesirable performance.
*** Ahhh I see he has already sandbagged them ***
Silver sand is a lot cheaper than a subwoofer. - #24
I feel they have done all they can to get the best out of the Gales, if they are wanting much lower frequencies to compliment the Gales then they really need to be adding a fair bit more to their budget and looking at a more substantial sub. Quality low frequencies (20Hz) don't come cheap though.I have to agree with your analysis. I have Monitor Audio 14s - floorstanding & sandbagged - and there's bass aplenty.
Is there a cavity for weighing down these Gale's? It might be the answer he's looking for. And unweighted floorstanders often give a muddy and undesirable performance.
*** Ahhh I see he has already sandbagged them ***
Silver sand is a lot cheaper than a subwoofer. - #25I recommend MJ Accoustics subs. They compare very well with the more expensice Rel units that have set the benchmark for small domestic subs for several years.
Be aware, though, that subs take a lot of careful setting up unless you just want to shake the foundations. I'm quite experienced when it comes to audio recording (ie I know a bit about frequencies) and it took me weeks to get my sub setup properly so that it augmented my speakers, rather than dominating them. - #26
Indeed, I've yet to find a sub which can go that low. The very best I've found is 30hz (several hundreds of pounds) - and most are in the 35-40hz range.I feel they have done all they can to get the best out of the Gales, if they are wanting much lower frequencies to compliment the Gales then they really need to be adding a fair bit more to their budget and looking at a more substantial sub. Quality low frequencies (20Hz) don't come cheap though.