Well done. Truly nice review ! I've got 8 speakers B&W 685 for the rears and ceilings on an Atmos 7.2.4 setup, driven by Rotel's RMB-1585's. They clearly do THE job!
Thanks for your videos, because they are good and fit my interest, namely small speakers, for close listening. Collects classic budget, vintage and almost high end.🍀
I have been using CM6s2 with REL T7i sub since 2016 & till today still enjoy the sound of the combo very very much. Crank them up & play some well recorded live music & u will feel that you are at the concert venue. The thrill & excitement of the music is very engaging & addictive. I have totally no urge to want to upgrade to anything else even after 7 yrs. i have heard the later 705S2 but not side by side with my CM6S2 & i prefer the sound of my CM6s2 generally though both are quite similar sounding. The Kevlar cone seems more energetic & lively compared to the new Continuum cone.
I bought them back in 2011, still own em. Out of all entry-level B&W bookshelfs (686/685/CM1/CM5) I choose 685, for Overall sound quality) However, with the proper Amp, CM5 sounds better.
Hi, your video made me buy a pair of B&W 685's in (21 october 2022) It all started, when I bought a pair of b&w LM1's 4 years ago, The sound they emit surprised me so much, that I have been starting to improve my sound equipment. I currently have 4 speakers b&w LM1 as ATMOS; 2 B&W DM601 S2 as sorrounds, an LCR-3 as central and the 685´as left and right. All powered by a Marantz SR-7010 receiver. And I can´t stop hearing music in Direct Mode with the B&W 685´s On the other hand, listen in virtual mode with the DM601 S2 as sorrounds with the Marantz SR7010 is one thing that deserves to be comment. All the people who has heard them, They get excited. Now I imagine putting the 685´s as rear satellites to test the virtual mode, it must be something worth listening to! Anyway, I'm getting off topic. my message is to say that your video made me decide to buy this pair of magnificent speakers. Thanks a lot Greetings from México!!! Alejandro
Мне они нравятся до сих пор. С проводами omega micro и усилителем denon 1500ae они играют именно так как мне нравится. Напольники у меня тоже есть и они являются моим основным стерео сетапом.
i use these speakers with a 20k system, Naim amplification.. Call me crazy but there are things this speaker does that i haven't found in many other speakers that are far more expensive. The lively and punchy nature of this speaker in a high end system is addictive. Dont get me wrong it does NOT sound refined or have weighty bass and an ethereal sound but the treble is detailed without being harsh. The bass is quick (with Naim) and the speaker is so much fun to listen to. I think speaker manufacturers should prioritise the enjoyment factor in a loudspeaker over technically accurate measurements. The new 705 signature I heard have more bass but considerably less punchy, the treble was too sharp and I just didn't enjoy the sound as much as the 685. BTW 685 have a mid focused sound which I Love. Here is a link of a demo. sorry about the video quality its a WhatsApp compressed video czcams.com/video/xXTStWSDk78/video.html
Question, would these pair well with Denon PMA 600NE Integrated Amplifier? Thanks. Trying to put together my first audio system and these speakers are within what I feel comfortable spending before I "upgrade" down the road
Let me know what do you think about this speaker in the comment! If you want to support my work, please consider subscribing. 💪1000 Subscribers is all what I need to continue working on those videos 💪
I have a pair of 685 S1 and was very curious for an review like this. I've been searching for this information for a long time and had' nt found it until now specialy the frequency response graphic. Very good job. I agree they are a bit hot on the ups ( i apreciate) and strong in the bass considering the size. As negative point I found an lack of definition on low frequencies . Actually Boomy. But it may be due my roon wicth is not acusticly treated. Do you agree they are boomy ? Thankyou !
Thank you! Unique speakers deserve unique review. Although because they are not new probably not as many people will watch it in this time, sadly. I can agree to the point. I think bass is not the most powerful I've ever heard but there is some boominess indeed. I've actually tried them in different room (really poorly treated) and this was much more noticeable and perhaps annoying so it really depends on the room like what you mentioned. The bass itself in some parts is sort of soft but I actually appreciate this. I think it is very nice addition to slightly counter that bright mids and treble and add some depth. This I think was changed with the newer generations which I am not sure was as a good change.
@@MAudiophile are used to have the 606 as well I definitely would like to see you do a side-by-side comparison and see your feedback. My system currently is Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 for my left right and my two sides around speakers are 705 S2. I run a 4.2 configuration
@@stevenoconnor5693 Nice! Yes, I also think this kind of comparison would be interesting and is needed. Oh man, I really envy those 805s 😄 Wonder how they would sound with my humble amp. The newest (805) D4 in walnut is one of the most beautiful speakers in my view.
Interesting! I picked up this pair last week and it are the most dark sounding speakers I ever had (compared to dynaudio, kef, wharfedale etc.). They sound very good, nice full low and mid. Good soundstage. Only the highs are a bit muted and a little (very little) bit grainy. These have a very warm sound. For the money you can get them nowdays they are really excellent, but off course it aren't cm's or kef R
Awsome job man! :) I have a old setup with bw 685, 686, and a HTM62, Looking for a Sub for my home theater. Can anyone recommend me one? have seen asw 608 and 610, maybe there are better options ? :)
Rel is very good, if not the best, and they can be connected to the speaker output, and it's better in my ears, then a sub connection. Have two Rel t5x in my sound system, love 'em..
From the bottom. 686 sound awful, 685 sound much better, 684 better again and 683's are AMAZING! There is a HUGE difference even with the same tweeter. Why? Stay tuned and I tell you. Subscribed from Australia.@@MAudiophile
Used 685 for about 10yrs. Sound is superb compared to other bookshelf as long you match it with high quality amp.
Listening to this on a pair of 685's on my desk right now.
Well done. Truly nice review !
I've got 8 speakers B&W 685 for the rears and ceilings on an Atmos 7.2.4 setup, driven by Rotel's RMB-1585's. They clearly do THE job!
Thanks for your videos, because they are good and fit my interest, namely small speakers, for close listening. Collects classic budget, vintage and almost high end.🍀
I still have this speakers in my only stereo system. No reason to change until they die.
I have been using CM6s2 with REL T7i sub since 2016 & till today still enjoy the sound of the combo very very much. Crank them up & play some well recorded live music & u will feel that you are at the concert venue. The thrill & excitement of the music is very engaging & addictive. I have totally no urge to want to upgrade to anything else even after 7 yrs. i have heard the later 705S2 but not side by side with my CM6S2 & i prefer the sound of my CM6s2 generally though both are quite similar sounding. The Kevlar cone seems more energetic & lively compared to the new Continuum cone.
I bought them back in 2011, still own em. Out of all entry-level B&W bookshelfs (686/685/CM1/CM5) I choose 685, for Overall sound quality)
However, with the proper Amp, CM5 sounds better.
Hi, your video made me buy a pair of B&W 685's in (21 october 2022)
It all started, when I bought a pair of b&w LM1's 4 years ago, The sound they emit surprised me so much, that I have been starting to improve my sound equipment. I currently have 4 speakers b&w LM1 as ATMOS; 2 B&W DM601 S2 as sorrounds, an LCR-3 as central and the 685´as left and right. All powered by a Marantz SR-7010 receiver. And I can´t stop hearing music in Direct Mode with the B&W 685´s
On the other hand, listen in virtual mode with the DM601 S2 as sorrounds with the Marantz SR7010 is one thing that deserves to be comment. All the people who has heard them, They get excited. Now I imagine putting the 685´s as rear satellites to test the virtual mode, it must be something worth listening to!
Anyway, I'm getting off topic. my message is to say that your video made me decide to buy this pair of magnificent speakers.
Thanks a lot
Greetings from México!!!
Alejandro
Мне они нравятся до сих пор. С проводами omega micro и усилителем denon 1500ae они играют именно так как мне нравится. Напольники у меня тоже есть и они являются моим основным стерео сетапом.
That’s a very good review they are very good speakers for the price point are use on a pair of myself. A great clear classic sound.
i use these speakers with a 20k system, Naim amplification.. Call me crazy but there are things this speaker does that i haven't found in many other speakers that are far more expensive. The lively and punchy nature of this speaker in a high end system is addictive. Dont get me wrong it does NOT sound refined or have weighty bass and an ethereal sound but the treble is detailed without being harsh. The bass is quick (with Naim) and the speaker is so much fun to listen to. I think speaker manufacturers should prioritise the enjoyment factor in a loudspeaker over technically accurate measurements. The new 705 signature I heard have more bass but considerably less punchy, the treble was too sharp and I just didn't enjoy the sound as much as the 685. BTW 685 have a mid focused sound which I Love.
Here is a link of a demo. sorry about the video quality its a WhatsApp compressed video
czcams.com/video/xXTStWSDk78/video.html
Nice! Yes, like I've mentioned upper midrange is really unique in here!
Question, would these pair well with Denon PMA 600NE Integrated Amplifier? Thanks. Trying to put together my first audio system and these speakers are within what I feel comfortable spending before I "upgrade" down the road
I have a pair of TDL Rtl2 SE speakers. How would you compare them with these B&Ws in this video?
Let me know what do you think about this speaker in the comment! If you want to support my work, please consider subscribing.
💪1000 Subscribers is all what I need to continue working on those videos 💪
Yes. Subscribed.
Hello , I’d like to see a comparison 606 s2 and 685 if possible 😊 I got one pair of 685 , my rear high speakers .
Thanks .
Yes please do this and against the 607 s2 also
Just picked up a very nice pair pf these at goodwill for about 100 bucks. What do I do now if I want to use them with a record player?
You will need an amplifier with a phono setting, do you have an amplifier?
I have a pair of 685 S1 and was very curious for an review like this.
I've been searching for this information for a long time and had' nt found it until now specialy the frequency response graphic.
Very good job.
I agree they are a bit hot on the ups ( i apreciate) and strong in the bass considering the size. As negative point I found an lack of definition on low frequencies . Actually Boomy. But it may be due my roon wicth is not acusticly treated.
Do you agree they are boomy ?
Thankyou !
Thank you! Unique speakers deserve unique review. Although because they are not new probably not as many people will watch it in this time, sadly.
I can agree to the point. I think bass is not the most powerful I've ever heard but there is some boominess indeed. I've actually tried them in different room (really poorly treated) and this was much more noticeable and perhaps annoying so it really depends on the room like what you mentioned. The bass itself in some parts is sort of soft but I actually appreciate this. I think it is very nice addition to slightly counter that bright mids and treble and add some depth. This I think was changed with the newer generations which I am not sure was as a good change.
@@MAudiophile Tanks to share your impression.
@@Thiago_TS_BR No problem man. Nice to see some people still googling reviews on older speakers 😀
@@MAudiophile are used to have the 606 as well I definitely would like to see you do a side-by-side comparison and see your feedback. My system currently is Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 for my left right and my two sides around speakers are 705 S2. I run a 4.2 configuration
@@stevenoconnor5693 Nice! Yes, I also think this kind of comparison would be interesting and is needed. Oh man, I really envy those 805s 😄 Wonder how they would sound with my humble amp. The newest (805) D4 in walnut is one of the most beautiful speakers in my view.
B&W to bright for me.I like laid back sound for long listening sessions!
I totally get your point! Though, as a second pair to listen in a bit different way sometimes? 😉
Interesting! I picked up this pair last week and it are the most dark sounding speakers I ever had (compared to dynaudio, kef, wharfedale etc.).
They sound very good, nice full low and mid. Good soundstage. Only the highs are a bit muted and a little (very little) bit grainy. These have a very warm sound. For the money you can get them nowdays they are really excellent, but off course it aren't cm's or kef R
@bertheeren7992 what about the kef r300 they are darker right?
Your amp is to blame. Not the 685.
Take a listen to B&W DM 603 S3 and let me know :)
Awsome job man! :)
I have a old setup with bw 685, 686, and a HTM62, Looking for a Sub for my home theater. Can anyone recommend me one? have seen asw 608 and 610, maybe there are better options ? :)
Rel is very good, if not the best, and they can be connected to the speaker output, and it's better in my ears, then a sub connection.
Have two Rel t5x in my sound system, love 'em..
gr research danny upgrade mod easy to do crossover upgrade kit
¿Es mejor que el cdm1 special edition?
Old are always the best..trust me
Great sir but i don't have #I am music lover i love music 🎶
Nice
From the bottom. 686 sound awful, 685 sound much better, 684 better again and 683's are AMAZING! There is a HUGE difference even with the same tweeter. Why? Stay tuned and I tell you. Subscribed from Australia.@@MAudiophile
As they begin to advance the more artificial it becomes and loses its originality