B&W 685 Bookshelf Speakers
B&W 685 Bookshelf Speakers
[Jan 11, 2024]
Breana
Strength:
Great! Thanks for sharing this one. Wearable Medical Devices Weakness:
None so far |
[May 06, 2021]
shemikasoraya
Strength:
A good decision of mine to replace my old one. I purchased them two years ago at Goodwill Auction online and was lucky they are perfect especially for Kitchen Cleaning Oakland. Weakness:
I think in a big room with lots of space makes a difference. Purchased: New
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[Apr 07, 2020]
jeff89
Strength:
These B&W speakers are perfect for smaller rooms! They provide full sound spectrum mixed with accurate harmony mid-range. They fully amplify an 85 watt (Cambridge audio) receiver and make it sound like 200 watts. A complete bargain for $650.00 and more. The bass is totally covered and balanced as well as the mid-range instrumentation. Weakness:
custom stickers | print stickers | business printing | printing company Purchased: Used
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[Feb 22, 2020]
ruskinpaul
Strength:
i had them on bookshelf and they sounded they great. I saw a pair of stands made for them and bought them. It really makes a difference and by placing it on the stand and away from wall. I am lucky that my living room is very large 20 x 25 with granite floors with cathedral ceilings and driving them with a vintage jvc jr-s501 monster receiver they sound remarkable. I am really amazed how it sounds. I purchased them two years ago at Goodwill Auction online and was lucky they are perfect. Weakness:
Not really anything, I think in a big room with lots of space makes a difference. Price Paid: 185
Purchased: Used
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[Feb 22, 2020]
ruskinpaul
Strength:
i had them on bookshelf and they sounded they great. I saw a pair of stands made for them and bought them. It really makes a difference and by placing it on the stand and away from wall. I am lucky that my living room is very large 20 x 25 with granite floors with cathedral ceilings and driving them with a vintage jvc jr-s501 monster receiver they sound remarkable. I am really amazed how it sounds. I purchased them two years ago at Goodwill Auction online and was lucky they are perfect. Weakness:
Not really anything, I think in a big room with lots of space makes a difference. Price Paid: 185
Purchased: Used
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[Jan 17, 2018]
Armand
Audio Enthusiast
This review is for the 685s series 1. I became a B and W fan largely because I liked our local dealer, who has since sold his business to a larger, out-of-state outfit. I have had these speakers for more than 10 years now and have to say that they have served me well. These are not perfect speakers but I have to say that they are a substantial improvement over the 602s I had earlier. The bass is much tighter and better defined (for a ported system.) The overall tonal balance and musicality are much improved. Imaging is also much better. The only significant complaint is that the treble could be a bit better integrated with the midrange (which I understand has improved with the series 2). Upgrading the phase plugs to ones from the 800 series made a big improvment in midrange detail. This is still one of the best speakers for the money but I think the acoustic suspension NHT Super One 2.1 (which I also have) is a more accurate speaker with better quality bass for about half the price. Hence, I am giving these speakers only four stars for value. It also bothers me a bit that B and W made its reputation through small independent specialty dealers (such as the one I bought these speakers from) but is now selling at least its lower end speakers in a mass market big box store. I know the market has changed and audio companies are struggling to survive but a company of B and W's size, calibre, and reputation should have no trouble keeping its sales up with exclusive distribution. I think they run the risk of tarnishing their image and reputation among audiophiles. With the small caveats above, I would recommend these speakers as a generally well balanced and musical loudspeaker that does well with a wide variety of music. |
[Jun 11, 2016]
Jmargolies
AudioPhile
These B&W speakers are perfect for smaller rooms! They provide full sound spectrum mixed with accurate harmony mid-range. They fully amplify an 85 watt (Cambridge audio) receiver and make it sound like 200 watts. A complete bargain for $650.00 and more. The bass is totally covered and balanced as well as the mid-range instrumentation. |
[May 28, 2016]
Ragingfighter
AudioPhile
I must've met the speakers do sound amazing. They have great detail and music playback especially with vocals jazz and then he subtleties and recordings One example is the intricacies of piano music and when the recording is really good especially good all the thing she can hear you when you're in a normal set up with conventional default speakers Is it pretty much great for any genre though some genres such as the heavier metal hard rock and home theater playback requires a sub woofer in my opinion. I primarily uses for jazz, rock, soft rock, movies, gaming. Very much appreciate the value of what the speakers off or when your video gaming make sure World seemed much more three-dimensional thanks for the great imaging of the speakers and not something that sounds very flat and dull. Specially during moments like when you're in the brush of a forest walking around you can definitely hear things like the movement of grass more than you would hear it on other speakers highly detailed. I did hear the series 2 of the speakers and they do sound phenomenal as well Are there any improvements I did not hear them side-by-side but knowing Bowers and Wilkins I'm sure there is a definite boost as I have yet to see them actually fall behind in their sound quality. I will say this I got these for very good price and though there may be some differences in audio tracks I have heard in comparison between the two speaker series I believe the series one comes extremely close to the series 2 and only the most diehard audio file/technical person in regards to what they're looking for in their soundtracks will opt for the newer. Point is these speakers by no means are out of date or fallen behind by any leaps or bounds. They are among the best in my opinion. They play clear, loud, smooth, great detail in all frequencies. They are compatible with a lot of gear though hook them to higher end gear you will be rewarded with better quality. Highly recommended. Experience them for yourself. I have a pair and I plan on these lasting for many years to come ????????
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[Feb 18, 2014]
schu
AudioPhile
B&W does their homework. These are great speakers for the price - and size! I also have a pair of DM303's, which appear to have a similar tweeter. I'm sure it's been updated. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as the old saying goes. Does anyone know if it's an updated version of the DM303's tweeter? (which is probably used in other B&W products - doubt they invested in such a phenomenal driver only to use it once...)
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[Oct 20, 2012]
Tom
AudioPhile
Have owned and really loved listening to a pair each of B&W 805 Matrix S2's and 602 S2's (year 2000). I know the traditional hallmarks of B&W sound: imaging, balance, clarity, and omission of sins. I *enjoyed* those speakers.
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