Quote Originally Posted by stevos2005
How do the newer B&W 705's compare to the CDM 1NT's, since I'll probably have to test the different amps on the 705's since most stores don't carry the CDM's.
Take your 1NT's with you if you can't bring the amps home for an audition. They may be 36lbs but at least they're not N802's, right? The reason you'll want to use your 1NT's is because they sound quite different than the 705's. To my ears, the 700 series is voiced closer to the 600's in that they are a fuller, rounder sounding speaker than the preceding CDM's. My dealer concurred and in fact mentioned that one of the problems with the CDM's was that they would cannibalize sales from the Nauts because they sounded too similar. It would make more business sense for B&W to have a greater separation between the lines. Another thing is that the motor system on the 700's was changed in an effort to present an easier load to the amp. The CDM's were reknown/notorious for being amp sensitive and I can certainly attest to that (I have 7NT's and 1NT's). It takes a lot of trial and error with the 1NT's to find the best combination within your system so be ready to do a fair amount of auditions. However, your patience will pay off as the 1NT's are capable of making glorious music when driven correctly.

If you don't mind going used, you could pick up a PS Audio HCA2 and possibly a used passive pre-amp for maybe a few bucks more than your budget. The synergy between the B&W's and PSA is terrific imo. Check Audiogon.com.

Hope this helps and buy what moves you.