Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems speakers

For Steve H & CliffS, I decided to audition the Arc's & 805's yesterday & did so with a lot of carefully selected tracks/CD's & for an extensive time. It was in a large demonstration room & I was left on my own. A Linn amp/pre amp & CD player were used. They are both excellent speakers, sweet top and bright but controlled midrange. Warmth was good & soundstage very filling. But the Arc's ARE THE BETTER speakers. Without sacrificing any midrange the treble was brighter & more resonant without being thin. The demo room was carpeted but walls were uncovered brick so I thing a lounge fully carpeted with curtains/ soft furnishings may result in an even better sound. I will still audition both in my listening room at home but as the characteristics for the demos were exactly the same I can confidently say, to my ears, the Arc's are the better speaker & in my opinion a better buy even at �500 more. But I hasten to add the B&W 805's are still worth their money & I would be happy to take them home. Hope this is helpful Alex