What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
19 MAY 2008
B&W 685 Theatre
This system looks every bit as good as it sounds, which means it's a stylish, effective package
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The distinctive Bowers and Wilkins take on speaker design ensures you can always pick out a the company's products in a crowd, the familiar style looking far more presentable than most on the market.
And the company tends to share technology across its ranges, too: the speakers here have a 25mm aluminium dome tweeter mounted on the company’s Nautilus tube, plus woven Kevlar mid/bass drivers, both technologies having previously been proven in pricier models.
Teeny little subwoofer
The system here uses the 685s as the front left and right speakers, with the smaller 686s taking on the task of surround effects. A dedicated centre and an almost worryingly small subwoofer– or so it seemed until we heard it in action – complete the set.
Down to business and the 685 Theatre system is every bit as impressive as we remembered. Listening to the BD of Flags of our Fathers the B&W reveals its familiar tonal balance – a smooth, effortless sound that still packs in the detail and excitement, while remaining nonchalantly in control at all times.
That small sub is quite capable of delivering punchy, low, insightful bass rumblings that never threaten to hold back the pace of the action.
All-encompassing soundstage
This system creates a complete, all-encompassing soundstage like no other here, the front three delivering seamless sweeps, while rear channels seem to reach around to join in the action when required, while also being capable of interjecting with accurate and precise surround sound effects. Altogether it makes for an open, spacious experience.
To cap it all, this system is adept with music. Timing, control and dynamics are all strengths, ensuring Gnarls Barkley's live rendition of Smiley Faces packs all the necessary rhythm and speed, ensuring it skips along cheerily exactly as intended.
First impressions are just that when it comes to our review process, but this speaker system from B&W oozes class from the moment you unbox it. Easy on the eyes and, most important, the ears, it's home theatre of which you could be proud.
Click here to watch our video review of the B&W 685 Theatre.