PSB Synchrony Two vs B&W CM9
pranayd -- Mon, 11/23/2009 - 08:02
Hi
I am considering buying either the PSB Synchrony Two or the B&W CM9 speakers. Does anyone have any views, comments or suggestions that might help me choose? I unfortunately won't be able to listen to both speakers before I make my decision.
Thanks
Pranay
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The Synchrony Twos have been very well reviewed by trusted reviewers, including Neil Gader. For whatever it's worth: the CM9s have been getting good but not great reviews (typically 4/5 stars) from the UK publications.
Thanks for the reply, JLeeMD. I've read Neil Gader's review of the PSB's and it certainly makes them sound like a great buy. However, the CM9's won an EISA award this year. I also looked at a comparative review in a Swedish magazine of five speakers in that price range, including the PSB's and B&W's, and the B&W's won the test with the PSB's coming in second. I have to admit I'm partial to the PSB's for some reason but it's a fair amount of money for me and I'd hate to not get the best I can for the cash. Hence the pickle I'm in! Any further thoughts, JLeeMD or anyone else?
The reviews I've read on the Synchronys (One and Two) all make mention of how the speaker was difficult to obtain linear neutral bass response requiring experimentation with the port plugs, sometimes with improved but still lumpy in-room response. Something to consider.
If you have an amp with at least 100-150 watts, consider the Usher Be-718 which Robert Harley raved about. I had them in my system for a week and, while I ultimately went with the Dynaudio Confidence C1s, I was very impressed with the Ushers. While they tick all the usual audiophile boxes, they stand out in my memory for their ability to bring the music to life.
For less dough (2k), consider the Paradigm Studio 60 v5 which Chris Marten raved about. Stereophile (can I use that word here?) as well as a trusted dealer both made note of the v5s being a substantial improvement over the v4s (which were pretty good speakers themselves).
None of these speakers has any special weeknesses, and they are both good all-rounders. You wont go wrong with any of them.
In my opinion, the CM9 might be better when it comes to details and midrange, but PSB is my favourite when it comes to bass! PSB brings more rythm to rock and pop-music and are therefore my choise. CM9 sounds very good with acoustic music and vocals, but turning up for eksample Depeche Mode, Nirvana or Pink Floyd they migt be a bit boring comared to PSB.
http://www.psbspeakers.com/reviews/TAS-Synchrony-Review
The Synchrony also have a very solid frontbafel that gives the tweeter a good protection towards qurious kids with long fingers. When I had the CM7 this in fact was a problem, and I had to change the tweeter once.
I went from B&W CM7 via Dali Mentor 6 to PSB Synchrony two, and are wery happy about that choice! A deep, smooth sound that fits a wide range of music!
I hope you understand my "norwegian-english" language:)
JLeeMD, I live in South Africa and I don't think the Ushers are available here. I'll investigate the Paradigms though. One of the reasons I was considering only the Synchrony Twos and CM9's was that I'll get a good discount on them both. But if the Paradigms are less dear I can investigate them further. Thanks for the suggestion.
Rosenborg, you seem to have heard both speakers. Your opinion gives me a good idea of what to expect, exactly what I was looking for:)
Thanks to both of you.
I have not heard the Symphony Twos, however I have heard the B & W CM9.'s £1799 they are IMO easily the best value for money on the UK market, the mid range in particuar is excellent and far superior to ridiculously overpriced speakers like Spendor Statement £6K & Monitor Audio Platignum £6K etc. CM9 Also an EISA award winner.