Let’s get straight to the point: B&W’s 685 is a terrific little loudspeaker. It has impressive tonal balance, tremendous rhythmic authority, conjures a nice, open soundstage, has impressive if not super-extended bass response, a singing treble, plays loudly without strain (unless you’re a semi-crazy headbanger), and, thanks to a forward-firing port, can be mounted on the wall, shelf, or B&W’s own FS-700/CM stand.