- Bowers & Wilkins 684 S2 Vs. CM8 S2

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Bowers & Wilkins 684 S2 vs. CM8 S2

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Details Category: Reader Feedback Reader Feedback Created: 15 November 2014 15 November 2014

To Doug Schneider,

Two quick questions concerning your [Bowers & Wilkins 684 S2] review:

1) You mentioned a chestiness in the lower midrange. Do you think this could this be addressed with equalization adjustments?

2) For entry-level audiophile tower speakers, would the 684 S2 be a good choice or the CM8 S2? Would the extra cost of the CM8 S2 be worth it?

Thanks,J. ChrisUnited States

I believe that the chestiness I heard from the 684 S2 speaker is something inherent in the design. As a result, equalization could be used to diminish it by removing some objectionable frequencies (likely around the 200Hz range), but it’s not going to fix it completely.

I have not heard the CM8 S2 speaker, so I can’t tell you if it’s worth it or not. Still, I suggest you definitely seek it out because when I reviewed the 684 S2, I wasn’t entirely impressed with it, which is why I said this at the end of the review: “I recommend that prospective buyers first listen to this new model with familiar music, to determine if it’s the right speaker for them.” There’s a good chance, therefore, that you might find the CM8 S2 worth the extra cost if its overall performance is better, particularly if it lacks the chestiness the 684 S2 exhibited. . . . Doug Schneider

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