Where to audition B&W or Monitor Silver in Northern VA? (1 Viewer)

[Todd Hochard]

All,

I'm looking into a new speaker setup for my upcoming basement home theater, and I'm looking to buy speakers for the first time in ages.

I have an M&K sub, and my old speakers (DCM Time Windows) have been relegated to family room duty, because my wife and daughter think that the cheaper speakers we auditioned sounded like crap. So, I now need new speakers for the HT. Yeah, me.

I've always liked the laid-back sound, and I recall that the B&W 600 series provides just that. I also remember being very impressed by a brief listen to the Monitor Audio Silver line (can't remember which model, but it wasn't the top). As stated, I have a sub, so I'm looking for a center, left/right, and surrounds.

Where can I listen to some of this stuff in Northern VA? Tweeter doesn't carry either brand. Any good online alternatives to these brands? I've read the Axioms are a bit bright.

These will be driven by my trusty Denon AVR-3300 receiver.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[Gralen]

There is a store in arlington and claradon called Myer-Emco. They sell B and W speakers. I am about to go to the one in Upper Marlboro to audition a subwoofer. As for Monitor I have no ideal

 

[Todd Hochard]

After searching, I've come up with only one place for Monitor Audio- the Speaker Factory in Gaithersburg, MD. Not sure if I want to make the drive.

I'm thinking of just going with 6 B&W 601s, or possibly 602s, all around. Think the 601s are enough? I'll have to head to Myer Emco to give the B&Ws a listen.

 

[skip marr]

Let us know how ME is...I used to buy from them years ago.

 

[VinhT]

Let us know if you were able to get a discount. I have been a very good Myer-Emco customer, but only once have I been able to get a discount, a pathetically weak $10 off of a discontinued item that was priced above MSRP. I know this region is extremely affluent, so perhaps few bother to negotiate. Would definitely like to hear your experience dealing with them.

 

[Wayne Ernst]

Skip,

I know we've chatted about Myer Emco via E-mail in the past. When it comes to B&W speakers, that is the store to hit in the area.

Also, they sell:

- Rotel
- McIntosh
- Boston Acoustics
- Def Tech speakers
- Pioneer Elite receivers & DVD players
- Yamaha RX-V receivers

Sadly, though, they are dropping Marantz receivers and they are on clearance. Rumor is, they are switching over to Denon gear instead.

There is a store in the Fairfax area, so you don't need to drive as far to Arlington. Also, the Fairfax Best Buy just opened up a Magnolia "mini-store" within the regular store a few days back.

Finally, if you have a lot o' cash to drop, there's always Gifted Listener Audio in Centreville for Bryston, Linn, etc.

 

[Jake S]

Ahh , the perils of AVID distribution.

HTSA counters.

 

[Gralen]

2 years ago they gave me sort of a discount on a Yamaha 1200 but that was because the unit that they sold me was defective. I bought the unit in beltsville, md. when it was there. It took them 3 months to get a new one. I think I will check out the speaker factory now that I know where it is this weekend. I just bought a velo from circuit city but may have to take it back. Hope Todd that you enjoy the b&w. They are good speakers

 

[Doug Otte]

FYI, Speaker Factory no longer has a store, so don't make the drive! The owner, Ray, works out of his home, and that's an even longer drive, but he's a very knowledgable guy, so give him a call or e-mail and he'll tell you what he has available. It might be worth the drive based upon his knowledge and experience.

PS I've bought a few things from Myer-Emco. Their service and selection have always been wonderful; prices are about average for the DC area.

Doug