B&W SCMS Bookshelf speakers
SCMS model refers to a well-known 800th series. Its function is very specific - the work in the rear and more often in 7.1 systems. However, it has all the attributes of a good shelf speaker system in order to try it as the head of stereo system. Matrix case of a cylindrical form eliminates the parallelism of internal walls and at the same time excludes the formation of standing waves affecting the sound. A yellow Kevlar MF/LF-speaker is also familiar to the lovers of B&W equipment. The tweeter is simple here - aluminum dome; but, thus, due to this it became possible to provide a relatively low cost of these speaker systems despite of their belonging to the line of the highest class.
The branded bass-reflex port - Flowport - with "vortex holes" is put underside of the system's body. This decision seems to be strange from the first sight. However, these speakers are designed for hanging them on wall and further mobility is provided by special bracings: you can slightly rotate the speaker systems in order to achieve better compatibility with acoustics of a room. Of course, you can install them on special stands to use them as frontal systems.
Despite of the initial doubts - the system still has clear specialization (front) but we put it in front positions - SCMS quite adequately coped with all offered music material.
The sound during the whole listening session was smooth, neat but sometimes cool. Primarily, this referred to hard rock. Big dynamic swings were smoothed. There was the feeling that the signal passed through a compressor, which narrowed the dynamic range. But the so-called soft-rock was played just perfectly. A soft guitar sound, intimate voice, beautiful violin - this system will most certainly warm and calm you while snowstorm blusters outside.
In addition, portrayal of space pleased us too. At playing live recording SCMS perfectly coped with its task and placed musicians correctly on stage. There were no problems while playing electronic songs. Our room was filled by elastic bass, well-emphasized middle and clear bright high frequencies - what else you need to have a good time?
The manufacturer correctly positions these speaker systems as rear ones. The work in high-quality stereo system is possible, but with some conditions. Among them are the right choice of an amplifier and cables (and they should be of really high level), carefully estimated location in a room and, finally, the desire to listen to the famous B&W sound.
