B&W CM9's vs Monitor Audio GX200 vs Elac FS247 vs ?

[drekka]

I'm looking for a new system which will be mainly used for movies, but also audio. Starting from an audio point of view to find a sound I like, I've so far heard an Arcam 400/Monitor Audio GX200 combination and an Arcam 360/B&W CM9 combination. Both of which I liked. Also listened to a Marantz 7005, but liked the Arcam better.

But these being from two different stores (here in Melbourne) it's hard to hear these setups side by side. Currently though, I'm leaning towards the 400/MAs over the B&W/360. It's also hard considering one store likes to demo amps using the manufacturers settings out of the box and the other appears to spend some time setting them up.

So my questions for you:

1. Have you heard both the MA GX200s and CM9s side by side and what did you think of them?

2. My previous speakers was a set of Elac CL114's (with a Musical Fidelity A3) so I'd like to hear a set of FS247's, but I cannot find anywhere in Melbourne with anything other than some bookshelf's or budget level floor standers. Anyone know if there is a stores in Melbourne taking Elac seriously?

3. Finally :-) I've been offered a Arcam 500 for $4k (new, with fan replaced), but I've been reading some stuff about then having a lot of glitches. Anyone know about this? Worth taking the risk?

ciao

Derek

[holliswhy]

Are you planning to go full on HT?

What's the proportion of music/movies?

[drekka]

Will be getting full HT. just starting by finding a good amp speaker combination. Will be using the system mostly for movies. I haven't been playing music much recently because I sold my d system and the "fill in" is one of those "theatre in a box" systems.

[drekka]

Update: could not find a set of Elacs anywhere in Melbourne or even whilst holidaying on the Gold Coast.

After going backwards and forwards between two stores, finally settled on the Monitor Audios. The B&Ws are very good, but the MA were just that much better IMHO.

Edited July 1, 2012 by drekka