B&W A7 or is there a better option?

[Atlas 12v]

I've been looking at the B&W A7 for our open plan kitchen/diner/living space. Looking for something simple to use with the best sound available from a single unit.

I'm not overly fussed on a Sonus type system although could be convinced otherwise.

Is there anything better than the A7 out there that I have missed?

Suggestions appreciated!

[belleair302]

Naim Mu So is my suggestion....closely followed Ruark R2 Mk 3 and the Audio Pro Ballroom Air One. All offer amazing sound better than the B & W A7.

[belleair302]

I also have a Geneva Model M which is amazing.....

[craigjm]

Ruark R4 or R2 for smaller room

[Atlas 12v]

Thanks chaps. Off for a nosey at those suggestions.

[toon10]

I have a B&W zep air so I know how good those and the A7 are but if you can stretch to the £895 then the Naim Muso would be my choice.

[Atlas 12v]

Weybridge Audio have the A7 Re-certified by B&W with 2 yr warranty still for £525.00 or JL have it for £599.00 new.

I originally looked at the Zeplin but saw the prices above and was drawn to the A7.

Torn now as £500 is really the max budget, hence looking at the Re-certified option.

[craigjm]

Atlas 12v said:

Weybridge Audio have the A7 Re-certified by B&W with 2 yr warranty still for £525.00 or JL have it for £599.00 new.

I originally looked at the Zeplin but saw the prices above and was drawn to the A7.

Torn now as £500 is really the max budget, hence looking at the Re-certified option.

How big is the room? A Ruark R2i mk3 is less than £500 but may be too small for the room. An R4i isnt much over £500

[belleair302]

Audio Pro Allroom is my choice for your budget. £260 with amazing sound quality and every connection known to man. Beautiful looking and huge sound. The Geneva Model M with DAB radio is £500, offers beautiful sound, is wireless, 60 Watts and bluetooth for streaming.

[Atlas 12v]

Room is approx 45 m2.

[talkssense]

All the B&O Bluetooth/streaming speakers will work standalone, or for bigger rooms you can pair two together for better sound and proper stereo separation.

Versions at 299,399 and gulp 1699

[PeterTTT]

I had an A7 for the last few years .. the sound from a single speaker was very impressive.
However I made the "mistake" of buying some Sonos 2 years ago and the trouble is its just so much easier to use that I ended up never using the A7.
I found Airplay to be a bit "patchy" and often had to reset the A7.
Ended up selling it on Ebay. I have not heard the new Sonos play 5 but would recommend demoing that against the A7.
Also try 2 play ones together in stereo mode which is what I now use as my A7 replacement.
Still prefered the sound of the A7 but just found Sonos so much more reliable and easier to use.

[goingonholiday]

I have a living / dining / kitchen a similar size and have an A5 and thats fine. Its not going to sound amazing in such a big room but the quality / price combo works for me.

I have sonos in other rooms but the b&w quality is far better. I'm about to get a chromecast audio so I can lose the airplay on the A5.

If your budget is £500 I would go with the b&w!