Any comment for this above speakers? I would want to run it with my marrantz 5500, is it possible? The main purpose is for music (pop, jazz,...) thanks in advance for your comments.
Consumer Reports thinks they're good, so I probably wouldn't buy them. I rarely, if ever, agree with their opinions. That's not to say the M80's are bad, to the contrary, I like Cambridge Soundworks speakers, but I just don't trust Consumers. You might be able to find something more capable.
...If I was compelled to spend $500 I'd go with the Wharfedale Diamond 9.2, if I was on a tight budget I'd go with the Diamond 8.2 delivered from Amazon for $199.
Realistically, the CSW M80 is a $300 speaker (b-stock or sale price). They aren't bad for what they are: cabinet construction is solid, they come in nice wood veneers, and they don't absolutely require a subwoofer like many bookshelf speakers. I also never had a problem with the CSW sound, as it is fairly laid back. However, they are not a pure performance speaker. When you factor in their real price, their fancy finish, and their attempt to be a fuller range bookshelf, you will find them lacking against other speakers at the 500 dollar price point. However, IF you get them b-stock or on sale, and you want a nice looking veneer, and you have no desire to add a subwoofer, they would be respectable for the money.
Depending on availability, I would look at offerings from Energy (C-3) and Paradigm (Mini-Monitor). If do-able, the Ling would likely represent a good value as well. Just to give a broad idea of what all is out there, I would also see if one can find a pair of Klipsch bookshelf speakers to audition, such as the RB-61.
