Silver eh????

[speakerman39]

I have a question for anyone here that has first hand experience with the Monitor Audio Silver RS6 tower speaker. I would like to get an idea of how they sound-is there anything out there that is very similiar??? How would the RS6 compare to say the Axiom M60??? Both are equally priced. Please feel free to elaborate as much as you want because the more I know the better decision I can make. Thus, I am considering the RS6, Axiom M60, Polk Rti8, and the Ascend Acoustics CMT 340-M. Thank you for your time. Have a great day.

[Pianoman84d]

Have you read the recent review of the very same Monitor audio speaker you are asking about?

Also, at the $1000 range of floorstanders, you should consider the Rocket 550 from www.av123.com It competes with the Axiom and ascend speakers (as far as internet direct goes)

Of course, you can only get so far with discussing and so on on the internet. The key is to listen for yourself because only you know what kind of sound you like.

Pianoman

[Tex-amp]

Have you read the recent review of the very same Monitor audio speaker you are asking about?

Also, at the $1000 range of floorstanders, you should consider the Rocket 550 from www.av123.com It competes with the Axiom and ascend speakers (as far as internet direct goes)

Of course, you can only get so far with discussing and so on on the internet. The key is to listen for yourself because only you know what kind of sound you like.

Pianoman

The 340 classic was neck in neck with the 550II. The SE is clearly a step above the 340 classic.

[BMO]

I own the MA RS 8,s and my Daughter the Rocket 550 MK II. The MA 8 's have a bit more bass than the 6's, and some believe the 6's sound better because of it.
My preference is for the MA's, while my daughter the 550MK II. I definatly have no problem with the 550 MK II. Nice sounding speaker and there cabinet is gorgeous.
When my daughter asked me to buy her some speakers , front , center and sub,with a not to excede price,it was B stock Rockets that I looked for.If you have ever been on AV123 website, you know how difficult that is.Very seldom do you find B-stock/open box specials.When they do show up, they are not there for long.
They have a very devoted fan base, not only because of there products, but also because it is not unusual to talk directly to there owner when you have a problem or just questions.
I know because of my exsperence with AV123, I will always give there products ,in the future, careful consideration.

[speakerman39]

Have you read the recent review of the very same Monitor audio speaker you are asking about?

Also, at the $1000 range of floorstanders, you should consider the Rocket 550 from www.av123.com It competes with the Axiom and ascend speakers (as far as internet direct goes)

Of course, you can only get so far with discussing and so on on the internet. The key is to listen for yourself because only you know what kind of sound you like.

Pianoman
Yes I have because I get Stereophile every month. I just wanted to see if there were any other comparisons made by some members here. I agree that listening for myself is the best way to judge a speaker. Just wanted to get some idea as to how they sound. Another speaker I am considering is the Polk Rti10.

[speakerman39]

The 340 classic was neck in neck with the 550II. The SE is clearly a step above the 340 classic.
Neck in neck according to whom? In what way is the new "SE" a step above??? There is no doubt the Ascends are excellent speakers BUT care to be more specific? I am just trying to learn as much as I can-you know knowledge is power. Have tried to obtain a demo BUT it appears nobody owns them w/in an hours drive or so. On the other hand, I have gotten to hear some Axiom products and lets say I was and still am quite impressed to say the least. I also have heard the Polk Rti8 but not the Rti10. I really liked the Rti8's. Have you heard any of these?

[hopjohn]

In what way is the new "SE" a step above???

The SE improved upon the original "Classic" with an improved tweeter that smoothed out treble response a little. They lowered the bottom end with a newly designed woofer that allows you to play them full range ( before a sub was more vital and recommended). Power handling also increased.

[speakerman39]

The SE improved upon the original "Classic" with an improved tweeter that smoothed out treble response a little. They lowered the bottom end with a newly designed woofer that allows you to play them full range ( before a sub was more vital and recommended). Power handling also increased.
Yes I have read this and the new drivers are custom made by SEAS. No doubt that has to be a bargain at that price point because SEAS drivers are usually used in much more expensive speakers. The new pics of the 340 SE's look fantastic!!! I am definitely giving Ascend high consideration. The only thing is they do not make a rear surround speaker like many others do. For example, the Axiom QS8's seem to be highly regarded and I do prefer a more diffused sound when watching dvds. Polk has the Fxi3/Fxi5's that have garnered a lot of praise as well. I do NOT listen to multi-channel music so a direct firing speaker in the rear is not ideal for my application. I also like the design of the Axiom VP150 center channel speaker. You know, kinda unique yet still seems to performs well.

[speakerman39]

I own the MA RS 8,s and my Daughter the Rocket 550 MK II. The MA 8 's have a bit more bass than the 6's, and some believe the 6's sound better because of it.
My preference is for the MA's, while my daughter the 550MK II. I definatly have no problem with the 550 MK II. Nice sounding speaker and there cabinet is gorgeous.
When my daughter asked me to buy her some speakers , front , center and sub,with a not to excede price,it was B stock Rockets that I looked for.If you have ever been on AV123 website, you know how difficult that is.Very seldom do you find B-stock/open box specials.When they do show up, they are not there for long.
They have a very devoted fan base, not only because of there products, but also because it is not unusual to talk directly to there owner when you have a problem or just questions.
I know because of my exsperence with AV123, I will always give there products ,in the future, careful consideration.
Hello thanks for your honesty. Would the Rocket 550's be more "laid back" as compared to the MA RS6's? I am not overly crazy about a laid back speaker myself. I am looking for more of a neutral speaker that is not bright but more balanced sounding. Articulation is the key--I just cant stand a sloppy sounding speaker.

[speakerman39]

Any members here know how well the Monitor Audio Silver RS6 tower speaker compares to the Polk Rti10 or the Rocket 550 MKII???? I personally have never heard any of these but was hoping to get an idea. I have heard the Polk Rti8 and the Axiom M80 as well as the Paradigm Monitor 7 v.3's. Please take a few minutes if you know anything about any of these speakers with respect to how they sound. To be honest, I do NOT want an overly laid back speaker.

[toquemon]

Hi,

One of my buddies has a pair of RS8 and I think they sound very good, specially at the high frequencies. They have a metal dome tweeter that doesn't sound like metal...

The bass is tight, controlled, but not very porwefull... so, It depends on your taste. The midrange is a little bit laidback... but that isn't a bad thing.

[Tex-amp]

Neck in neck according to whom? In what way is the new "SE" a step above??? There is no doubt the Ascends are excellent speakers BUT care to be more specific?

There was infamous side by side comparison of the 2 a couple of years ago by an eunthushist that had them neck and neck with each having areas that they did better than the other. A few months after that I was part of a get together with ~25 guys that had Rocket 550II abd the original 340s and we pretty much all agreed they were neck and neck.

The SEs have better drivers and tweeters than the original Ascends providing better clarity, detail, and bass extension.

[jcPanny]

They are running some great deals on the last of the Macassar Ebony finish that they are discontinuing. You can get a 5.0 system with the Rocket 850 Sigunature Mains for $2250. Check it out.

http://www.av123.com/specials.php

[KrisJ]

For what it's worth,
I had a 5.1 setup of older Polks. After I sold them I began my quest for new speakers. I ended up with the MA RS series.

[speakerman39]

Hi,

One of my buddies has a pair of RS8 and I think they sound very good, specially at the high frequencies. They have a metal dome tweeter that doesn't sound like metal...

The bass is tight, controlled, but not very porwefull... so, It depends on your taste. The midrange is a little bit laidback... but that isn't a bad thing.
Thanks for the comments.

[speakerman39]

There was infamous side by side comparison of the 2 a couple of years ago by an eunthushist that had them neck and neck with each having areas that they did better than the other. A few months after that I was part of a get together with ~25 guys that had Rocket 550II abd the original 340s and we pretty much all agreed they were neck and neck.

The SEs have better drivers and tweeters than the original Ascends providing better clarity, detail, and bass extension.
Kool Tex what other speakers were involved in your get together? Yeah the new drivers are made by SEAS which are usually only found in much more expensive speakers. That has to say a lot about Dave Fabrikant-he could easily sell his speakers at a higher price and still remain competative. Have talked to him on the phone before and he really is a nice guy. Ascend still remains high on my list at this time. Just wished someone close by could offer me a demo. The closest is at least 4 hours away and gas is outrageous. Anyways, thanks for the info.

[speakerman39]

They are running some great deals on the last of the Macassar Ebony finish that they are discontinuing. You can get a 5.0 system with the Rocket 850 Sigunature Mains for $2250. Check it out.

http://www.av123.com/specials.php
LOL.........yeah but out of my price range. Besides, not too crazy about the Ebony finish myself. Other than that, sure is one heck of a deal. To bad I am poor.............:(

[speakerman39]

For what it's worth,
I had a 5.1 setup of older Polks. After I sold them I began my quest for new speakers. I ended up with the MA RS series.
That is great kris but could you be a bit more specific? And, if you dont mind offer some comparisons about your journey to the MA RS speakers. It would be much appreciated. Have a great day now. :) :)

[Geno]

I've had my MA setup for awhile now, and would characterize them as very neutral. If I crank it up, they blow me away; when I throttle it back, they still sound very smooth and crisp. In other words, they sound like what the recording engineer intended, IMHO. I did compare them to the Polks mentioned earlier, and the Axioms. The MA's gorgeous cherry cabinets and their sound are what won me over.

[osvi]

Hi. My brother in law has the M60's with an old Yamaha stereo...awsome with enough power for a big (20x14x20) room. I will test the RS6 today so I'll let you know. The MA has a lot of good reviews, they say is great for jazz. I'll let you know.

osvi

[speakerman39]

Hi. My brother in law has the M60's with an old Yamaha stereo...awsome with enough power for a big (20x14x20) room. I will test the RS6 today so I'll let you know. The MA has a lot of good reviews, they say is great for jazz. I'll let you know.

osvi
Please do...........lucky you!!!!!!!!!:) :) :)

[osvi]

I hope this helps. The Monitor Audio RS6 sounds beautiful and looks beautiful. IMO, this speaker is somewhere around the BW 603 and the Axiom M60...at least that's what I have auditioned. I'ts really a matter of taste kind of thing as far as sound they sound.Hopen thisnhelps

[speakerman39]

I hope this helps. The Monitor Audio RS6 sounds beautiful and looks beautiful. IMO, this speaker is somewhere around the BW 603 and the Axiom M60...at least that's what I have auditioned. I'ts really a matter of taste kind of thing as far as sound they sound.Hopen thisnhelps
Thanks I appreciate the info BUT could you be a bit more specific? I mean what were the similarities? And, the differences? Which was more punchy and articulate sounding in the upper midbass region? Which had a more neutral presentation and was open, airy, and extended?? Did any of them sound thin in the midrange or have a boxy sound?? Which offered linear low frequency extension?? What about build quality? If you dont mind share with us your thoughts. Have a great day.

[osvi]

Thanks I appreciate the info BUT could you be a bit more specific? I mean what were the similarities? And, the differences? Which was more punchy and articulate sounding in the upper midbass region? Which had a more neutral presentation and was open, airy, and extended?? Did any of them sound thin in the midrange or have a boxy sound?? Which offered linear low frequency extension?? What about build quality? If you dont mind share with us your thoughts. Have a great day.

I'll try to help, we may be looking for the same thing. I think the RS6 is very warm sounding but also slightly dark. In that regard the M60 is quite bright and again, the 603 is right in thr middle. These diferences are not huge, but you can hear them easily. In the "punch" department the M60 has the greatest bass extension, the RS6 would be 2nd and the 603 3rd. Articulation...man, all three are great but I think the M60 has a slight edge in that too, It seem it doesn't need to work hard at all. The RS6 and the 603 need to be driven harder to achive that prescence. Neautral presentation...boy, that's a hard one but I'll give that to the M60, although it has a forward sounstage presentation, the RS6 is more laid back, same as the 603. I think the RS6 is the more open one, the 603 is also open and the M60 is in your face. I will also say the M60 is the least boxy sounding. This is aparent only when played loud...very loud. Also, the RS6 is very linear is the low frequency range, I could not detect any bass note preference which is exactly what I read, and that is important to me. Then again, The M60 and the 603 are very good at this too being the M60 the hardest to control in a small room and that is why I may not get them because I have a 11x13 room, too small for such a powerfull speaker. Built quality can go eithr way, all very nice although I would say the RS6 is absolutely beautifull (dark brown or black).

I've tried to answer every question you asked and I sincelery hope this helps. One funny thing, the salesman, a very knowledgeable one, had me listen to the Monitor Audio GS10 first and I could not believe my ears. So far that is the best speaker I've listened too, but at nearly $2000 is out of my budget. If you have a big room, maybe more than 15x15 I think the M60 would be great. It'll fill the room nicely. I think you can't go wrong with any of these spaeakers, but just to give you my opinion the M60 is the one I like the most but it may be overkill for my room and between the RS6 and the 603 I would choose the RS6.

osvi

p.d. The cd's used for all tests: Dave Mathews (Crash into me, Song #40), Jonh Mayer, Joshua Redman, Tribal Tech, Sting.

[speakerman39]

I'll try to help, we may be looking for the same thing. I think the RS6 is very warm sounding but also slightly dark. In that regard the M60 is quite bright and again, the 603 is right in thr middle. These diferences are not huge, but you can hear them easily. In the "punch" department the M60 has the greatest bass extension, the RS6 would be 2nd and the 603 3rd. Articulation...man, all three are great but I think the M60 has a slight edge in that too, It seem it doesn't need to work hard at all. The RS6 and the 603 need to be driven harder to achive that prescence. Neautral presentation...boy, that's a hard one but I'll give that to the M60, although it has a forward sounstage presentation, the RS6 is more laid back, same as the 603. I think the RS6 is the more open one, the 603 is also open and the M60 is in your face. I will also say the M60 is the least boxy sounding. This is aparent only when played loud...very loud. Also, the RS6 is very linear is the low frequency range, I could not detect any bass note preference which is exactly what I read, and that is important to me. Then again, The M60 and the 603 are very good at this too being the M60 the hardest to control in a small room and that is why I may not get them because I have a 11x13 room, too small for such a powerfull speaker. Built quality can go eithr way, all very nice although I would say the RS6 is absolutely beautifull (dark brown or black).

I've tried to answer every question you asked and I sincelery hope this helps. One funny thing, the salesman, a very knowledgeable one, had me listen to the Monitor Audio GS10 first and I could not believe my ears. So far that is the best speaker I've listened too, but at nearly $2000 is out of my budget. If you have a big room, maybe more than 15x15 I think the M60 would be great. It'll fill the room nicely. I think you can't go wrong with any of these spaeakers, but just to give you my opinion the M60 is the one I like the most but it may be overkill for my room and between the RS6 and the 603 I would choose the RS6.

osvi

p.d. The cd's used for all tests: Dave Mathews (Crash into me, Song #40), Jonh Mayer, Joshua Redman, Tribal Tech, Sting.
Yes I find this info most useful. It sounds like from the way you describe things that the M60 would be a MUCH better fit for me. I also like the Polk Rti8 and it is closer to being within my budget. Theres no doubt the M60 would be better but it is also more expensive. Just do NOT like a laid back speaker but on the other hand, do not care for a speaker to be overly bright such as with Klipsch. No offense to all the Klipsch owners it is just not for me. Anyways, thanks and have a great day.:D :D

[Tex-amp]

Kool Tex what other speakers were involved in your get together?

Axiom M60 was the other speaker in this group. Only a couple of the guys out ~25 had the M60 as their top pick.

In bookselves we had Axiom M22, Onix Ref1, Ascend 170, Rocket ELTce, HTD Level 3, Ascend 200, and some Bluepod minis.

[speakerman39]

Axiom M60 was the other speaker in this group. Only a couple of the guys out ~25 had the M60 as their top pick.

In bookselves we had Axiom M22, Onix Ref1, Ascend 170, Rocket ELTce, HTD Level 3, Ascend 200, and some Bluepod minis.
Care to review with us what the over all finding were out of you get together? Am very curious as to how the M60's and the M22's ranked as well as the Ascend CBM-170. Did you use the newer Level III's from HTD? Always wanted to know how they sounded as well. Furthermore, how well did the 200's compare to the 170's??? If you have posted all of this before feel free to just leave a link and I can read for myself. Thanks for the info.

[osvi]

Me too!!! I will like to know what came out off the get together...

osvi

[Tex-amp]

I'll try to find a link to it all over on AVS. Just remembered the Rocket 250s were there too.

The HTD IIIs were the previous generation from the ones with the ribbon tweet. We had on an Onix H6550 tube amp and they were towards the bottom of perferences. The next day I heard them a very nice integrated amp, Audio Refinement Complete Alpha, and the HTD sounded much better. They went from one of my least favorites to most favorites.

[speakerman39]

I'll try to find a link to it all over on AVS. Just remembered the Rocket 250s were there too.

The HTD IIIs were the previous generation from the ones with the ribbon tweet. We had on an Onix H6550 tube amp and they were towards the bottom of perferences. The next day I heard them a very nice integrated amp, Audio Refinement Complete Alpha, and the HTD sounded much better. They went from one of my least favorites to most favorites.
Hmmmm........that is very interesting with respect to the HTD Level III's. Please find that link as I am most anxiously awaiting. BTW, have you heard anything about the HTD Level III's with the new ribbon tweeters?

[PatrickBateman]

I'll try to help, we may be looking for the same thing. I think the RS6 is very warm sounding but also slightly dark. In that regard the M60 is quite bright and again, the 603 is right in thr middle. These diferences are not huge, but you can hear them easily. In the "punch" department the M60 has the greatest bass extension, the RS6 would be 2nd and the 603 3rd. Articulation...man, all three are great but I think the M60 has a slight edge in that too, It seem it doesn't need to work hard at all. The RS6 and the 603 need to be driven harder to achive that prescence. Neautral presentation...boy, that's a hard one but I'll give that to the M60, although it has a forward sounstage presentation, the RS6 is more laid back, same as the 603. I think the RS6 is the more open one, the 603 is also open and the M60 is in your face. I will also say the M60 is the least boxy sounding. This is aparent only when played loud...very loud. Also, the RS6 is very linear is the low frequency range, I could not detect any bass note preference which is exactly what I read, and that is important to me. Then again, The M60 and the 603 are very good at this too being the M60 the hardest to control in a small room and that is why I may not get them because I have a 11x13 room, too small for such a powerfull speaker. Built quality can go eithr way, all very nice although I would say the RS6 is absolutely beautifull (dark brown or black).

I've tried to answer every question you asked and I sincelery hope this helps. One funny thing, the salesman, a very knowledgeable one, had me listen to the Monitor Audio GS10 first and I could not believe my ears. So far that is the best speaker I've listened too, but at nearly $2000 is out of my budget. If you have a big room, maybe more than 15x15 I think the M60 would be great. It'll fill the room nicely. I think you can't go wrong with any of these spaeakers, but just to give you my opinion the M60 is the one I like the most but it may be overkill for my room and between the RS6 and the 603 I would choose the RS6.

osvi

p.d. The cd's used for all tests: Dave Mathews (Crash into me, Song #40), Jonh Mayer, Joshua Redman, Tribal Tech, Sting.


I believe the GS10's are around $1500 retail and can be had for less

[osvi]

The stands were included, I'm pretty sure they cost at least $300, so yeah, it's nearly $1800. After reading every possible audio site-forum available and listenning to quite a few speaker models I decided to order the M60's. I'll post my experience.

osvi

[speakerman39]

The stands were included, I'm pretty sure they cost at least $300, so yeah, it's nearly $1800. After reading every possible audio site-forum available and listenning to quite a few speaker models I decided to order the M60's. I'll post my experience.

osvi
I have heard the M80's and was very impressed. If the
M60's are even remotely close to the 80's you are sure to be very happy. Great choice!!!! Be sure to let us know what your impressions are. I finally got hear the Rockets today and all I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: