Speaker options, needd some guidance????

[Darrenmc]

I'm currently looking at options to upgrade my speaker system. I use my system relatively 50/50 for music/HT. Right now I'm using Monitor Audio RS1's combined with 2 side firing powered subs(Angsrtom Modular 8's), the Monitors sit on them. Here are the specs on the subs since many people aren't familiar with them: Operational frequency noise - 30Hz-180Hz,variable from 50Hz - 180Hz, Amplifier -120 Watts RMS.
Here are my options:
1) Do nothing leave as is, always looking to improve though
2) Add another sub that can go to lower frequencies and has a stronger amplifier
3) Trade in my RS1's for GS10's and just use the current 2 subs
4) Trade in my RS1's and 2 subs for Monitor Audio RS6's(small floorstanders) and add the Monitor Audio RSW 12 sub - Frequency Response - 21Hz - 120KHz,
Power Handling RMS (W) 500 Watts (R.M.S) 1000 Watts (Peak)

What would you suggest doing? Option 1 would cost zero, 2 about $600.00CDN, 3&4 are about equal at $1000.00CDN. Your opinons are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[mazersteven]

4) Trade in my RS1's and 2 subs for Monitor Audio RS6's(small floorstanders) and add the Monitor Audio RSW 12 sub

What would you suggest doing? 4 are about equal at $1000.00CDN. Your opinons are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Only you can make the decision about what to do. If your unhappy with your system, then it sounds like a change is in order. Is this your second time posting this? If your happy, why change?

But of all the suggestions I like number 4 best. Only I'm not to crazy about the Monitor Audio subs.

 

[PENG]

I'm currently looking at options to upgrade my speaker system. I use my system relatively 50/50 for music/HT. Right now I'm using Monitor Audio RS1's combined with 2 side firing powered subs(Angsrtom Modular 8's), the Monitors sit on them. Here are the specs on the subs since many people aren't familiar with them: Operational frequency noise - 30Hz-180Hz,variable from 50Hz - 180Hz, Amplifier -120 Watts RMS.
Here are my options:
1) Do nothing leave as is, always looking to improve though
2) Add another sub that can go to lower frequencies and has a stronger amplifier
3) Trade in my RS1's for GS10's and just use the current 2 subs
4) Trade in my RS1's and 2 subs for Monitor Audio RS6's(small floorstanders) and add the Monitor Audio RSW 12 sub - Frequency Response - 21Hz - 120KHz,
Power Handling RMS (W) 500 Watts (R.M.S) 1000 Watts (Peak)

What would you suggest doing? Option 1 would cost zero, 2 about $600.00CDN, 3&4 are about equal at $1000.00CDN. Your opinons are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I have AB compared some floor standing monitor audio speakers side by side with the older Energy Connoisseur models, e.g. C8 and C5 and found the Energy speakers sound similar but with stronger bass performance. My suggestion is, don't buy imports if (and only if) you can find locally make speakers you like. Have you listened to any Energy, Paradigm and Totem speakers lately?

 

[Darrenmc]

Only you can make the decision about what to do. If your unhappy with your system, then it sounds like a change is in order. Is this your second time posting this? If your happy, why change?

But of all the suggestions I like number 4 best. Only I'm not to crazy about the Monitor Audio subs.

I've posted a lot latelty as i've kind of gone on an upgrade frenzy. I just got the RS1's not long ago but I did a/b tests at the dealer with my old speakers and these and they did sound better. But now I have them at home I feel that they are not better sounding or don't have the same power as my old speakers. I've also upgraded my receiver from an Onkyo TX-SR701 to an Arcam AVR300 and my cd player from a Denon DCM-340 to a NAD C542. As you can see I've put a lot of money into these upgrades yet I don't feel wowed by it? Maybe I just need time for all these products to blend, it's only been a couple of weeks? Tell me to be patient? Can you recommend some good subs in the $500-600 range?

 

[Darrenmc]

I have AB compared some floor standing monitor audio speakers side by side with the older Energy Connoisseur models, e.g. C8 and C5 and found the Energy speakers sound similar but with stronger bass performance. My suggestion is, don't buy imports if (and only if) you can find locally make speakers you like. Have you listened to any Energy, Paradigm and Totem speakers lately?

The dealer carries Paradigms but I did not demo any of them. I asked how they compared to the Monitor Audio's(bookshelfs) and he felt at the Monitors price range there was no comparison from Paradigm? I had Paradigm bookshelf speakers years ago and really liked them. I don't know what Paradigm bookshelfs would be in the $850CDN price range, Studio 20's or 40's and if they'd be better in a audio/HT setup or not? The good thing is if i'm not satisfied I'm sure I could return them for something else? I'm using an Arcam AVR300 a/v receiver to drive tehm if that matters?

 

[rexracer]

I've posted a lot latelty as i've kind of gone on an upgrade frenzy. I just got the RS1's not long ago but I did a/b tests at the dealer with my old speakers and these and they did sound better. But now I have them at home I feel that they are not better sounding or don't have the same power as my old speakers. I've also upgraded my receiver from an Onkyo TX-SR701 to an Arcam AVR300 and my cd player from a Denon DCM-340 to a NAD C542. As you can see I've put a lot of money into these upgrades yet I don't feel wowed by it? Maybe I just need time for all these products to blend, it's only been a couple of weeks? Tell me to be patient? Can you recommend some good subs in the $500-600 range?

Look to HSU

 

[ParadigmDawg]

If you are not happy and can try something else; do it. I really thought I wanted the MA RS6 and I had my dealer order a pair so we could do a side by side. I really didnt like the way they sounded but many people do. I really liked the Paradigm 60's but then when I compared them with the 40's they didnt seem like they were worth the extra money. I think the 20's with a good sub would be a great combo for you but try them and see or keep your MA's and try a good SVS or HSU sub.

The dealer carries Paradigms but I did not demo any of them. I asked how they compared to the Monitor Audio's(bookshelfs) and he felt at the Monitors price range there was no comparison from Paradigm? I had Paradigm bookshelf speakers years ago and really liked them. I don't know what Paradigm bookshelfs would be in the $850CDN price range, Studio 20's or 40's and if they'd be better in a audio/HT setup or not? The good thing is if i'm not satisfied I'm sure I could return them for something else? I'm using an Arcam AVR300 a/v receiver to drive tehm if that matters?

 

[Davemcc]

I don't know what Paradigm bookshelfs would be in the $850CDN price range, Studio 20's or 40's

All my Paradigm dealer would tell me was that the Studio 20's were "about $1,000" Cdn.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I dont know; it's all negotiable. I paid a little < 1k (real American money) for the 40's but I also bought a lot at once.

 

[trnqk7]

I would go with option 4. A sub with more power will give you better bass repsonse and allow the other speakers to not work as hard.

 

[Nick250]

All my Paradigm dealer would tell me was that the Studio 20's were "about $1,000" Cdn.

I own Studio 20's and really liked them and I auditioned many, many speakers at the time. You may or may not like them, but you will not know unless you take a listen. What the sales person likes or dislikes is totally irrelevant. Audition as many speakers you can. When I got my 20's about six years ago, I probably auditioned around twenty different speakers.

The amplification is also irrelevant to sound quality so take that out of the picture.

Nick

 

[Darrenmc]

Look to HSU

Will check into these subs, thanks!

 

[Darrenmc]

If you are not happy and can try something else; do it. I really thought I wanted the MA RS6 and I had my dealer order a pair so we could do a side by side. I really didnt like the way they sounded but many people do. I really liked the Paradigm 60's but then when I compared them with the 40's they didnt seem like they were worth the extra money. I think the 20's with a good sub would be a great combo for you but try them and see or keep your MA's and try a good SVS or HSU sub.

Would just adding another sub like this (SVS or HSU) be okay with the 2 I already have????

 

[Darrenmc]

I would go with option 4. A sub with more power will give you better bass repsonse and allow the other speakers to not work as hard.

As posted above, maybe just add another sub and keep the RS1's???

 

[Davemcc]

Just as an aid in your research,
http://www.electronicsforless.ca/ProductMain.aspx?CatID=15
a Canadian link for Hsu subs w/free shipping. As an added bonus, at the top of the page is a link to Sonicboomaudio, the Canadian distributor of SVS subs. They are the same, only different. I got my SVS PB12-plus and my Hsu STF-3 from there and I am currently waiting on my third order, an audio rack.

Whereabouts in this Great White North are you?

 

[Darrenmc]

Just as an aid in your research,
http://www.electronicsforless.ca/ProductMain.aspx?CatID=15
a Canadian link for Hsu subs w/free shipping. As an added bonus, at the top of the page is a link to Sonicboomaudio, the Canadian distributor of SVS subs. They are the same, only different. I got my SVS PB12-plus and my Hsu STF-3 from there and I am currently waiting on my third order, an audio rack.

Whereabouts in this Great White North are you?

I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba!!!!

 

[Davemcc]

I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba!!!!

At least the Hsu's have free shipping.

 

[PENG]

The dealer carries Paradigms but I did not demo any of them. I asked how they compared to the Monitor Audio's(bookshelfs) and he felt at the Monitors price range there was no comparison from Paradigm? I had Paradigm bookshelf speakers years ago and really liked them. I don't know what Paradigm bookshelfs would be in the $850CDN price range, Studio 20's or 40's and if they'd be better in a audio/HT setup or not? The good thing is if i'm not satisfied I'm sure I could return them for something else? I'm using an Arcam AVR300 a/v receiver to drive tehm if that matters?

This is why I do not understand how people could hear day and night or huge improvement simply by adding an amp to their system that does not include better speakers. It is difficult to define 'better speakers' but you can't expect much improvements (yes there will be some) by upgrading your already decent Onkyo to a top notch Arcam. Some says amplification does not matter, I disagree, it does matter but it depends on other factors such as room acoustics, and quality of the loudspeakers. I believe people should spend at least equal (preferably more to much more) amount of money on their speakers than on their receivers/amplifiers.

IMHO you are now on the right track looking to upgrade your speakers. I know Energy Veritas works well with the Arcam AVR300. After auditioning the pair, I bought the Veritas because I believe I will get more WOW by upgrading the speakers (RTi38 at the time) than to trade up my 3805+amp. It turned out to be the right decision for me. I like the sound of the Polk but the Veritas sound sweeter in mid and high and there is a huge difference in bass. I can listen to music in pure direct mode without the SVSPCU ultra sub. The PCU obviously can dig deeper but not not by much, certainly not tighter.

Now that I know you have the AVR300 (and getting no WOW??), I strongly suggest you audition a pair of Veritas V2.0i or the newest Paradigm Studio 20. I bet you will like the sound of both but I wonder if you may find the Veritas sweeter with the Arcam so you may want to bring the Arcam with you to the dealership unless they let you bring the speakers home instead. Lastly, you can add a 200WX2 amp for music listening but for now I can assure you the AVR300 is one of those that weight only 34 to 35 lbs yet can drive any speakers down to 4 ohm. It is the best sounding receiver I have ever listened to. Congratulations and good luck in your upgrade adventure!

 

[WmAx]

Slightly OT, but I felt I should inject this into the discussion based on the last few posts...

There is no credible evidence to suggest that cost is directly related to any audible improvement for amplificiation ( as compared to what can be purchased at lower prices from non-exotic brands ) once you get into the 'high-end' sector.

As has been said many times before, speakers are by far the most important part of your hardware selection. DO NOT go to a lesser speaker to get a 'better' amplifier.

For the most part, the standard amplification stage of the typical name-brand receiver should provide transparent amplification in most situations. In those cases this is not true, it is either an *unusual loudspeaker load/demand, the user has unusual demands of the amplifier, or perhaps an audible noise/hiss problem, or likely even the listener's imagination ( which seems to be most often the case for many thing in audio! ).

*If one needs an add-on outboard amplifier that can drive virtually any complexity (inductive/capacitive reactivity of abnormal degree) of load because of an unusual loudspeaker load, that still is no excuse for relatively expensive amplifiers. You can find professional audio amplifiers (or in some cases, value oriented home audio brands such as Outlaw ) that will do the job perfectly, and be lower in cost compared to most comparable home audio amplifiers sold by popular brand names. One example is a Behringer A500. You won't phase it, even with loads at 4 ohms with +/- 60 degree electrical phase swings. 138 x 2 @ 8 ohms, 220 x 2 @ 4 ohms, and only about $200.00 shipped, there is no excuse to go to exotic amplifiers if the only purpose is to get a transparent/linear amplifier. Of course, if you want other things, such as specific aesthetics ( personally, I think the front plate on the Behringer mentioned above is hideous ) or name, that is another issue. But if you are on a tight budget and want just the performance, I can not see why one would spend more for what amounts to cosmetics/name, unless one had to in order to get a specific feature set/specification that was required for a specific situation.

-Chris