More bookshelf speaker auditions

[Darrenmc]

Well I was out again today to hear some more bookshelf speakers from another local dealer. This time I took my new Monitor Audio RS1's and compared them against the Focal.JMLab 707S's, 706V's and the Boston Acoustics VR-M50's. The dealer did not have any of the Focal.JMLab 806V or 807V's which I would have liked to hear. Well the first thing I noticed is that the 707S & 706V's are quite a bit larger than the RS1's. The design, finish, and build quality seemed to be better on the RS1's but it's all a matter of opinion. The VR-M50's were just plain ugly and cheap looking to me. The 707S & 706V's also had only one set of binding posts whereas the RS1's have 2 to allow for bi-wiring/amping. Now onto the sound. The 707S & 706's definately had the RS1's beat on the bass end. You could use either in a smaller room without a sub and get by. The RS1's just don't go deep enough on the bass but is tighter & faster than both the 707S & 706V's. I'd give the nod to the RS1's on the high's and mid's for clarity/transparency and overall sound. They do come off as bright but again my speakers are new and have less than 20 hours on them so they'll probably tame down a bit.

I tried different types of music from Metallica/U2/Sarah McGlaughlin and and acoustic piece from Godsmack. I did not get to hear the speakers in a HT setup, didn't have time. The VR-M50's did nothing for me. They were very harsh sounding and I just couldn't get past the look of them. Anyway I've now compared the RS1's to the Apmhion Helium 2's, Paradigm Studio 20's, Acoustic Energy Aleite 2's, Focal.JMLab 707S & 706V's, and the Boston Acoustic VR-M50's and I think I like the RS1's the best but the 706V's were a close 2nd. I wished i could have heard the 806 & 807V's. The dealer today had no problem knocking off $100 from the price of the 706V's(Reg $695CDN for $599) & $200 off the 707S as their his last pair (Reg $795CDN for $599CDN). I think for now I will keep the RS1's and give them 100-150 hours to break in. Also having a new cd player(NAD C542) and a/v receiver (Arcam AV300) with less than 20 hours on them will make a difference once their broken in.

 

[PatrickBateman]

Also having a new cd player(NAD C542) and a/v receiver (Arcam AV300) with less than 20 hours on them will make a difference once their broken in.

Thats great, good to see all the comparisons. Its the only way you will be happy with your final decision.
I am a little confused with your above quote, are you waiting for the electronics to break in?

 

[Darrenmc]

I am a little confused with your above quote, are you waiting for the electronics to break in?

Yes, fact or fiction I don't know but many people feel there is a break in period for audio components as well, similar to a car. It needs a few miles on it to attain it's true sound. It could be all myth, who knows? I'm not an expert by no means but what is more likely is I'll need more listening time with these components to get accustomed to a new sound. I went from an Onkyo TX-SR701 a/v receiver, Denon DCM-340 cd player and Angstrom Modular 2 speakers to the Arcam AV300 a/v receiver, NAD C542 cd player, and Monitor Audio RS1 speakers in less than a month so it's basically a complete overhaul of my system, at great cost mind you!!!

 

[PatrickBateman]

Yes, fact or fiction I don't know but many people feel there is a break in period for audio components as well, similar to a car. It needs a few miles on it to attain it's true sound. It could be all myth, who knows? I'm not an expert by no means but what is more likely is I'll need more listening time with these components to get accustomed to a new sound. I went from an Onkyo TX-SR701 a/v receiver, Denon DCM-340 cd player and Angstrom Modular 2 speakers to the Arcam AV300 a/v receiver, NAD C542 cd player, and Monitor Audio RS1 speakers in less than a month so it's basically a complete overhaul of my system, at great cost mind you!!!

Ok well great I hope it works out for you. I have read that the Arcam receiver is great you should really enjoy it. I am looking forward to hearing one someday.