5.1 speaker package...? MA or B&W?

[bhavp21]

hi guys looking to get a speaker package, was thinking of the Monitor Audio RX6AV12 or the B&W MT60D...? Any thoughts/opinions...?

 

[duaplex]

One is full size and the other is satellite. The RX6 package is going to beat the satellite package on all fronts, both musically and for AV. Granted movies are mastered on small speakers, but nothing gives the depth and full body range of a full size speaker, which ultimately sounds better in my view.

I would demo both, also throw in the Apex package too since you are considering satellite speakers.

Which receiver are you planning to use? That is also a big factor here.

 

[bhavp21]

Gona be using Yamaha 3010...

I know the Apex have good reviews but just not too keen on them...

Wanted to stick around the £2k'ish mark... just wanted thoughts and opinion s of others...? They both sound good but was thinking of long term also

 

[duaplex]

Give them both a demo, the amp you specified will be an ideal match for the MA package and B&W and you will have no problems driving them. The RX6 package for me is the one to get out of those two.

Also if you are buying from one dealer, I'm sure they can give you a good deal on speakers and amp. You could get the Apex package down to 2k. I would advise you give them a go too. Or is it the look that you didn't like? Also with satellite speakers, you need to factor in some decent stands.

 

[bhavp21]

Yeah, they just look a little to plastic...

 

[RickyDeg]

Yeah, they just look a little to plastic...

You really think Apex look "plastic-y"? :O First time for everything! 😛 No, seriously, their design may appear a tad 'odd', but still typical Monitor Audio. Personally I'd say Apex looks anything but "plastic-y", considering the materials they are constructed from.

 

[Sliced Bread]

I've got to say I prefer larger speakers too. The RX and especially the CM series to me was better than the Apex...and I really really wanted the Apex speakers to be the best. They are very convenient and look great IMO.

They are still very very good though. Every now and then I'm tempted by them, but then I hear my CM's and change my mind 🙂

Have you seen them in the flesh? They do look alot nicer in person than the pictures.

 

[duaplex]

Would your CM8 be jealous if you came around and listened to mine lol. Recently I have been wondering about the CM9 and imagining how that would sound!

More seriously 🙂 The Apex in person looks the part, well crafted and beautifully constructed. They are heavy and you can real feel the quality. Personally I prefer a full speaker, but as a substitue the Apex should not be sniffed at.

 

[Frank Harvey]

You really think Apex look "plastic-y"? :O

It's quite a common thing for people to feel that gloss finishes look plasticky.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I've got to say I prefer larger speakers too. The RX and especially the CM series to me was better than the Apex...and I really really wanted the Apex speakers to be the best.

In what ways do you prefer the larger speakers?

It is a personal preference as to whether someone prefers larger or smaller speakers, but technically, smaller speakers do have an advantage for movie soundtracks as the audio track of a movie is mixed on smaller sub/sat type systems - the music score is mastered on normal hi-fi speakers (may vary slightly from studio to studio). But some feel that smaller speakers sound 'thin', and others feel larger speakers are too bassy and 'soft'. I suppose part of it is not only down to whether the individual has heard both systems, but whether they have heard them set up properly.

 

[Sliced Bread]

I think my cm8's would be insanely jealous Duaplex 🙂 🙂

 

[Sliced Bread]

I've got to say I prefer larger speakers too. The RX and especially the CM series to me was better than the Apex...and I really really wanted the Apex speakers to be the best.

In what ways do you prefer the larger speakers?

It is a personal preference as to whether someone prefers larger or smaller speakers, but technically, smaller speakers do have an advantage for movie soundtracks as the audio track of a movie is mixed on smaller sub/sat type systems - the music score is mastered on normal hi-fi speakers (may vary slightly from studio to studio). But some feel that smaller speakers sound 'thin', and others feel larger speakers are too bassy and 'soft'. I suppose part of it is not only down to whether the individual has heard both systems, but whether they have heard them set up properly.

I've definitely heard both systems well calibrated, so that's not a factor.
While movie audio soundtracks are mastered with sub sat speakers, they generally use larger satellites than the ones you find in style systems such as the kef eggs and apex. To me they never sound as full bodied as a larger speaker, regardless of an 80hz cross over.
I also prefer to be able to set the cross over a little lower as some vocals (at least in the way studios mix them) have presence at 80hz, so I like to cross over after this point to keep the vocals sounding natural. I understand the advantage of an 80hz crossover, but as mmy speakers are 3 way this advantage is reduced. The centre seems to cope well with no loss in detail or control at 70hz crossover, presumably as its a large centre with largeish drivers (compared to a style system) so the drivers are not working as hard
As for imaging, the cm's can produce a 3D image better than the Apex. However a pair if cm8's are £1250 while a pair if A10s are £500, so it's probably not a fair comparison. Id be interested to hear some larger non-style sub sat systems such as one based around pmc speakers as I think that'd be more up my street.

 

[duaplex]

The only sub sat system I would settle for over a full size speaker is M&K, they are pricey, but it's the brand used in studios. When people talk about sub sat mastery for films, they are probably referring to M&K.

As mentioned above, these are somewhat bigger in comparison to, say the Apex.

 

[Sliced Bread]

The only sub sat system I would settle for over a full size speaker is M&K, they are pricey, but it's the brand used in studios. When people talk about sub sat mastery for films, they are probably referring to M&K.

As mentioned above, these are somewhat bigger in comparison to, say the Apex.

Yup. If I had a music and separate movie room they'd be in for an audition 🙂