Advice on Speaker Upgrade

[Trahern]

I wonder if anyone could offer any advice on a upgrading the speakers which form part of my system. The fronts are Celestion A3's, the rears Celestion A1's the centre is an A4c and the sub is an A6. For 5.1 the backs and centre are powered by an Onkyo NR905 while the fronts are powered by a Arcam FMJ combo of the A32 and P35. Stereo goes through the FMJ's. CD player is a Cyrus CD 8x.

The main reason for changing the speakers is size, in particular the A3's; the living room in the house I now own is much smaller than when I bought the speakers. I am looking at the Monitor Audio GS range with the GS20's at the front. We don't listen to classical but rock, pop, blues and some jazz etc. Any other suggestions? Please feel free to call me mad if you think I shouldn't change the speakers!

 

[Andy Clough]

We're big fans of several models in the Monitor Audio range, although haven't tested the GS20s as such. Can you give me an idea of your total budget for the new speaker package? And no, I don't think you're mad to think about changing the Celestions!

 

[Trahern]

Hi Andy the budget is about £3000, that's for fronts, rears and centre - I already have a new sub REL 505.

 

[Andy Clough]

In that case you might also consider the Dali Ikon 6 package (£2238 but that includes subwoofer). If the Dali 6 floorstanders are too big, then another alternative would be the PMC GB1/DB1 M-C+/DB1+ combination - it's £3795 with the TLE1 sub, but obviously would be less without the sub. The PMCs are ideal for those looking for a music and movies all-rounder, which would suit your system and requirements well.

We also highly rate the Monitor Audio RS6AV package (£1900), so I wouldn't dismiss the idea of the GS20s.

And if you'd prefer something with a little more style, there's Tannoy's excellent Arena Highline 500 package (£2894), which sounds as good with music as it does with movies.

 

[Trahern]

Thanks Andy that is very helpful and gives me a number of options.