B&W CM8 vs Monitor Audio RX8

[duaplex]

Hi Guys

Went and tested the CM8 today with the Pioneer lx 83 (I will be buying the lx73) and was totally and utterly blown away with it! I also want to Demo the RX8 package, however this is out of stock everywhere i go at the moment so I have not heard it.

Would the RX8 stand a chance against the CM8 package. The man in the shop tells me that the B&W CM8 should be compared to the GS range by monitor Audio and flattend the RX8? Is this true or are they a good match for the CM8? The difference in its price would be £700, the B&W being the more expensive.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[DandyCobalt]

Hi, I would certainly try to listen to the RX8s, I demo'ed CM8s and RX8s, with an Audiolab 8200CD and Pioneer LX53 (at SSAV). See previous thread for this one http://community.whathifi.com/forums/t/547999.aspx

Whilst I eventually went for the CM8s, the RX8s were excellent - perhaps better from a pure audio pov. However, the aesthetics etc also played in the CM8s favour. Since buying them, I've added a Cyrus X Power power amp linked to the front preouts of the Pioneer LX53. This has definitely improved their overall performance, and I understand from other posts that they do need to be well fed. However, perhaps an LX73 or LX83 will do the job (or most of it) of the Cyrus.

The CM8s are now combined with CM1s for surrounds and rear, and the overall sound is fantastic across a range of music.

 

[duaplex]

Very interesting, thank you 🙂 I was considering the additional amp upgrade at a later point too. Im told the lx73 can provide enough power, but this remains to be seen. I heard the exact package you mentioned with the CM1's at the rear and the PV1 sub is awesome, its probably the best sounding base i heard to date. But of course the RX8 may be a good match too.

Like you Im leaning towards the CM8 because of its looks. I will check out that link now 🙂

 

[DandyCobalt]

I'm sure the power output rating of a/v receivers (and other kit) is misleading, as the LX53 has 150W per channel output, but the Cyrus X Power at 70W per channel has given more "oomphh" (technical expression, I believe). Worth listening to the options.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, Might not be much help but; I have the RX6 in piano gloss white which are really stunning. I got these because they match the room really well and the CM's white is just a flat/matte white which looks very basic at the side of the RX. I did audition the RX8 at the time, but this is a pure music system and the RX6 worked better in my room than the RX8 (I tried both). The RX8 is actually really nice, very powerful in the bass and surprisingly tight. I also thought my amp suited the RX6 better, but trying an MF amp in the dealer showroom, I actually prefered the RX8 over the 6. I tried the CM8 with my cyrus 8XP, they were nice. Very detailed mid and top end, but to be honest I didn't think it was worth the extra money as I wanted to put towards for the new AV system in my other room.

I did visit the Bristol show at the weekend and saw the new MA GX200, which is a really lovely looking speaker and very curvy. Didn't get chance to listen to it as they were playing the bigger GX300's. I think the GX200 are going to be about £2300 though

 

[deanhartley]

duaplex:

Hi Guys

Went and tested the CM8 today with the Pioneer lx 83 (I will be buying the lx73) and was totally and utterly blown away with it! I also want to Demo the RX8 package, however this is out of stock everywhere i go at the moment so I have not heard it.

Would the RX8 stand a chance against the CM8 package. The man in the shop tells me that the B&W CM8 should be compared to the GS range by monitor Audio and flattend the RX8? Is this true or are they a good match for the CM8? The difference in its price would be £700, the B&W being the more expensive.

Thanks in advance guys.

Hi, Not sure if you are in the U.K? I checked earlier and we have stock RX8's in all finishes and have never been out of stock. So, not really sure why your dealer would inform you of this. Let me know who the dealer is and we will investigate. We take pride in our service and ensure we hold all speakers in all finishes.

Hopefully we can get you a demo with your amp and your other speaker choices.

Thanks,

Dean Hartley

 

[Clare Newsome]

dino560b:
Hi, Might not be much help but; I have the RX6 in piano gloss white which are really stunning. I got these because they match the room really well and the CM's white is just a flat/matte white which looks very basic at the side of the RX. I did audition the RX8 at the time, but this is a pure music system and the RX6 worked better in my room than the RX8 (I tried both). The RX8 is actually really nice, very powerful in the bass and surprisingly tight. I also thought my amp suited the RX6 better, but trying an MF amp in the dealer showroom, I actually prefered the RX8 over the 6. I tried the CM8 with my cyrus 8XP, they were nice. Very detailed mid and top end, but to be honest I didn't think it was worth the extra money as I wanted to put towards for the new AV system in my other room.

I did visit the Bristol show at the weekend and saw the new MA GX200, which is a really lovely looking speaker and very curvy. Didn't get chance to listen to it as they were playing the bigger GX300's. I think the GX200 are going to be about £2300 though

You are rather a Monitor Audio fan, aren't you Dino?

Every post on this Forum to date has been about your love for - and in-depth knowledge of - various speakers from the brand's range. Anything you want to declare, or are you merely a super-fan?

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:dino560b:

Hi, Might not be much help but; I have the RX6 in piano gloss white which are really stunning. I got these because they match the room really well and the CM's white is just a flat/matte white which looks very basic at the side of the RX. I did audition the RX8 at the time, but this is a pure music system and the RX6 worked better in my room than the RX8 (I tried both). The RX8 is actually really nice, very powerful in the bass and surprisingly tight. I also thought my amp suited the RX6 better, but trying an MF amp in the dealer showroom, I actually prefered the RX8 over the 6. I tried the CM8 with my cyrus 8XP, they were nice. Very detailed mid and top end, but to be honest I didn't think it was worth the extra money as I wanted to put towards for the new AV system in my other room.

I did visit the Bristol show at the weekend and saw the new MA GX200, which is a really lovely looking speaker and very curvy. Didn't get chance to listen to it as they were playing the bigger GX300's. I think the GX200 are going to be about £2300 though

You are rather a Monitor Audio fan, aren't you Dino?

Every post on this Forum to date has been about your love for - and in-depth knowledge of - various speakers from the brand's range. Anything you want to declare, or are you merely a super-fan?

Correct, I am an MA superfan. Is that a crime? To answer your question fully; I am an electronics engineer and fully understand the working of hi-fi kit. I've even built my own amps and speakers in the past. My friend runs a hi-fi shop and I've helped out on the odd occasion. I am very familiar with MA speakers as I am with B&W, KEF and Dynaudio, but I own two pairs of MA speakers and looking to purchase an Apex system as I write. I came on this forum recently to find something different to the 'geeky' DIY forums I've been a member of in the past, but clearly you don't like what I say despite a number of other 'overly zealous' members plugging the kit they own.

I did actually come to the Bristol Show on Sunday and posted a message saying that if I was looking for two channel hi-fi, the PMC fact 3 were actually the best sound at the show (in my view).

 

[duaplex]

Hi Dean

Yes I am in teh Uk! I have just come across the gs20 package at a clearence price of £2400. Would you say these are better than the RX8, Kef Q900 and B&W CM8.

I was going to pair it with the LX73 but if its a huge no no then i can go for the LX83

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Dino....imo you may have taken Clare's comments wrongly. I think
as an Editor of What Hifi its one of her roles to over see the forums
and monitor them. She was merely inquiring in my opinion.

Alsoooooo......I am a raving MA fan too. Sooooooooo hello! I have
owned most MA speakers from the old Silver range up to the PL range and
have always loved their looks & performance aspect. I have never
bothered looking at other speaker brands so I am
glad that in your opinion you feel their performance holds up very well
against its competitors.

Duaplex - In all fairness the Monitor RX range I just haven't been able to get
along with due to the fact that they have similar characteristics to my
amps. Dont discount the RX range as they are excellent, but beware of system matching - I imagine my friends Cyrus 8vs and a pair of RX2s would be
magical. The RX and GS are very different speakers. The GS is a better performer for me.

Go for the GS20 package (the newer model coming out means
that the GS range has some amazing deals at the moment) - and pair it
with a Pioneer LX83 - youll be happy with the extra power on tap.
There
are people that suggest pairing MA with a Yamaha receiver - I have no
experience of the sound of that combo but can confidently say - that the
Pioneer & GS will be very very good.

 

[duaplex]

Thanks Vinny

I believe you are right, the question is are they better than the Q900. Im seriously toiling between the two right now. At such an amazing price you cannot discount the GS.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Hi Duaplex

You should definitely try the RX package - spending this sort of money, you should try least least three packages. As mentioned, the GS package should also definitely be tried if it's a similar price to the RX package.

Unless you have a really large room, I'd actually suggest going for the RX6 rather than the RX8. The reason for this is that I find it a better balanced speaker, and a little more informative because of that. The money you save, I'd put towards an LX83, which will get more out of these sorts of speaker packages than the LX73 will (good as it is).

Do try the Q900 package too. Their UniQ array lends itself extremely well to AV.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Vinny7:
Hey Dino....imo you may have taken Clare's comments wrongly. I think
as an Editor of What Hifi its one of her roles to over see the forums
and monitor them. She was merely inquiring in my opinion.

Absolutely!

To give a bit more background, Dino, we've had some problems with trade members not declaring their interest, which is against our House Rules.

Your passion for MA (even in the Bristol Show thread) coupled with use of terminology meant I had to ask the question - your explanation of being close to a hi-fi retailer/having the tech insight explains all that.

Please carry on with your fandom, dino560b.!

 

[Anonymous]

duaplex:
Thanks Vinny

I believe you are right, the question is are they better than the Q900. Im seriously toiling between the two right now. At such an amazing price you cannot discount the GS.

Sorry with my limited experience of Hifi means I have no idea what the Kefs will sound like in comparison to the GS range. Demo's are always vital if possible.

For lots of the speaker combination you are looking at, I would still stand by getting the LX83 over the LX73.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

duaplex:
Hi Dean

Yes I am in teh Uk! I have just come across the gs20 package at a clearence price of £2400. Would you say these are better than the RX8, Kef Q900 and B&W CM8.

I was going to pair it with the LX73 but if its a huge no no then i can go for the LX83

Thanks

Hi duaplex

If the GS20 package is available at a similar price to the Silver RX Series then i feel the GS speakers are really a no brainer

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[deanhartley]

Hi Duaplex,

I think the advice given so far is spot on. The GS20 system is definately better than RX. It's close, but if anything you will find the GS a lot more refined. We only have the LX82 in our demo room, which I assume is the older model to the LX83. I'm not familar with the Pioneer AVR's unfortuantely, but looking at the spec, the amp you are looking at should have enough power to work the GS20 system well.

Difficult for me to comment on other speaker brands as comparison. I'm sure you can get that advice from WHF forum or your dealer though.

Regards,

Dean Hartley