True Blue:
Well, that was interesting!!
I arrived at 1030 for my demo and the Naim gear had been left on all night (using the Naim 5 pin interconnects), hooked up and ready to go were the MA RS6's.
Visually stunning with a great build quality, were the initial impressions. I was eagerly digging my test CD's out of my bag.
Took along the following, Texas White on Blonde, Maroon 5 Songs about Jane, Lily Allen, Sting, Kate Perry and Alannah Miles "Black Velvet".
And then it happened, thorough and utter dissapointment, I could not believe how bad these speakers sounded (to me). I could not bear to listen to any song completely for the following reasons:-
1. I think I had been spoilt by hearing the Rega's previously
2. The sound at times is very muddled across all frequencies
3. Whilst there was a room full of volume there was no definition and everything seemed to have been recorded through cotton wool.
4. It made me want to turn the amp down (it was not even at 9 o clock on the dial)
5. For me there is far too much bass, not very well controlled, far too boomey
6. Some higher frequencies (not all) had a piercing effect on my ears, was told this was because of the metal dome tweeters.
At that point I tried toeing in/out with the speakers, positioning etc, but they just did not work for me. Maybe they were too big for the small dem room, I dont know, but they certainly did not work in there. I was left thinking oh my god I must have made a mistake with the Naim pairing because this was grating and not very enjoyable.
Anyway, after a cup of coffee and a quick speaker swap to the Rega RS3's, my faith was restored into my selection of electronics and realised that it purely was a bad combo (for me) with the speakers. Everything that was wrong with the RS6's ws right with the RS3's. A smile returned to my face (well more like an excited "ive just passed my driving test" grin)
The bass was tight taught and under control. The instruments, particularly piano, strings and hi hat, had lost the piercing ring and I was left enjoying the music again, desperately hoping that 1130 would not arrive (this was whn the next dem was booked). Clarity was there in abundance.
I though this would have been a closer call than what it was, I did not expect there to be the night and day differences that were evident.
I even commented to the dealer about he quality of the Rega's and how they could sound so different whilst in the same price bracket. The regas could command IMO twice the price and still would be good value.
So there we have it, decision made Rega RS3's it is at the end of the Month
No doubt the MA RS6's will suit certain electronics / musical tastes, but they certainly did not suit mine, my music or the Naims.
Still thats what demos are for.
That is fascinating. Either I have rose tinted ears(!) or this just proves how different amps and cd players can make a speaker sound. Your description of the RS6s is probably the complete opposite to how I hear them.
You are right though, that is what auditioning is all about.