Floor standing speakers for £650

[dukeden]

I've now had a demo with the Yamaha RX-A1020 and B&W MT-50's. Great for watching movies, not so great for music, and this will be my main music source. I listened to some porcupine tree [prog rock], the MT-50's sound great with just acoustic guitars and singing. But couldn't really keep up when the tracks started getting a little heavy. The chap in the shop suggested using the MT-50 for the centre and two rear speakers plus sub when using 5.1. Replacing the front left and right MT-50's with floor standing speakers. What would you suggest for a budget of £650.

Having had a quick look I could get Q Acoustic 2050i for £396, they won best speaker up to £700. Or Monitor Audio bronze BX5 or at a stretch BX6. Anyone out there have any of these speakers?

Would really appreciate advice on this

 

[JJanalogue]

I'm in the same boat!

I'm heading towards a Marantz AV however.. or possibly Denon.

I have auditioned both sets the 2050i's and the bx5's..

They both have an expansive soundstage and good depth of tone.

I would say the MA's had a clearer top end with more clarity in the lower mid, definately noticable on piano.

I would be happy with either, which is why I can't decide 😉

However I'm leaning towards the Monitor Audio's, also of note is the 2050i's are going up in price, now £517 in Richer Sounds.

I plan to audition the RX6 as I may push my budget..

 

[Blackdawn]

The Dali Zenzor 7 would be worth adding to the list. The gloss versions of the 2050i are usually more expensive.

 

[JJanalogue]

Oops .. you're right that was the price of the gloss, however I heard a rumour they were going to go up 😉

Who know's if it's true or not.

I'm going to include Tannoy DC6T's in my third round too...

 

[philipjohnwright]

I'd have a look at what's available used or ex-dem. For that money you could get some serious speakers (Proac's, B&W's etc). And if you don't like them just sell on and start again (bit of a pain but useful as a safety net).

Not that this route is everyone's cup of tea.......

nb I've just discovered Porcupine Tree, brilliant!

 

[Chr1s_J]

i really like my b&w 684's and they're within your budget. i picked mine up for just over 600

 

[CnoEvil]

I like these (ex-dem): http://www.analogueseduction.net/epos-speakers/epic5ex.html

They won't be a sonic match to the centre though....but you'd need to see how much this mattered to you.

 

[BMFDrums]

I've been looking over the past few weeks for compact floorstanders, even going up to the PMC Twenty 23s at over £2k. My favourites so far (by far) are the MA Silver RX6s. I think the Twenty 23s are very clever in getting the sound they do from a 2-way design, but the RX6s sound the most 'natural' to me, and they really do rock very well. If you look on eBay at the moment, you would only have to find (another!) £50 over your planned budget. I commend them to you, sir...!

 

[the record spot]

If you wanted to go secondhand, a pair of Mission 752s (the original ones) will take some beating too. Expect to pay around £150 for a mint pair. Amazingly good speakers.

 

[dukeden]

Thanks for all the great advise, I'll look into getting some demo's.

Something I forgot to mention, the speakers will need to be positioned close to the rear wall, with the left hand speaker in a corner. I understand the MA BX5 will perform well, not so sure about the other speakers mentioned?