Floorstander shortlist

[splasher]

IME. One of the biggest traps in HiFi, is buying blind because of a tempting offer. It's fine if you know how it sounds compared to it's peers; but if not, it can turn out to be an expensive bargain.

Can't argue with you, of course you're right. Only problem is, I bought them last night so it's a bit of a done deal.

Heres my thinking, however flawed it may be: I really wasn't looking forward to traipsing to a city to try them out and I wouldn't have been able to try them with my room and compare them with my existing speakers. These have a 14day return policy so it's a bit like a home demo in that regard.

Also, try as I might to remain neutral, the Gold 300s were the speakers I was hoping to like best based on looks, shape and reviews (they need to integrate into the room as well as sound great).

Anyway, as I say, they may not be as described when they arrive and I may be back to square one. I'll let you know. A fool and his money......

 

[CnoEvil]

Apologies if I came across as negative.

If possible, i think you should see if you can get a home dem of R500/700s during the 2 week trial period, which will help put the sound you are hearing in some sort of perspective.

 

[splasher]

Apologies if I came across as negative.

Don't worry, you didn't. You came across as right.

I know I've been impetuous but I'm miles away from anywhere that stocks decent speakers and my chances of getting a home trial is nil. The Gold 300s get a good review in Hifi News so fingers crossed.

 

[Andrewjvt]

Was you had a smaller space and was worried theyd be overkill but never heard them so cant say for sure Good luck on your bidding and lwt us know what happens Btw ive got r700s in a larger space and they sound very big and if im correct the gx200s are the r700s competition (might be wrong)

Not sure where you got the small room. The room is around 5m x 5m so I think it can take the 300s. In terms of driver size, the 200s compare with the R500s (150mm) and the 300s with the R700s (165mm) but in price terms the MA are a bit pricier (curved boxes presumably).

Must have been another forum post. 5m x 5m is a good space for sure in anyones books

 

[splasher]

So the MA Gold 300s arrived from eBay and are exactly as described - the latest model, as new. Put them in position, wired them up and tried them. A bit boomy so close the the wall, put the supplied bungs in - sweet as you like.

The treble of the Tannoys was strong, too strong if anything, and the ribbon tweeter is just as strong but less harsh. The real improvement, though, is in the midrange and the bass where (I'm guessing) the change to a full 3 way/4 driver rather than 2.5 way/3 driver arrangement coupled with larger bass drivers and a larger box make a much more rounded sound.

As I said in an earlier post, the ad claimed they've never been wired. I can't verify that but fingers crossed they haven't because if they are this nice now, I'm looking forward to getting them run in!

I would have liked to try the Spendors and the KEFs but I couldn't refuse 33% reduction on the latest model. 200w power amp next I reckon to make them really sing.