MA RS6 vs Spendor A6 ?
- Thread starter admin_exported
- Start date
Frank Harvey
Well-known member
You can't really get two speakers that are at oposite ends of the spectrum as these two!
The Spendors are much smoother than other manufacturers, ideal for people who think CD is a little too clinical. Their tonal balance can be tweaked with the right electronics, although trying to change them from their natural sound removes the reason why someone would buy them in the first place. Great midrange - one of the best at the price point, which is probably only bettered by the ATC's.
The MA's are a different kettle of fish. Anybody trying these after being used to the Spendors will notice a much stronger high frequency content, a lack of midrange (in comparison), and a less tuneful bottom end. But then, these speakers are at different price points......
The Spendors are much smoother than other manufacturers, ideal for people who think CD is a little too clinical. Their tonal balance can be tweaked with the right electronics, although trying to change them from their natural sound removes the reason why someone would buy them in the first place. Great midrange - one of the best at the price point, which is probably only bettered by the ATC's.
The MA's are a different kettle of fish. Anybody trying these after being used to the Spendors will notice a much stronger high frequency content, a lack of midrange (in comparison), and a less tuneful bottom end. But then, these speakers are at different price points......
jaxwired
Well-known member
First, let me say that I don't really trust my own judgement until I've owned something for 2 months. I'm only about 2 weeks into owning a pair of RS6's. I bought a new pair off audiogon dirt cheap.
However, as usual, I have lots of opinions
.
I had the A6's and the RS6's hooked up side by side for awhile, so I definately have a feel for how they compare. The spendor's are more detailed and have amazing mid-range. The mid-range on the spendor's is shockingly life-like. Acoustic guitar is delicious. The sound staging and the imaging when I play something delicate like Joshua Radin is jaw dropping with the spendors. That's where the spendors shine.
Switching quickly back and forth between the spendors and the RS6's there is an obvious loss in the "you are there" factor. The RS6's are amazingly good for the money, and the "you are there" factor is still pretty good, but it's the strong suit of the spendors.
However, there is significantly more bass with the RS6's. The RS6's sound terrific with contemporary pop/rock music. For instance, Josh Kelley sounds fabulous with the RS6's. They provide a very entertaining sound and I really like them. The bass is strong and palpable, but unlike the B&W CM7's I used to own, strong bass does not impact the detail and clairity of the higher frequencies. Also, with my NAD equipment they are not at all fatigueing to listen to at length. Contrary to some opinions I do not find them bright in the least and there is zero sibilance so far with challenging high frequency playback. In my opinion, RS6's are competitive with the B&W CM7's at twice the price. Maybe a smidgen less detail, but they make up for that with a full bodied smooth delivery. They are truly a bargain. Especially for what I paid.
What it comes down to, I think, is that the spendors are an audiophile's speaker. If you listen to alot of acoustic music, classical, and jazz, and you have delicate refined electronics and want incredible levels of crisp detail then the spendors are a perfect fit.
In my system, with the NAD equipment, I believe the RS6's are a better fit. I reserve the right to change my mind in about 6 weeks and go off in some crazy new direction.
However, as usual, I have lots of opinions
I had the A6's and the RS6's hooked up side by side for awhile, so I definately have a feel for how they compare. The spendor's are more detailed and have amazing mid-range. The mid-range on the spendor's is shockingly life-like. Acoustic guitar is delicious. The sound staging and the imaging when I play something delicate like Joshua Radin is jaw dropping with the spendors. That's where the spendors shine.
Switching quickly back and forth between the spendors and the RS6's there is an obvious loss in the "you are there" factor. The RS6's are amazingly good for the money, and the "you are there" factor is still pretty good, but it's the strong suit of the spendors.
However, there is significantly more bass with the RS6's. The RS6's sound terrific with contemporary pop/rock music. For instance, Josh Kelley sounds fabulous with the RS6's. They provide a very entertaining sound and I really like them. The bass is strong and palpable, but unlike the B&W CM7's I used to own, strong bass does not impact the detail and clairity of the higher frequencies. Also, with my NAD equipment they are not at all fatigueing to listen to at length. Contrary to some opinions I do not find them bright in the least and there is zero sibilance so far with challenging high frequency playback. In my opinion, RS6's are competitive with the B&W CM7's at twice the price. Maybe a smidgen less detail, but they make up for that with a full bodied smooth delivery. They are truly a bargain. Especially for what I paid.
What it comes down to, I think, is that the spendors are an audiophile's speaker. If you listen to alot of acoustic music, classical, and jazz, and you have delicate refined electronics and want incredible levels of crisp detail then the spendors are a perfect fit.
In my system, with the NAD equipment, I believe the RS6's are a better fit. I reserve the right to change my mind in about 6 weeks and go off in some crazy new direction.
Frank Harvey
Well-known member
jaxwired:I reserve the right to change my mind in about 6 weeks and go off in some crazy new direction. Life's not worth living otherwise!
plastic penguin
Well-known member
FrankHarveyHiFi:
You can't really get two speakers that are at oposite ends of the spectrum as these two!
The Spendors are much smoother than other manufacturers, ideal for people who think CD is a little too clinical. Their tonal balance can be tweaked with the right electronics, although trying to change them from their natural sound removes the reason why someone would buy them in the first place. Great midrange - one of the best at the price point, which is probably only bettered by the ATC's.
The MA's are a different kettle of fish. Anybody trying these after being used to the Spendors will notice a much stronger high frequency content, a lack of midrange (in comparison), and a less tuneful bottom end. But then, these speakers are at different price points......
It's unfair to compare a £600 speaker with an 1800 or 1900 quid monitor. Naturally, The Spendors should outgun the RS6's in most (if not all) sonic areas - like comparing a Ford Focus against an Alpha GTA. . . .No comparison.
With the correct electronics, the RS's are probably the best sub-£1,000 floorstander.
You can't really get two speakers that are at oposite ends of the spectrum as these two!
The Spendors are much smoother than other manufacturers, ideal for people who think CD is a little too clinical. Their tonal balance can be tweaked with the right electronics, although trying to change them from their natural sound removes the reason why someone would buy them in the first place. Great midrange - one of the best at the price point, which is probably only bettered by the ATC's.
The MA's are a different kettle of fish. Anybody trying these after being used to the Spendors will notice a much stronger high frequency content, a lack of midrange (in comparison), and a less tuneful bottom end. But then, these speakers are at different price points......
It's unfair to compare a £600 speaker with an 1800 or 1900 quid monitor. Naturally, The Spendors should outgun the RS6's in most (if not all) sonic areas - like comparing a Ford Focus against an Alpha GTA. . . .No comparison.
With the correct electronics, the RS's are probably the best sub-£1,000 floorstander.
Frank Harvey
Well-known member
Agreed, it would be an unfair comparison, hence my final comment. I decided to answer the OP's question as it also benefitted another inquisitive party.
plastic penguin:
It's unfair to compare a £600 speaker with an 1800 or 1900 quid monitor. Naturally, The Spendors should outgun the RS6's in most (if not all) sonic areas - like comparing a Ford Focus against an Alpha GTA. . . .No comparison.
With the correct electronics, the RS's are probably the best sub-£1,000 floorstander.
[Don't want to hijack the thread]
Still a worthy discussion - as in my case I was eyeing Spendors as "upgrade" path for the future but I think will drop the idea as I do listen to fair bit of Rock.
It's unfair to compare a £600 speaker with an 1800 or 1900 quid monitor. Naturally, The Spendors should outgun the RS6's in most (if not all) sonic areas - like comparing a Ford Focus against an Alpha GTA. . . .No comparison.
With the correct electronics, the RS's are probably the best sub-£1,000 floorstander.
[Don't want to hijack the thread]
Still a worthy discussion - as in my case I was eyeing Spendors as "upgrade" path for the future but I think will drop the idea as I do listen to fair bit of Rock.
I was looking too at the spendors. My music is 90% rock. It is because of the thing is that most rock recordings are overprocessed and totally unnatural. Probe is when you crank up the volume as you really want with rock the sound becomes very bright.
Thats why i'm also looking at a amp. and cdp that isn't bright; Roksan K2 or Unison unico.
Thats why i'm also looking at a amp. and cdp that isn't bright; Roksan K2 or Unison unico.
We're in the midst of a £2000-ish floorstanders Group Test for the July issue - the Spendors are included, but the RS6s are not. It's all about price-point, y'see...
plastic penguin
Well-known member
EvilWolf:Will the Mono Pulse be there?
Wow! couldn't gree more. I'm a big fan of MonoPulse, shame they don't match the decor. . .
Wow! couldn't gree more. I'm a big fan of MonoPulse, shame they don't match the decor. . .
OK, I could have PM'd using another Forum since this was a question aimed at one person, but since Jaxwired is an active member here and this is my favorite Forum (Don't know about those people in "Home cinema" and the like however), I posted the question here.
Yep they are very different in price points and in Style, but for Chainrock it was obviously a relevant question, and to me, do I spend $1000 or $2299
At the moment for about $1500 I'm considering the Rega RS5 would people say this would be a happy medium in style?
Yep they are very different in price points and in Style, but for Chainrock it was obviously a relevant question, and to me, do I spend $1000 or $2299
At the moment for about $1500 I'm considering the Rega RS5 would people say this would be a happy medium in style?
plastic penguin
Well-known member
Neon K:
OK, I could have PM'd using another Forum since this was a question aimed at one person, but since Jaxwired is an active member here and this is my favorite Forum (Don't know about those people in "Home cinema" and the like however), I posted the question here.
Yep they are very different in price points and in Style, but for Chainrock it was obviously a relevant question, and to me, do I spend $1000 or $2299
At the moment for about $1500 I'm considering the Rega RS5 would people say this would be a happy medium in style?
Depends on what sound you're looking for? and how deep are your pockets? As mentioned previously, with the correct electronics the RS6's are up there with the best sub-£1,000 floorstanders - if you can stretch to 3 X the amount of the M.A.'s then splash out on the Spendors. . . .
If you are parting with that amount of money, please, make sure you listen to both before deciding.
OK, I could have PM'd using another Forum since this was a question aimed at one person, but since Jaxwired is an active member here and this is my favorite Forum (Don't know about those people in "Home cinema" and the like however), I posted the question here.
Yep they are very different in price points and in Style, but for Chainrock it was obviously a relevant question, and to me, do I spend $1000 or $2299
At the moment for about $1500 I'm considering the Rega RS5 would people say this would be a happy medium in style?
Depends on what sound you're looking for? and how deep are your pockets? As mentioned previously, with the correct electronics the RS6's are up there with the best sub-£1,000 floorstanders - if you can stretch to 3 X the amount of the M.A.'s then splash out on the Spendors. . . .
If you are parting with that amount of money, please, make sure you listen to both before deciding.
FrankHarveyHiFi:jaxwired:I reserve the right to change my mind in about 6 weeks and go off in some crazy new direction. Life's not worth living otherwise!
I just wish I had a budget worthy enough to do just that!
I just wish I had a budget worthy enough to do just that!
jaxwired
Well-known member
Graham,
How do you like the GR20's? Everything I've read about them seems to indicate that are more polite than the RS line. They don't seem to have many fans in the press.
How do you like the GR20's? Everything I've read about them seems to indicate that are more polite than the RS line. They don't seem to have many fans in the press.
EvilWolf:Will the Mono Pulse be there?
Yes, the Monopulse 42As are included in the test. Now don't ask any more questions or you'll spoil the surprise.
plastic penguin:shame they don't match the decor...
There are a total of fifty Monopulse colour/trim combinations available - your decor must be quite something if you can't find a match.
Yes, the Monopulse 42As are included in the test. Now don't ask any more questions or you'll spoil the surprise.
plastic penguin:shame they don't match the decor...
There are a total of fifty Monopulse colour/trim combinations available - your decor must be quite something if you can't find a match.
SteveR750
Well-known member
peterpan:
I was looking too at the spendors. My music is 90% rock. It is because of the thing is that most rock recordings are overprocessed and totally unnatural. Probe is when you crank up the volume as you really want with rock the sound becomes very bright.
Thats why i'm also looking at a amp. and cdp that isn't bright; Roksan K2 or Unison unico.
same here (posted similar point elswhere). I just dont get this if its good for classical/acoustic then its too boring for rock thing - either you ant to hear the way it is or the way the produce wanted you to hear it. I prefer warts and all so half my CD collections sounds thin, ragged, unatural and over processed..oh just like it is then!
I was looking too at the spendors. My music is 90% rock. It is because of the thing is that most rock recordings are overprocessed and totally unnatural. Probe is when you crank up the volume as you really want with rock the sound becomes very bright.
Thats why i'm also looking at a amp. and cdp that isn't bright; Roksan K2 or Unison unico.
same here (posted similar point elswhere). I just dont get this if its good for classical/acoustic then its too boring for rock thing - either you ant to hear the way it is or the way the produce wanted you to hear it. I prefer warts and all so half my CD collections sounds thin, ragged, unatural and over processed..oh just like it is then!
Similar threads
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram