Monitor Audio GS10 v PMC GB1i

[admin_exported]

Looking to upgrade my front 2 speakers in my MA Radius 5.1 (R225) to be used for stereo as well as movies, as now listening to more music these days than watching the TV and feel that the soundstage from the Radius for music is one dimensional/flat.

I have listened to the MA GS10 through Musical Fidelity X150 at a friend’s house and loved the wide soundstage and timing, the bass produced is pretty beefy for such small speakers. Overall the sound with the amp and speakers were natural and going to arrange a shop demo with a warmer amp, possibly the new Marantz PM8003 – which I can use for AV duties to power the front 2.

I like listen to all sorts of music from Black Eye Peas, Kanye West, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Kings of Leon, Biffy Clyro, AC DC, 60’s to 90’s to Dance and House music.

The GS10’s handle the above music range pretty well, but when you take the price of the speakers and decent stands into consideration it takes you into GB1i territory.

Was wondering if anyone out there has experienced both and how the 2 speakers compare?

Does the bass from GB1i come close or better than GS10’s? as read some reviews that the GB1i can be a bit lacking.

My room is 4.5m x 3.5m and the speakers need to be pretty close to the back wall, is there any other speaker under £1400 that I should consider demoing that would meet the above criteria? Anyone got the Tannoy DCT6t?

Any other stereo amps recommendations under £700 that can be used with the AV system would be nice too.

Can’t wait to arrange the demos, good times…..

Thanks for taking the time out reading my post

 

[d_a_n1979]

I havent heard the PMC's but I have heard the M/A GS10's a number of times (recently with a Cyrus 8vs2 integrated amp and a Roksan Kandy K2 integrated amp) and they sounded superb (all be it they were fed by the Cyrus 6SE CDP and the Rega Apollo CDP).

For your tastes in music I'd say they'd do VERY well when partnered with either of the above mentioned amps.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Personally, in a straight shootout I'd go for a pair of GB1is, which I found anything but light in the bass. In fact I have a pair on my surround channels at the moment, with PB1is pounding away on the fronts (for review) replacing my usual OB1s.

But given that you're keeping the Radius centre speaker, the MAs will give the best tonal balance across the front three channels with that, so they're your best choice in your particular circs.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. Forgot to say that I'll be changing the centre as well to match the front 2, but music now being the main priority.

Andrew, would you say the GB1i are a good all round speaker for a wide range in music? The wife loves the idea of their compact size so got approval, just need to get on the dog and bone and arrange some demos around Edinburgh.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Yes, very good. And of course with the DB1M-Ci as the centre speaker, they're going to sound pretty fab.

 

[crusaderlord]

I am interested in the PMC GB1i myself and do wonder whether they merit consideration over my Neat Motive 3 standmounts as a longer term change.

I am not sure if the floorstanders are signficantly more costly due to the extra wood and components more than it being a significant upgrade in audio quality. I do need something pretty compact though for the space.

My Neat Motives are excellent with no complaints but at some stage i may look for the next upgrade.