Monitor Audio GS20 conundrum

[hunnyy]

Until recently my home cinema consisted of Monitor Audio GR10s as part of a 5.1 configuration, (with RXFXs for surround duties).

With the ambition of upgrading, last week I bought Monitor Audio GS20s to replace the GR10s left and right, (keeping the GR10 centre speaker). The sound is certainly more detailed now, but I feel it's lacking something also. I'm not sure how to articulate this, but I would say I expected more in the way of "punch", dynamics and, perhaps, warmth and musicality. The amp I'm using is a Yamaha RX-V3800, which I would have thought was up to the job of powering the GS20s (140 watts per channel), but maybe a more powerful amplifier would make the GS20s "sing" better?

The source is a Sony 760 blu-ray player, Chord HDMI Active bitstreaming to the amp, and speaker cable is Chord Odyssey. About 80% use is for movies and, crucially, around 20% of the time is for music DVDs/blu-rays.

Any thoughts, dear forum readers?

Thanks.

 

[grdunn123]

Might be worth thinking about the GS LCR to go with the fronts as they are tonally matched.

 

[Frank Harvey]

The problem is that the RXV3800 doesn't have enough current for the GS20's. It's not down to power, it's current and control that's lacking here. As I was in a similar position to yourself earlier this year, I'd recommend you look at the Pioneer SCLX83. It totally transformed my system after it replaced my RXV3800. My system regained it's kick and excitement, was far more detailed and open, with far more 'air' around instruments when playing music. It made music sound like it was coming from a hi-fi sysem, not from a compromised AV system.

 

[hunnyy]

Thanks, David; I strongly suspected my RX-V3800 (excellent thought it is) doesn't have enough power to get the best from GS20's.

I was rather hoping not to spend more money after just purchasing the GS20's, but I can hear a siren call from my wallet. . . As I would hope, if I do buy a new amp now, not to upgrade again for many a year, is the Pioneer '83 as good as I need to get, or is there any other amp, even if costing a bit more, that's worth considering?

 

[Frank Harvey]

Unfortunately there's no alternative from Yamaha yet, but I think the Pioneer would have the edge due to it's ICE amplification. You're able to use more exotic speakers with it than many other amplifiers, as the digital amplification seems to get the job done in terms of bringing higher quality speakers out of their shell. At the moment, and based on it's spec, I'd say it's as good as you'll get from any AV receiver at the moment - none of the higher end integrated models (£3k+) have been updated for 3D yet. There are the Marantz and Onkyo AV pre/power combos which are up to date, which come in at £2,800 and £4,000 respectively.

 

[hunnyy]

Thanks again for your reply, David.

After your first reply to me I have spoken with Monitor Audio who concur absolutely with you that the GS20's will benefit from greater amp power. The guy there also stated that Denon amps work well with the GS20's, their typically "warm" characteristic suiting those speakers. Any thoughts on that?

 

[Frank Harvey]

They should work fine. KEF use Denon at shows too. I just find the amplification of the Pioneer has a far greater grip over the speaker than others at the same price point. If I'd have changed to an equivalent Denon rather than the Pioneer, it wouldn't have solved my problem.

 

[hunnyy]

What do you think about adding a quality (3 channel) power amplifer to my Yamaha RX-V3800 instead of replacing it with a new AV amp?

 

[Frank Harvey]

The Yamaha does have some decent processing, but things do move on. Once you're 2-3 years down the line, DACs improve, processing improves, room EQ improves. It would be a cost effective step towards a pre power (adding power amp, then changing for dedicated processor later), but if you're sticking with a one box solution, just change what you have. If you don't mind the two box approach, I'd recommend a genuine 5 or 7 channel power amp with dedicated pre/processor.

 

[hunnyy]

Thanks again for your input, David.

The reason I asked about a power amplifier is that a friend suggested adding a Naim NAPV 175 3-channel power amplifer (for the front and centre speakers) to my Yamaha RX-V3800. Does this sound like good advice, or should I opt for the Pioneer '83 as per your earlier suggestion?

 

[Frank Harvey]

Now you're asking.

It's a good power amp, but you'd have to try it with the MA's to see if it's to your tastes - I wouldn't say that particular range is the best match in the world, but we're all different

No harm in giving it a try - but if you did go for a dedicated processor later on, you'll be short by two channels! Unless you were willing to add another stereo power amp of course. It's realty down to whether you're happier with one box doing everything, or go down the multiple box route....

 

[hunnyy]

Thanks, David,

Do you think the Naim might be a little "bright" for the MA's?

Perhaps I'll demo both options - Naim power amp and Pioneer '83 - to see what I think.

Decisions decisions. . .

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

I have the GS20's and I run them with a denon 4810. For some reason what hifi hasnt tested this amp and has no plans to (happy to be corrected if WHF chooses to) but its very much a 4310 with additional power and features.

It runs my 20's with all the power, authority and delicacy I can imagine and i tested for 6 mths before committing.

Why would i not recommend 4810 - well if u want 3d or the 32 bit audessy - thats gonna be on the next iteration of this amp but denon ceased 2011 updates on the 4310 so no 4811 this year - and also the 4311 came along with much of the above and really challenged 4810 for top 4 series honours.

I mention WHF not reviewing the 4810 becasue no-one ever champions it - its not been tested in isolation yet AFAIK so i dont understand how pioneer can always garner best 2k amp in the absence of a test of all its major competitiors (again pls correct me if you have had an opportunity to appraise it WHF)

All i wanted to say was on well recorded tracks - it is spine tingling with my gs20's and to consider it as WHF never appears to - so its an oft missed option IMHO.

cheers

 

[hunnyy]

Thanks, KBaudio; interesting input.

 

[jiggyjoe]

If you will accept used products there are a couple of Arcam fmj power amps for sale on 'ebay' and are a good match for the MA's.