Monitor Audio RX6AV or BX6AV

[Petruchio]

Fellas

I'm in the process of updating my kit and I'm now turning my attention to a 5.1 speaker system.

I was all set to plump for the Monitor Audio RX6AV kit (which I've heard and love) when I see on WHF that they are bringing out an all-new BX range (of which the BX6AV would be of most interest to me). Looking at the prices that would be around £1500, and yet I can pick up the RX6AV for £2200. I guess my question is this - What would I lose or gain by saving £700? (Apart from saving £700 of course).

I suppose it's difficult to answer as no-one's heard them yet but maybe people could tell me what the main difference between the old BR6AV and the RS6AV was? It's not exactly accurate, I know, but it might give me some idea as to whether I should stick to my guns and get the RX or, if there isn't a huge difference sonically between the models, wait and listen to the BX.

 

[Anonymous]

I am in the same boat, was going to get the RX6 until I seen the new BX series. They have the new c-cam driver and magnetic grill and also hive tech which was in the gold and platinum series.

I am now going to wait until release.

I emailed MA for a solid date.

 

[Frank Harvey]

It depends - what amplifier would you be using to drive them Petruchio?

 

[Anonymous]

Hey dave, do you know when the BX series will be released?

What Hifi said aug, but might that be the start of aug or the end?

Thanks

 

[Frank Harvey]

I'll give him a call in the morning and find out.

 

[Anonymous]

Dave your a star. While I got you, you said the VSX819 wont be able to drive the RX6 to their best, and I would have set to small, which is going to affect the performance.

What is the best cheapest amp that will do the job. is it the LX52 ? I cant afford the Z7.

Thanks dave.

PS Was looking around at higher watt amps, will the Onkyo TX-SR608 drive them with ease, it seems cheap for what you get,

 

[Frank Harvey]

They will be beginning of August

There are a few more details, but I can't post them here....

An LX52 I would say is going to be roughly on par with an RXV2065. It'll do the job, but not like a DSPZ7 or SCLX82 would. It's a shame the LX52 isn't digital amplification, as I would then rank it a little closer to the LX72 in terms of control, which isn't that far off an 82.....

 

[Anonymous]

FrankHarveyHiFi:
They will be beginning of August

There are a few more details, but I can't post them here....

An LX52 I would say is going to be roughly on par with an RXV2065. It'll do the job, but not like a DSPZ7 or SCLX82 would. It's a shame the LX52 isn't digital amplification, as I would then rank it a little closer to the LX72 in terms of control, which isn't that far off an 82.....

Your a star dave, fancy emailing me the details of the stuff you cant post? or is it very hush hush.

So the onkyo would not be as good as the LX52 ? and what is the difference between digital amp. does my VSX819 have dig amp?

Sorry for so many questions, but going to be spending quite a bit, and its got to last years

 

[Frank Harvey]

There's no problems asking questions, it's what we're here for!

I don't seem to have your e-mail address, I must have cleared out my inbox at some point, and I'm not allowed to tempt you to contact me....

Digital amplification starts from the LX72, which if you can stretch to it, do sound much faster and immediate - which sounds like the sort of sound you're looking for. My SCLX82 certainly does a great job with my MK S150's.

 

[Anonymous]

Your a star dave

I cant afford £1000.00 for an amp, way above my budget.

Once all my debts paid off, might get one, but wont be able to do it at this upgrade.

can go to £1000.00 for fronts and centre, and maybe push to £400.00 for a better amp, prob keeping my MS alumni for rears as well, as they are quite good and rears wont make a HUGE difference.

 

[Frank Harvey]

If I was yourself, I'd sort out your speakers first. You know you want the RX's, so get those, and then start saving for the amp. The 819 will drive them ok as a temporary measure. Like I said, just use them on small and the amp will be ok with them. Spreading your current budget for everything you want could lead you to compromises that will cost you later on....

 

[Petruchio]

I'll be running my new speakers with (probably) the new Sony STR-DN1010 3D receiver. My other option is to go for the Denon AVR-1911...the Sony has the edge due to the iphone remote and compatibility with my other sony products....so will the BX range be good enough or should I get the RX6AV?

 

[Frank Harvey]

If you're looking at £450/500 AV amps, I'd stick with the BX range. The RX will be better, but they need more control than the average AV receiver in this price range can manage. If it was a temporary measure I'd say yes, go for the RX, but the new BX should be rather good, and should go fine with the Denon (I'm not familiar with the Sony - yet).

 

[Petruchio]

Cheers for that. I suppose what I'm now thinking is that I have two options:

1) Spend more on speakers (ie RX6 AV for £2200) and go for the £500 amp (Sony or Denon). TOTAL: £2700

Or....

2) Spend less on speakers (ie BX6 AV for £1500) and go for the £1100 amp (Denon AVR-3311- looks fab). TOTAL: £2600

Should I put my money on the amp or the speakers?

 

[scene]

If you've got no amp, then getting the better amp and BX6 AV is quite a good idea...

However, I would go for the better speakers, i.e. the RX6 AV as they're a bigger chunk of cash and try to get a good secondhand or end-of-line AV amp to drive them. If you're not interested in 3D or HDMI 1.4a passthru, then you can get some pretty good amps - a Denon 2310 can be had for £550, and then save up the pennies for a really cracking amp down the line.

 

[Petruchio]

3D pass-through is a must for me (I'll be upgrading the TV to 3D soonish) which is why I'm looking at the amps mentioned.

I have a decent amp already which would happily take the RX's, but it doesnt take HD or 3D (it's 3 yrs old) so I'm running everything through Linear PCM at present. I want a new amp to allow me to run HD audio direct to the amp, and 3D pass-through to my new, not-yet-bought TV.

I might go for the 3311 amp and the BX I think, as it'll mean I'll also get internet radio and a few other bits and pieces.

 

[Anonymous]

I am going to wait, buying the RX6 now and will get a lx52 or above when they come on offer as I dont want 3D.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Petruchio:

Cheers for that. I suppose what I'm now thinking is that I have two options:

1) Spend more on speakers (ie RX6 AV for £2200) and go for the £500 amp (Sony or Denon). TOTAL: £2700

Or....

2) Spend less on speakers (ie BX6 AV for £1500) and go for the £1100 amp (Denon AVR-3311- looks fab). TOTAL: £2600

Should I put my money on the amp or the speakers?

If this is a long term, buy once only system, I'd go with option 2.

You'll always be better off driving speakers properly (or even overdriving them) with an amp that's too good than underdriving a speaker package that outclasses the amplifier. If the speakers aren't being driven properly, you end up with a soft sort of sound that lacks any real kick or impact because definition is lost with the amplifier's lack of control.

If you've ever heard the Bronze BR5 AV package on a Pioneer SCLX82 you'll know exactly what I mean - the package kicked derrier.

If the amplifier in option 1 is a temporary measure, then by all means go with this package, which means that you'll be able to upgrade the amp at a later date and get a better system in the long run.

 

[grifz]

I had a denon canada, although it got 5 stars it didnt do it for me when watching movies .The denon was just to musicaly loud over the surround if you can make sense off my blabble . I was recommended trying a yamaha , For me the yamaha was instantly better .It kicked into life. I know my amplifiers are bottom end but i for movies would go with daves advice on yamaha or pioneer when i upgrade my amp ...