Monitor Audio to launch Silver RX speaker range

[Ajani]

Clare Newsome:
I'm really pleased we're going to have a chance to review at least some of the new Monitor Audio RX speakers before our Awards issue.

Excellent News!!! I'm especially excited to see WHF's thoughts on the new RX line, considering the hype I've read about the performance of the new models on a few audio forums - claims by alleged Monitor Audio Dealers that the new RX line sounds better than the existing Gold Series (not impossible considering the use of improved slimline cabinetry, Gold Series Drivers and Flowports, but it would certainly be dramatic)...

 

[vinod_david]

Tommorrow am going to my local dealer for a listen of the new RX6. It's going to be exciting.

 

[Anonymous]

Post your initial findings of your audition if you get a chance vinod_david. Thx

 

[vinod_david]

Called them, but no demo until launch is the dealer rule from MA, is it ?

 

[Clare Newsome]

We've got Monitor Audio coming in today with our first review samples from the Silver RX range - i'll ask them when dealers can expect to be offering demos. Remember, these speakers don't go on sale until September...

 

[Clare Newsome]

Yep, just had it confirmed from Monitor Audio - stocks in store from September: demos available as soon as shops receive those retail units.

You'll be able to read our Monitor Audio RX6 review in the issue that'll be with subscribers from 10th September (in shops 16th).

 

[vinod_david]

Lucky dealers and lucky WHFSV team, they hear it soon

 

[Clare Newsome]

Maybe we should sell tickets to our test

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:Maybe we should sell tickets to our test

SELL!!!....whats up, run out of biccies.....

 

[Anonymous]

I think the crowd that would form around every available square foot of floor area in your test room, would seriously hinder the results

 

[vinod_david]

I have to cross seven seas even if tickets go on sale

Am kneeling down in prayer before the test for...

1. RX6 bass is same or marginally better than RS6.
2. RX6 midrange is not mechanical like RS6.
3. RX6 once and for all stop the mud slighers in treble department.
4. RX6 please don't allow WHFSV to write in 'Against: Careful system matching required'.

Amen.

 

[Ajani]

Clare Newsome:You'll be able to read our Monitor Audio RX6 review in the issue that'll be with subscribers from 10th September (in shops 16th).

Excellent... I'm looking forward to the review!!!

Any chance there might be a RS6 and/or GS20 on hand for comparison???

 

[barrieJ]

I had a chance to listen to RX6 speakers yesterday and planning to buy them

but want to know if the RX8 are worth the extra money? wanted hear them but ran out of time and had to come up the road ?

 

[jaxwired]

barrie,

Unless you are putting these in a huge room, the answer is no, the RX8 is not worth it. In fact, in my opinion, it's a case of spend more, get less. Yes, the RX8 will go louder and play deeper, but you lose some of the fine midrange detail with the overpowering bass of the RX8. The RX6 has huge bass already. The RX6 is a much better balanced speaker than the RX8 (again, my humble opinion).

I spent a long time listening to the RX6 (most of a day). I was surprised how much of the RS6 character remained. The midrange is slightly more prominent and the highs a tiny bit smoother than the outgoing RS6. I'd say both of these changes were welcome. My overall impression was that there was very little to criticize. The speaker produces crystal clear sound with more solid bass than any similarly priced speaker. It remains one of the biggest bargains in HiFi.

With that said, although the speakers are eminently listenable and entertaining, they do not image the way my dynaudio's do. Also, the bass while still very clean, is not the same tight punchy bass my dyns provide. But this is nit picking a fantastic speaker. I would not hesitate to recommend the RX6 to my closest friends (and I do).

 

[Anonymous]

I get the feeling from what you are describing, that the RX6 is not much of a step up from the RS6.

Am I wrong?

 

[ear]

trying to hear the RX series,ended up listening for the first time to the RS1...well a lot of bass...midrange? not so much.compared to the iq30 the iq30 sounded much better...switching between both, only noticed more bass on the RS1 but definition...seemed to be lost not sure the RX1 will sound much better

 

[jaxwired]

hi fi newbie: I get the feeling from what you are describing, that the RX6 is not much of a step up from the RS6. Am I wrong?

Great question. Well, I'd say that MA addressed the two biggest gripes with the RS6. The midrange was too recessed and the highs were too bright. However, I was surpised by how subtle the difference seemed to my ears. I definately think they are an improvement, but again, I would call it subtle. But, I already though the RS6 was fantastic for the money. So would we really want MA to make radical changes (and would they be dumb enough to do it, given their huge success)?

So, for people wondering if they should buy the RS6 super cheap or spring for the RX6, I would say you can't go wrong either way. They are both very high VFM.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for clarifying, I guess by the same token since this utilised components also present in the Gold range, that the gold range isn't quite the gold standard i.e. head and shoulders above that I assumed it would be.

 

[jaxwired]

That's another good question. I'd like to know that also. I suspect that the golds sound pretty similar to the current rx line. I will say that I auditioned the platinum line the other day and they are a very different animal indeed.

My problem is that I'm spoiled by these dynaudio X16s. They have amazing imaging and bags of midrange detail. They aren't perfect, but to my ears they blow away many more expensive speakers. For instance, I wouldn't trade these for B&W 805s. For me it's not even a close call.

 

[cstanwhf]

Will the RX6 match well with the Naim CD 5i CDP and Nait 5i amp now that the top end is smoother?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Claire,

I am planning to buy the Cyrus Pre XPd with Qx DAC upgrade. These will be matched to a pair of X-power amps and and CDXt-SE transport.

I was considering the new MA Silver RX-6, but was wondering whether i should consdier the RX-8. Since you have heard both, perhaps you can advise whether the RX8 will bring anything additional other than the extra bass.

The attraction of the MA Silver RX range is the availability of the white laquer finish.

My room is about 6 meters X 4 meters and the flooring is all marble with very little furniture (not an ideal acoustic envorinment).

Thanks

 

[Clare Newsome]

I haven't heard the RX8, sadly. Sounds like you need to arrange a home audition, if at all possible (offer to leave a deposit with a friendly dealer!) - i'd worry about the harsh acoustics in your room greatly affecting system synergy. I'd also add some Spendor speakers into the mix; superb with Cyrus.

 

[Frank Harvey]

That's a fairly big room, so I'd say go with the RS8's. Bigger speakers are needed to fill bigger rooms, smaller speakers tend to get a little lost or lightweight in the bass in larger rooms. As mentioned, a hme demo is ideal if you can get one. I was going to say it would also be worth trying the GS20's, but if you have a reflective room, the RX series will cope with that better than the GS range.

 

[Anonymous]

Dear Claire.

Thanks for your prompt response.

Today I heard the cyrus Pre Xpd with one X power amp and a CD8SE set up (not exactly what I wanted but close enough).

We tried the MS Silver RX6 in Piano White - Absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, I found the sound a bit dull. It just didn't work for me with the Cyrus. There was a lot of detail in the music that was missing.

We tried the Dynaudio Excite X32 and it sounded a lot better. More detail. Bass was clear. Top end was a bit bright, but we thought that it was due to the speaker cables. When we changed the speaker cables, the top end stopped hurting my ears. It is a Nice Speaker. Just trying to confirm if we can get it in Piano White.

We also tried the Leema Xone (available in white). Whilst it sounded great with slower softer music, it didn't sound all the good with faster brighter recordings.

I think that the Dynaudio X32 would be a better all rounder whether I want mellow music or if I want more heart thumping music.

best rgds

N.

 

[Anonymous]

Dear David

Thank you for your comments.

Cheers