NAD 3120 & Mordaunt-Short MS10i

[record_spot]

So I picked up a NAD 3120 amp the other day (basically, the 3020 minus tone controls). I wanted to get something a little more old school, having once owned a 3020A which my dad bought me in 1986, but which I had to let go when it started to fail some years ago. In retrospect, I should've had it fixed.

Either way, my DM5 actives need a preamp. Now, I'm currently using a switching box with a volume control, but the box is pretty small, so when a 3120 came up, in good condition, it was a quick decision.

And then I thought it might be fun to have a little nostalgia trip and get a pair of regular passive speakers and hook them up. I'm thinking the Mordaunt Short MS10i from the mid-90s. There's also the Mission 751 (the originals), that'll also take a 25w amp. Had thought about the Quad 11L and AVI's Neutron, all of which I can get around the same price £100-200. I'm pretty tempted by the MS10i's appeal and previews user accounts.

So, any thoughts? It really is an older pair I'm looking for (I appreciate all the caveats that apply so I'm choosing carefully and not just any old thing). I'd looked over the likes of the Mission LX1, etc, but I think I'll skip current models.

EDIT: That said, I can get the Fyne F300i at a VIP Member price in Richer Sounds for about £150. This isn't a major thing for me, but I like what Fyne do, so this could be an option too. I'll do some reading up.

 

[record_spot]

...and bought the MS10is in the end.

Got an offer I couldn't refuse!

 

[Al ears]

...and bought the MS10is in the end.

Got an offer I couldn't refuse!

I had the MS 10 Pearl Edition once, nice speakers

 

[matthewpianist]

I have a pair of MS10i on the side-lines. They're cracking little speakers and if I'm completely honest, they can give the Dyns and PSBs a run for their money in some respects. They're ideally suited to something liked a NAD amp, so I'll be interested to read how you get on.

 

[matthewpianist]

Have stuck mine on for the afternoon while I work, just to remind myself how they sound.

 

[record_spot]

I remember reading how good the MS25i model was but as floorstanders, they never had a visual appeal for me, which put me right off them. The 10s though look good and should on paper be a good match up.

The 3120 apparently also has a good MM/MC phono stage as well as a good preamp, so hopes are high it and the 10s are a good match. It won't be a long term pairing, the DM5s will go back on in a while, but I'll keep the 10s as a backup.

The AVI ADM9 RSS actives will be going on the Ebay pretty soon. That should cover the costs of the NAD amp and Ms speakers at least!

 

[matthewpianist]

I spent a pleasurable evening listening with my pair of MS10i in position, and I could happily live with them as my main speakers. They're a touch brighter up top than the Dynaudios and PSBs, but not to the point of being overtly bright, and there is slightly more space in the sound generally. It's a different sound, rather than being 'better' or 'worse' - quite an achievement for a 30 year old pair of speakers that I bought for about £40 a couple of years ago (in great condition, with the badges on both speakers).

 

[record_spot]

I spent a pleasurable evening listening with my pair of MS10i in position, and I could happily live with them as my main speakers. They're a touch brighter up top than the Dynaudios and PSBs, but not to the point of being overtly bright, and there is slightly more space in the sound generally. It's a different sound, rather than being 'better' or 'worse' - quite an achievement for a 30 year old pair of speakers that I bought for about £40 a couple of years ago (in great condition, with the badges on both speakers).

And this is why I'll be scouting round for a good pair of Mission 751s - I would love to scratch that itch as it's been over 30 years and they remain one of the best speakers I ever had. I'd be keen to hear how they've aged. They were a fast and highly musical listen. Clear as a bell but never harsh. Just about had a fit when I heard the later Freedom model which was a huge disappointment. Still, the MS10s first.

Which reminds me....speaker cable!