NEW Speaker choice big dilemma..........help needed

[admin_exported]

Hi all, my first post so be gentle!!!

My dilema is I was all set to buy a set of KEF T201 (x5) speakkers to pair with my MA RSW-12 sub and then demoed the Apex speakers (4x A10 / 1xA40), I was blown away with the detail and clarity of them compared to the KEF's, not to mention the outstanding build quality.

On that basis you would think it was an easy decision to make however after going back home and having a chat (no sorry arguement) with my wife she is really against me having the A10's as they are quite bulky especially when when mounted the supplied wall brackets as they protrude into the room quite a bit, I current run a set of KEF 5005.1 and they are quite slim.

The KEF 201's of course are very flat but the sound does not compare. so it got me thinking would the option of using 5x Radius 225HD boxes that can go totally flat on the wall be a good compromise and do you think these will give me comparable (aware it might not be quite as good) sound as the Apex, and of course a better sound than the KEF's.

Any advice from the members would be grateful..........

 

[Frank Harvey]

The Apex will outperform the T series. Obviously there are going to be limitations to "flat" speakers, but what KEF have done with something so slim is rather good. But you'll usually find that you'll get a better sound from speakers with a bit of cabinet volume behind them (generalisation). You may even find the Radius HD models will perform better, particularly for music. Usually, something like the T series and Monitor Audio's Shadow range, are different customers to the Radius and Apex.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your feedback.

I suppose I want the best sound with the least distruption to the room aesthetics hence looking at the KEF's originally then I heard the Apex speakers and now am considering a compromise.

The Radius option would be a good half way house if the sound was decent or considered better than the KEF's however if the general advice is that it is no better then it makes choosing the KEF's a little easier.

I can guess decisions like these are ten to the penny but unforunately not easy.

 

[michael hoy]

Hi,

I had a similar issue when moving from my previous (tiny) speakers, just what can I purchase to fit the room.

I had read about the Apex on the web and took my wife with me to demo the speakers, she fell in love with them before hearing what they sounded like.

Tested with two different amps 1. £500.00 and 2. £2500.00, she loved the £2500.00 amp / Apex combination, I walked away with a full set of Apex speakers.

If you can agree on these speakers you will not regret it.

The flat KEF speakers just don't come any where near close to the Apex.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah got to agree...even though she has not heard them I know she will love the sound, its just the outward bulk thats an issue.

I think the A10's are gorgeous looking things but I knwo how she thinks.

Its a shame they stick out from the bracket so much, actualy if there was a bracket that did not protrude so far that might also be an option.

Thanks for all the feedback so far although its telling me what I deep down know.....the Apex are the dogs blocks!!

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Thanks for your feedback.

I suppose I want the best sound with the least distruption to the room aesthetics hence looking at the KEF's originally then I heard the Apex speakers and now am considering a compromise.

The Radius option would be a good half way house if the sound was decent or considered better than the KEF's however if the general advice is that it is no better then it makes choosing the KEF's a little easier.

I can guess decisions like these are ten to the penny but unforunately not easy.

Hi mike0zero

I feel that you should also consider Monitor Audio's new Shadow Series of speakers as i've found their overall performance (particularly with movie soundtracks) to be much better the already impressive Radius HD Series and therefore (without wishing to state the obvious) also much closer in performance to Apex speakers.

http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/products/shadow/

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

Rick...thanks for the advice. but another one into the mix......oh god.

To be honest I had a quick look at these but to get comparable spec to the Apex I would be sepnding nearly double as I was looking at the S50's and not too sure of the industrial look

I think I am leaning towards making the Apex (A10's) work and if I can get the right deal even consider 3x A40's as it is the front spekears that give me the depth problems.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Rick...thanks for the advice. but another one into the mix......oh god.

To be honest I had a quick look at these but to get comparable spec to the Apex I would be sepnding nearly double as I was looking at the S50's and not too sure of the industrial look

I think I am leaning towards making the Apex (A10's) work and if I can get the right deal even consider 3x A40's as it is the front spekears that give me the depth problems.

Hi mike0zero

Your welcome.

If you can get Apex speakers in then go for it as they are superb. Just coming back to the Shadow series though were you looking at -

Shadow 50 (FL, FR), Shadow Centre and Shadow 25 (R) or another combination?

Btw, Shadow Series of speakers look much better in the flesh. I for one love their excellent fit/finish/build quality with clean and simplistic design.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Rick

Once again thanks for your advice.

Just one more quick question, is there anyway you can shorten the tube that connects the A10 to the wall bracket, at the moment that is the main thing that is putting me off as it sits the speaker another 80mm off the wall, if this could be cut down to reduce the gap between the speaker and wall then that could be my best option.....of course if there is a reason for the distance then that is a different story.

thanks

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi Rick

Once again thanks for your advice.

Just one more quick question, is there anyway you can shorten the tube that connects the A10 to the wall bracket, at the moment that is the main thing that is putting me off as it sits the speaker another 80mm off the wall, if this could be cut down to reduce the gap between the speaker and wall then that could be my best option.....of course if there is a reason for the distance then that is a different story.

thanks

Hi mike0zero

Your welcome.

Good question although i'll have to pass and check with Monitor Audio first and get back on Monday (unless Dean Hartley see this first).

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi mike0zero

Monitor Audio are looking into this and i'll post as soon as i've heard back from them.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Rick

Thanks for you troubles but a member of AV forums already answered my question.

The MA webiste is a little mis leading as it shows the wall bracket with an extended arm, the thing is you do not need this arm as it really only should be used for table standing and only if required for wall mounting.

Ta

 

[BenLaw]

Your last post may mean you've now found a solution, but if not is the protrusion a problem for all speakers? Ie could you have apex fronts and radius / shadow rears?

 

[Anonymous]

Nope.........Apex A10's x4 and A40 x1 centre, all standard afre, but cannot wai to get them installed.

 

[Ian986]

I went through exactly the same thing as you I fell in love with the kef t series and When i watched a movie, i liked them even a music blue ray and sounded pretty good then pluged my iPod in then went down hill big style I really wanted to like them but where pretty awful

I demoed quite a few speakers speakers and nothing compared to apex rangeso I just bought them ! I am really glad I did !

If preltruding speaker is a problem you could get 3 centre speakers as they mount pretty flush and if you shop around you would be able to get close to the standard retail price of £2500

 

[Ian986]

Oops double post sorry