Onkyo 875 or 606 with B+W MT30

[admin_exported]

I recently had a demo in my local shop. I fell in love with the MT30's but also listened to the KEF 3005SE's and were very impressed with them too.

The manager told me that the MT30's need the 875 to drive them. That being the case, I would go for the KEF's with the 606 as there is a huge difference in price and I can live with the difference in sound to save £1000.

Was the manager of the store right?

 

[professorhat]

Well, I'd beg to differ personally. True, you would get an improved sound using the 875, but that would be true of the KEFs as well. When you demoed them, which amp were you using? If it was the 606 and you preferred the sound, then ignore the manager and trust your own ears. If it wasn't the 606, see if you can get a demo with a 606 with both as well, so you can hear for yourself.

 

[Big Chris]

I have the 875 & the MT-30s. I love the sound, but would agree with Prof. Hat. I don't think you'd disgrace your MT-30s with the 606 (Although, as you should hope at the price difference. the 875 will sound better.)

Don't forget that there are a number of Onk receivers in between the 606 & 875, try a 705 instead, or an 805.

 

[Anonymous]

I did listen to both sets of speakers throught the 875 during the demo.

I will return and let the 606 have a go - and even some others in the range if they have any in.....

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

Big Chris:I have the 875 & the MT-30s. I love the sound, but would agree with Prof. Hat. I don't think you'd disgrace your MT-30s with the 606 (Although, as you should hope at the price difference. the 875 will sound better.)

Don't forget that there are a number of Onk receivers in between the 606 & 875, try a 705 instead, or an 805.

I agree again. I have a bigger traditional 5.1 system being driven by a similarly priced receiver (at launch) to the 606. My speakers are arguably better than the MT30 and my receiver works fine with them. I will upgrade my Sony receiver soon and I'm sure I will get better results but the guy in the shop is just trying to sell you the more expensive product!

 

[Frank Harvey]

I agree again. I have a bigger traditional 5.1 system being driven by a similarly priced receiver (at launch) to the 606. My speakers are arguably better than the MT30 and my receiver works fine with them. I will upgrade my Sony receiver soon and I'm sure I will get better results but the guy in the shop is just trying to sell you the more expensive product!

 

[Frank Harvey]

I do find it funny how when a dealer recommending anything more expensive is classed as greed, whereas when the same thing recommended by forum members it's taken as gospel.......

The dealer does have a point. 5.1 packages in the £1,500+ mark should have a better receiver than something less than £500. The problem isn't driving the system, it's the amplification quality that's needed. Even the KEF KHT3005se sound a hell of a lot better with a Yamaha RXV-3800 than they do with a 606. This isn't just the amplifier being better, it's the amplifier driving the speakers better. And before anyone says that they will sound better with a better amp, of course they will, but that's showing that the speakers need something better.

Having said that, even though the MT30 package is £1650, it comprises satellites you'll find in most manufacturers £900/1,000 packages, so they're not really as demending as other packages in it's price point. The only thing I would say is that there are better packages around in that price point.

Anybody who underestimates the sort of amplification needed for a specific speakers system runs the risk of ending up with an average sounding system overall. It's the same as choosing amplification to suit hi-fi speakers. Many people are unhappy with their hi-fi systems because the amplifier just isn't up to driving them properly.

 

[nickers1969]

Just to say that Richer Sounds are selling the 875 for £700 now - and £600 if you're on their VIP mailing list!