Speakers for classical music

[admin_exported]

I'm looking for some new speakers (£250-£400 ) for mainly classical music listening. I auditioned the 5-star rated MA BR2s and B&W 685s at either end of my budget, both of which felt like reasonable all-rounders, but not outstanding for my tastes (though I do realize that I'm at the bottom end of hi fi so there are bound to be compromises). Can anyone suggest other speakers I should listen to?

Thanks.

 

[John Duncan]

For £400, the new AVI Neutron V. You may even find an ex-dem pair of the previous IVs at a bargain price.

 

[drummerman]

You dont say what you did'nt like about them but personally I'd either source a pair of Usher 520 or Rega R3's ex dem. The latter has an exciting sound with very good timing and punch, the former is more laid back and relaxing. Both are very nicely made but the Rega's are imo more capable. Dont forget you need stands with bookshelfs.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks drummerman. I didn't much rate the MA BR2s - sorry What Hi Fi - because, although they delivered the music fairly faithfully, there was nothing exciting about the sound. The B&Ws were in another league, but I just wondered whether there ight be a better option for classical music. What I have really enjoyed in the few v. good speakers I've heard is that sense of the orchestra or whatever actually spread out before you (I'm sure there's a proper name for the effect), and a clarity of distinction between the different instruments/voices.

 

[John Duncan]

I'd call that imaging, inter alia, and the Neutron is the best I've heard in this respect for 400 quid. Worth an audition. But if you could get hold of DN's Regas for the same price, must be worth a shout.......

 

[Andrew Everard]

bouverie:

I'm looking for some new speakers (£250-£400 ) for mainly classical music listening. I auditioned the 5-star rated MA BR2s and B&W 685s at either end of my budget, both of which felt like reasonable all-rounders, but not outstanding for my tastes (though I do realize that I'm at the bottom end of hi fi so there are bound to be compromises). Can anyone suggest other speakers I should listen to?

What's the rest of the system?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Andrew

The system is an ancient Technics CD and AMP, working as well as the day it was bought 18 yrs ago, but could be improved upon.... I plan steadily to upgrade over the next year, starting with speakers because they are the weakest link at present.

I've recently listened to some Focal Chorus 705Vs, which were rather good, if a little bright. Do you know them? Any other thoughts much appreciated. Basically, I'm after something that can reproduce what I heard live at last night's Prom: Rattle conducting the Berlin Philarmonic playing Shostakovich's 10th symp. Possibly I'm being a little unrealistic...

 

[Tibor]

Usher S 520 is mainly for classical music.

 

[Anonymous]

I had the opportunity to put together a new system last summer, for classical music. ÿI was originally quite keen on B&W but, after some auditions, felt that several of the ATC models I listened to were far better suited to what I listen to. ÿPerhaps less bouncy than some, but really precise and detailed.

So, it may be a long shot (and I'm sure that others may disagree), but if you could find a pair of ex-demo or second hand ATC SCM-7s, they might be well worth a listen. ÿOne word of caution: I believe they are not terribly sensitive and probably benefit from a fairly meaty amp; I don't know whether your current amp would be ideal. ÿAs always, the thing to do is listen; if they're not what you are after, you haven't lost anything.

 

[Andrew Everard]

I'd suggest you take a listen to Monitor Audio Silver RS1 and, pushing the budget just a tad, Mordaunt-Short Mezzo 2

But getting a realistic representation of the scale of what you heard at the RAH is going to take much more amplifier muscle and rather bigger speakers than these

 

[chebby]

bouverie:Basically, I'm after something that can reproduce what I heard live at last night's Prom: Rattle conducting the Berlin Philarmonic playing Shostakovich's 10th symp. Possibly I'm being a little unrealistic...

You need Rattle and the BP again for that! No hifi speaker/amp could reproduce it. You may get close, but for the cost of that sort of system you could hire a hall and an orchestra for private concerts.

If you really want to get that close I would recommend a good FM tuner with roof aerial/Radio 3/headphone amp/headphones. It will be more cost effective.

I recommend the Rega R3's also. I got mine ex dem for £400 instead of £500 and I have seen good used ones go for as little as £209 on ebay.

 

[batonwielder]

I heartily recommend the Usher S 520 like the others. They are superb for the money. You should upgrade your electronics, though.