Speakers: How much better are new versus old?

[admin_exported]

The shiny piano black finish of the B&W FPM5s continually catch my wandering eye, however I'm yet to be convinced that there is much wrong with my Mission FS2s (you know, the old flat panel, NXT-based technology speakers).

I recently upgraded the centre speaker from the FS2 to a Monitor Audio RX Silver and haven't noticed any remarkable transformation. But if the flat panel tech is so good, why hasn't it been replicated?

I know I should set them up side by side and do the proper test, but to be frank that's What Hi-fi's job.

Any thoughts from the experts?

 

[sta99y]

my guess would be they will only sound as good as your amp is, the new T series from KEF sound great with a half decent amp. But maybe with a great amp they may sound better.
What amp drive your speakers? Rated power output of amp and ohms of speakers play a big part i guess...

 

[fayeanddavid]

The shiny piano black finish of the B&W FPM5s continually catch my wandering eye, however I'm yet to be convinced that there is much wrong with my Mission FS2s (you know, the old flat panel, NXT-based technology speakers).

I recently upgraded the centre speaker from the FS2 to a Monitor Audio RX Silver and haven't noticed any remarkable transformation. But if the flat panel tech is so good, why hasn't it been replicated?

I know I should set them up side by side and do the proper test, but to be frank that's What Hi-fi's job.

Any thoughts from the experts?

I'm going through the same pain, as some of the readers know.

Having owned a Q7/iQ6c/Q2DS for almost 10 years, I wonder as the KEF generation is now 3 along with the new Qxxx series

So going to audition, pretty sure I'm going to upgrade, however your question is extremely valid, is technology that much better or is it bloody good marketing making us think that our existing products are now all past their sell by dates?

 

[Anonymous]

It's probably the mix of having the new RX series and your missions up front that aren't impressing. I've not heard your front L and R speakers, but I have heard the RXC as I used to have one in a RX setup and it was excellent. I would suggest whether you stick with upgrading to the RX range or going down the B&W range route, I would ensure you have the front three from the same range, not mix and match, which is hugely important to ensure a consistent sound stage.

 

[fayeanddavid]

It's probably the mix of having the new RX series and your missions up front that aren't impressing. I've not heard your front L and R speakers, but I have heard the RXC as I used to have one in a RX setup and it was excellent. I would suggest whether you stick with upgrading to the RX range or going down the B&W range route, I would ensure you have the front three from the same range, not mix and match, which is hugely important to ensure a consistent sound stage.

+1

Butthe question in general terms still stands I reckon

 

[Anonymous]

Just googled the FS2, and I remember which ones they are now. And yes it's a completely valid point the OP raises. To give my opinion on that, I don't think there is too much more you could do with NXT technology, outside the new BMR version that Cambridge Audio have released recently. And having owned some min20's for rear duties for a the past couple of weeks, my answer would have to be no, the FS2 would certainly hold their own. Now if you are moving away from NXT to T series or similar ( which is a standard speaker with an advanced design to make it flatter ) or a full RX Range, then my answer would be yes. What NXT/BMR does well is to fill a large space with small speakers. What it does not do well IMO is detail and precession of effects, that's where standard speakers win IMO.