Too many speakers to choose from!

[admin_exported]

Hi,

My old Mission 780's have given up (one of the mid-range/bass driver units has failed) and I'm looking to replace them, but I'm spoilt for choice.

I have up-to £500 to spend and will be partnering them with an old Rotel RA02 and Arcam CD72.

My shortlist starts with the Wharfedale diamond 10.1s and includes Arcaydis DM1, Dali Lektor 2's, B&W 685s and EB acoustics EB1's. I believe these are all rated as 5 star products.

I mostly listen to rock and indie music, with some dance. I like a warm sound and punchy base. I don't want to just go with the most expensive, thinking that they will be best.

What do people think?

Thanks!

Simon

 

[Anonymous]

sihinch:

I like a warm sound and punchy base.

IMF speakers or B&W DM2 speakers ... a few listed on ebay at the moment ...old, ugly but good and cheap when compared to what you can get (new) for the same price

Here are a pair of B&W DM2 speakers (3-way transmission design) ending in a couple of hours ... standing on £77 at the moment ... will be a bargain under £200

 

[Anonymous]

Forgot to mention - size is important. I can't have something with a big cabinet.

 

[RCduck7]

I would add Dynaudio Excite to that list. Mission had/has some nice speakers, try to compare the mission sound your used to.

 

[plastic penguin]

sihinch:

Hi,

My old Mission 780's have given up (one of the mid-range/bass driver units has failed) and I'm looking to replace them, but I'm spoilt for choice.

I have up-to £500 to spend and will be partnering them with an old Rotel RA02 and Arcam CD72.

My shortlist starts with the Wharfedale diamond 10.1s and includes Arcaydis DM1, Dali Lektor 2's, B&W 685s and EB acoustics EB1's. I believe these are all rated as 5 star products.

I mostly listen to rock and indie music, with some dance. I like a warm sound and punchy base. I don't want to just go with the most expensive, thinking that they will be best.

What do people think?

Thanks!

Simon

The problem is the Arcam CD 72. It was a fine CDP and is quite warm, and if you partner it with warm speakers it may sound a little muddy.

The ideal choice, like dim_span said is B&W. To be slightly different, I would plump for 685's + stands should be around the top-end of your budget. They should, with the Rotel amp counteract the over-lush sound - you really need a cosy, rather than a microwave (hot) sound.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the recco - they seem to be alot over my budget, though.....

 

[Anonymous]

my experience has shown me that good bass = larger cabinets

however, saying that, I have an old pair or AR3a speakers on a second system in my house, and bass is not too bad, but cannot be compared to the larger speakers

or perhaps look at smaller speakers with the option of adding a sub?

 

[matthewpiano]

If you liked the sound of the Missions, why not stick with the brand? There are plenty of 780SEs and 751s kicking about. These speakers stand up incredibly well to current competition.

 

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:If you liked the sound of the Missions, why not stick with the brand? There are plenty of 780SEs and 751s kicking about. These speakers stand up incredibly well to current competition.

was thinking the exact same thing, as the OP can replace them with the exact same speakers for a lot less than £500 ... loads on ebay in excellent condition if you are patient

thought perhaps he is looking for something a bit better?

 

[Anonymous]

Some great suggestions - thanks for your thoughts everyone.

I guess repairing my Missions is something I should consider. Just wasn't sure if the speakers of today have improved lots, but then again, I auditioned my Missions when I bought them and liked the sound then, so .........

Maybe I should stick with what I know!

 

[the record spot]

You might have some difficulty having the Missions repaired, at least by Mission or with Mission stock. They stopped keeping spares for my 752, so if there's a problem, then I'll be buying some new speakers!

You can land the 780/75-series Missions regularly on Ebay - the 751 as already mentioned and 752s would be fine buys. I use the latter and though many will warn you off because of the supposed harshness of the mesh dome tweeter, the truth is it's one of the most even speakers you could ask for - wonderful clarity (note, not bright) and a good, but realistic and articulate bass. Don't partner it with bright sounding kit, but balance it all out well and you'll be rewarded time and again.

Fabulous for the money; new they were from £500, I got my pair off Ebay in top nick for £80, though prices appear to have gone up on there of late.