Upgrade from Monitor Audio RX6 ?

[danny86]

Hi fellow audiophiles !

I am perfectly ok with my RX6 setup however I find them very revealing and forward and over long listenings they tend to become tiring.

Max budget would be Eur 3000.

Currently looking into the Focal Aria 926 / 948.

Anyone heard these models ?

Thank you in advance,

Dan

 

[KidKomet]

Are you looking for a more relaxed sound overall then? That's a good budget to play with so I can't stress enough that should demo as much as possible. Others on this forum will likely be able to offer specific speakers as I don't have much experience in that price range. Heard the KEF R700's and thought they were fantastic but definitely not relaxed. What is the rest of your setup?

 

[danny86]

Thank you for your message.

The system is :

PC > Chord Opticord Toslink > Arcam irDAC > Atlas Element Asymetrical > Moon i.5 > Audioquest Slip 14/2 > Monitor Audio RX6

 

[matthewpiano]

I'd recommend giving the Dynaudio DM3/7 floorstanders a listen. Richers have them for £999 at present and, if they are like the standmounts I've heard from the DM range they will give you a very cohesive, wholesome sound that isn't tiring but still has plenty of detail. Make sure you try them with your amp though.

 

[KidKomet]

Not familiar with that amp so giving any new speakers a listen is a must. The Focal Chorus 836's might be worth a listen, as would the DALI Ikon 6.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi fellow audiophiles !

I am perfectly ok with my RX6 setup however I find them very revealing and forward and over long listenings they tend to become tiring.

Max budget would be Eur 3000.

Currently looking into the Focal Aria 926 / 948.

Anyone heard these models ?

Thank you in advance,

Dan

With your budget I would be auditioning Vienna Acoustics, ProAc D18, Spendor A6 and PMC Twenty 23.

 

[matthewpiano]

BTW, I briefly heard the Focal 926s when I went to pick my amp up yesterday. They were being driven by valve monoblocks. Sounded very nice - not superficially impressive but a natural way with instrumental timbres and an ability to pull you into the music. The larger model were next to them - they really are HUGE.

 

[danny86]

Thank you for your message, Matthew.

Do you think the 948 are worth the extra penny ?

I'm considering them as they might avoid one extra upgrade for more bass in the future.

I also considered Proac D18 but my audio vendor (how has both Focal and ProAC) said ProAC does not work well with Moon Amps, so I guess Focal it is then...

 

[KidKomet]

Ignore my previous post. PP had a much better suggestion with the Spendor's and PMC's. I completely overlooked your budget (my mistake, sorry).

 

[plastic penguin]

I also considered Proac D18 but my audio vendor (how has both Focal and ProAC) said ProAC does not work well with Moon Amps, so I guess Focal it is then...

Have you heard the ProAcs? Don't just by what the dealers says without hearing for yourself.

 

[Exoticsounds]

If you have access to a dealer which carries Martin Logan ElectroMotion you should give them a listen, you might get seduced....

 

[danny86]

To provide closure on the topic, perhaps more may be interested :

I auditioned ProAC and found them more tiring despite the silk tweeter. Bass was also boomy and lacking texture (even on a high-end Sugden Masterclass Amp).

I auditioned Focal Aria and loved all their products, especially Aria 936 and Aria 906 (for small rooms).

I also auditioned Focal Electra on Jadis Orchestra Reference Tube amp and was not so impressed (esp. given the price).

I ended up with Focal Aria 906, wonderful speaker in my tiny room (16 sq meters). Much more musical than RX6, highly recommended.

I couldn't be happier.