Used standmount speakers with Umph!

[Ambrose]

I am very happy with the Neats, but if I could change one thing would be for a bigger sound with more weight suitable for just rock / heavy metal music. The Neats really pack a punch and are terrifically dynamic and punching but I am sure for a couple hundred notes I could pick up some used speakers that would rock out :rockout: when the mood takes. is this a silly idea? I guess something a bit bigger (but not too big - need to keep them somewhere in the house) with a bigger driver that will work on Super Dreadnought stands, Nait 5i-2 and Rega DAC / SBT. I have heard Monitor Audio RX1 with old Arcam AVR 280 amp and was very propulsive punchy sound and seemed to time well which is kinda what I am after. Can fellow forum experts suggest other speakers I should keep a look out for on the bay? NEEDS TO SOUND GOOD AT LOW / MODERATE VOLUMES!!! Epos M12i, Neat Petite 3 or any DYNs sound good at low volumes and sound bigger than Motive 3s? Cheers Ambrose

 

[plastic penguin]

With your kit I would say PMC DB1i. They are terrifically punchy for their size, although no idea how they compare with your Neats. Those Neats have a wonderful rep, and although the RX1s may out punch the Neats you'll lose out in other areas.

Short of going floorstander route, not sure what to suggest without spending really big bucks.

 

[Ambrose]

With your kit I would say PMC DB1i. They are terrifically punchy for their size, although no idea how they compare with your Neats. Those Neats have a wonderful rep, and although the RX1s may out punch the Neats you'll lose out in other areas.

Short of going floorstander route, not sure what to suggest without spending really big bucks.

Thanks PP

Yes, A bit of a challenge. The Neats are very good indeed, I may save long term for Petite's or other but very difficult to justify any significant outlay now I'm a family man.

I'd rather keep and enjoy the Motive 3s and get a 2nd set of speakers that really suit rock music with bigger sound and more low end presence for an alternative when the mood takes / house is empty

What if I went up to £300-£400 does anything else come to mind? I have not really heard any Dyns properly driven but know that they do low end authority very well. It's just concerns about my amp having enough go and how much volume the Dyns need to sound good.

Always fancied Dyns and also EPOS reputation appeals (having never listened to any before).

See if any other ideas come up.

Ambrose

 

[Anonymous]

Monitor Audio RX1's or B&W 685's

Both will work very well with your kit; both are fantastic sounding speakers and bpth can be found 2nd hand on eBay & the likes for not a lot of £££ these days

 

[plastic penguin]

With your kit I would say PMC DB1i. They are terrifically punchy for their size, although no idea how they compare with your Neats. Those Neats have a wonderful rep, and although the RX1s may out punch the Neats you'll lose out in other areas.

Short of going floorstander route, not sure what to suggest without spending really big bucks.

Thanks PP

Yes, A bit of a challenge. The Neats are very good indeed, I may save long term for Petite's or other but very difficult to justify any significant outlay now I'm a family man.

I'd rather keep and enjoy the Motive 3s and get a 2nd set of speakers that really suit rock music with bigger sound and more low end presence for an alternative when the mood takes / house is empty

What if I went up to £300-£400 does anything else come to mind? I have not really heard any Dyns properly driven but know that they do low end authority very well. It's just concerns about my amp having enough go and how much volume the Dyns need to sound good.

Always fancied Dyns and also EPOS reputation appeals (having never listened to any before).

See if any other ideas come up.

Ambrose

Like both Epos and Dyns but whether they'll give an all-round performance against your Neats is another question.

Have you thought about adding a sub? or are you just after a 2nd pair?

 

[Ambrose]

[[/quote]

Like both Epos and Dyns but whether they'll give an all-round performance against your Neats is another question.

Have you thought about adding a sub? or are you just after a 2nd pair?

[/quote

Just after another pair, sorry not clear about that.

Alternative is to go up the Neat ladder but that will take more time to save up.

I don't expect 2nd speaker to be better all round than Neats.

Cheers

Ambrose

 

[Ambrose]

Monitor Audio RX1's or B&W 685's

Both will work very well with your kit; both are fantastic sounding speakers and bpth can be found 2nd hand on eBay & the likes for not a lot of £££ these days

Thanks the recruiter

Thats good to hear, I do have a little experience of the RX1 and liked. Only time I have really taken to Monitor Audio Speakers to date, although sure its more down to partnering in the past.

See you have the RX2, although these might be big for sitting on my Dreads? Have you heard both RX1 & RX2? Is there much to gain/lose with RX2s?

Cheers

Ambrose

 

[plastic penguin]

[

Like both Epos and Dyns but whether they'll give an all-round performance against your Neats is another question.

Have you thought about adding a sub? or are you just after a 2nd pair?

[/quote

Just after another pair, sorry not clear about that.

Alternative is to go up the Neat ladder but that will take more time to save up.

I don't expect 2nd speaker to be better all round than Neats.

Cheers

Ambrose

[/quote]

The only caveat about Dyns is they may need breathing space, otherwise they and Epos M12i are cracking speakers.

 

[Ambrose]

[

Like both Epos and Dyns but whether they'll give an all-round performance against your Neats is another question.

Have you thought about adding a sub? or are you just after a 2nd pair?

[/quote

Just after another pair, sorry not clear about that.

Alternative is to go up the Neat ladder but that will take more time to save up.

I don't expect 2nd speaker to be better all round than Neats.

Cheers

Ambrose

The only caveat about Dyns is they may need breathing space, otherwise they and Epos M12i are cracking speakers.

[/quote]

COOL!
I have space to side and out from wall. See my System (pics on flickr). ANy particular ones? Audience 52? Do these sound good at low to mod volumes?
See some Epos M12i on the bay, right in my hometown too.

 

[plastic penguin]

Heard the 52s and SEs a few years ago on the end of a Cyrus system. Wicked. Couldn't say about low levels, it was about 5 years ago I heard them as a shop dem.

Found these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dynaudio-Audience-52-Standmount-Speakers-in-Maple-Preowned-/190764867273?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_HiFiSpeakers&hash=item2c6a78dec9

If you don't, I might.

 

[jockey.wilson]

Heard the 52s and SEs a few years ago on the end of a Cyrus system

Found these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dynaudio-Audience-52-Standmount-Speakers-in-Maple-Preowned-/190764867273?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_HiFiSpeakers&hash=item2c6a78dec9

If you don't, I might.

I have run my Contours for nearly 12 years. They started off on the end of 45 watt/channel Naim NAP140, have seen a brief flirtation with a Cyrus 8XPD and are now driven by the system below.

They are not the easiest load, and due to large magnets and voice coils soak up current like a sponge BUT they kick like little else given their size, and work fine with modestly powerful but grippy and dynamic amplification. Hence they work a treat with Naim. Just don't expect disco SPLs with a Nait 5.

You may well see mine on fleabay in the not too distant future. Mrs J W wants me to 'downsize'...

 

[plastic penguin]

No they're not the easiest to drive but your Contours are further up the hi-fi ladder. Earlier this year I heard the Nait XS driving Contour S1.4. Very impressive. The 5i shouldn't have too much trouble with the 52s.

 

[Ambrose]

Heard the 52s and SEs a few years ago on the end of a Cyrus system. Wicked. Couldn't say about low levels, it was about 5 years ago I heard them as a shop dem.

Found these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dynaudio-Audience-52-Standmount-Speakers-in-Maple-Preowned-/190764867273?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_HiFiSpeakers&hash=item2c6a78dec9

If you don't, I might.

I remember drooling over 52se in a what hifi year roundup many moons ago, I went for Spendor s5/e at the time.

These ones look like been dropped and not particularly cheap. Have seen some in mint at same price but will start keeping watch on ebay.

 

[Ambrose]

Heard the 52s and SEs a few years ago on the end of a Cyrus system

Found these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dynaudio-Audience-52-Standmount-Speakers-in-Maple-Preowned-/190764867273?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_HiFiSpeakers&hash=item2c6a78dec9

If you don't, I might.

I have run my Contours for nearly 12 years. They started off on the end of 45 watt/channel Naim NAP140, have seen a brief flirtation with a Cyrus 8XPD and are now driven by the system below.

They are not the easiest load, and due to large magnets and voice coils soak up current like a sponge BUT they kick like little else given their size, and work fine with modestly powerful but grippy and dynamic amplification. Hence they work a treat with Naim. Just don't expect disco SPLs with a Nait 5.

You may well see mine on fleabay in the not too distant future. Mrs J W wants me to 'downsize'...

Cheers JW, why do I want to say pepper

A very nice setup you have there. Good to hear the dyns and naim combo is good one. I remember hearing 42s way back but amp at time wasn't good enough. Still a glimpse at the sound / style Dyns produce. Certainly remember the prominant punchy low end and perhaps dry.

Will defo look out for!

 

[shooter]

I had the Epos 12.2 some years ago and really enjoyed them. On a whole a very well balanced speaker , good agile but not slamming bass, very nice mid that drew you in and a high that was extended but not in-your-face. The tweeter can be lively if partnered with a forward amp Cyrus/Roksan but overall i think they punched above their weight and are good value.

Dyn's may sound bigger with more bass but they do like some power to get them singing and come alive at higher volumes.

 

[shooter]

Just a thought, how about adding a sub to reinforce the bottom end, something like a BK 400 sealed unit for around £400.

 

[Mr Beachams]

Have a look for some 2nd hand Tannoy 605's or 607's.....they rock well and go loud... bass is low too and for around 30-70 quid, Bargin

 

[Ambrose]

I had the Epos 12.2 some years ago and really enjoyed them. On a whole a very well balanced speaker , good agile but not slamming bass, very nice mid that drew you in and a high that was extended but not in-your-face. The tweeter can be lively if partnered with a forward amp Cyrus/Roksan but overall i think they punched above their weight and are good value.

Dyn's may sound bigger with more bass but they do like some power to get them singing and come alive at higher volumes.

Hi Shooter

Thanks for this, maybe tempted in m12i if cheap but think either dyn or monitor audio rx1/2 might sound bigger. Agree concern about Dyns needing more volume. On next post about Sub, I am a bit unsure if I like the idea OR how i would setup to work???

Cheers

Ambrose

 

[shooter]

I had the Epos 12.2 some years ago and really enjoyed them. On a whole a very well balanced speaker , good agile but not slamming bass, very nice mid that drew you in and a high that was extended but not in-your-face. The tweeter can be lively if partnered with a forward amp Cyrus/Roksan but overall i think they punched above their weight and are good value.

Dyn's may sound bigger with more bass but they do like some power to get them singing and come alive at higher volumes.

Hi Shooter

Thanks for this, maybe tempted in m12i if cheap but think either dyn or monitor audio rx1/2 might sound bigger. Agree concern about Dyns needing more volume. On next post about Sub, I am a bit unsure if I like the idea OR how i would setup to work???

Cheers

Ambrose

I was thinking off the cuff and you would need the Naim to have line level out or speaker level out for a sub to be used, after that its a mater of set up with the sub.

 

[Anonymous]

Monitor Audio RX1's or B&W 685's

Both will work very well with your kit; both are fantastic sounding speakers and bpth can be found 2nd hand on eBay & the likes for not a lot of £££ these days

Thanks the recruiter

Thats good to hear, I do have a little experience of the RX1 and liked. Only time I have really taken to Monitor Audio Speakers to date, although sure its more down to partnering in the past.

See you have the RX2, although these might be big for sitting on my Dreads? Have you heard both RX1 & RX2? Is there much to gain/lose with RX2s?

Cheers

Ambrose

Yes heard both RX1's and RX2's side by side; both brilliant speakers but obviously with the massive 8" driver on the RX2's; you get deeper, punchier bass!

I had them sat on some Dreadnoughts to begin with (all be it fully loaded with atabites) and the RX2's were superb but then sold up and went down a different route and then ended up with them back in my posession (buyer had moved to floorstanders) so bought some Atacama HMS2's as they were on eBay cheap!

The Dreadnouights are more than enough for the RX2's but to me they sounded better when mass loaded

the B&W 685's are still superb speakers so definitly not ones to miss out on if you can demo them; they're as good as the RX1's but with a biut more of a smoother soundstage and not as open as the RX1's but dependent upon your set-up the sound will change obviously

 

[Ambrose]

Monitor Audio RX1's or B&W 685's

Both will work very well with your kit; both are fantastic sounding speakers and bpth can be found 2nd hand on eBay & the likes for not a lot of £££ these days

Thanks the recruiter

Thats good to hear, I do have a little experience of the RX1 and liked. Only time I have really taken to Monitor Audio Speakers to date, although sure its more down to partnering in the past.

See you have the RX2, although these might be big for sitting on my Dreads? Have you heard both RX1 & RX2? Is there much to gain/lose with RX2s?

Cheers

Ambrose

Yes heard both RX1's and RX2's side by side; both brilliant speakers but obviously with the massive 8" driver on the RX2's; you get deeper, punchier bass!

I had them sat on some Dreadnoughts to begin with (all be it fully loaded with atabites) and the RX2's were superb but then sold up and went down a different route and then ended up with them back in my posession (buyer had moved to floorstanders) so bought some Atacama HMS2's as they were on eBay cheap!

The Dreadnouights are more than enough for the RX2's but to me they sounded better when mass loaded

the B&W 685's are still superb speakers so definitly not ones to miss out on if you can demo them; they're as good as the RX1's but with a biut more of a smoother soundstage and not as open as the RX1's but dependent upon your set-up the sound will change obviously

Thanks, sounds like I might need a demo to see how gel together. There are often sale offers as well so you never know!

Certainly in no rush but might be quite cool to have a second pair of speakers with bags of low end / authority to rockout.

Cheers

 

[Anonymous]

Personally for me it'd be a toss upbetween the B&W 685's and M/A RX2's!

The RX1's are great but you might as well go for the RX2's I feel as they have that extra oomph in the low end!

The B&W 685's are superb and do REALLY well with rock/metal etc...

FYI I'm currently going through my System of a Down albums via my CR603 and RX2's whilst doing some Christmas pressie wrapping; fantastic sound from these speakers 8)