Monitor Audio Owners Thread - Page 234

Originally Posted by ClemsonChad

Thanks Tim, that's what I was looking for! Audiogon has a few used HSU vtf-2 mk-2's for around the same price as the MA on Amazon, so I may just choose one and be done with it.

Originally Posted by ClemsonChad

Thanks Tim, that's what I was looking for! Audiogon has a few used HSU vtf-2 mk-2's for around the same price as the MA on Amazon, so I may just choose one and be done with it.

Since I have you, will you give me your opinion as to whether the Pioneer 1120 AVR will give me enough power for the RS6's and matching center in this sized room? I've been talking to holt7153 about this through PMs as well. I want to make sure this AVR will be enough for my HT use, or whether I should return it to J&R and get a larger Elite or Denon AVR. I'd like to not have to buy a separate amp at this time, but I'll go with your expertise here.

Thanks again, and I apologize for the constant questions.

Originally Posted by tkh

The subject says it all. Newcomer to the site and I'm an Onkyo 808 new owner who's looking to buy front towers and a center for about $1500 or less (surrounds and sub ok for now). Do the RX6s match well with the 808 or not so much? I'll bi-amp front L/Rs. Listen to all types of music but mostly zeppelin, louis armstrong, ronnie milsap, etc. Thanks folks. Upgrading from older Infinity TSS-750 5.1 speakers with an Onkyo 600 (lightening). Speakers are for mostly music, some tv watching and a weekly dvd. Excellent music reproduction is my main objective with the new speakers though. Thanks everyone.

Originally Posted by hifisponge

No worries, always happy to help.

The lower level Pioneers have typically underperformed when powering all channels simultaneously because they have a weak power supply, but I think you bought a model that is high enough in rank that you shouldn't run into this problem.

If there are no magazine reviews with power output tests for the AVR you are considering, one of the things that is a good indicator of whether or not the AVRs output will meet the published specs is the actual weight of the AVR. Good power supplies are heavy, so the heavier the AVR the better (with the exclusion of those that use digital amps, which yours doesn't).

Thankfully, the Pioneer you've chosen weighs in at a healthy 28 pounds (as compared to the next Pioneer model down at 22 pounds and the comparable Denon at 23.8 pounds). And it has been my experience that right around 30 pounds is where you see more honest power output, so I think you'll be fine. You'll still get the most power out of an AVR of this caliber when using just two channels, but there should be enough juice for moderately loud multichannel too, especially if you use a subwoofer to handle the low end.

All current AVRs will shut down temporarily to prevent speaker and AVR damage if you push them too hard, so even if you get a bit carried away, no big deal. However, if you find that you are constantly listening at levels that put the AVR into protection mode, then hopefully you can exchange it towards a heavier model.

Originally Posted by ilmaestro

Just wanted to interject one bit that might be helpful - be sure to fully consider the size of the HSU subs versus the MA sub. They are not exactly small, but then again, neither is their sound. I like mine, but my wife has never been a fan of how imposing it is, size wise, in our living space. Just something to consider...

Originally Posted by hifisponge

No worries, always happy to help.

The lower level Pioneers have typically underperformed when powering all channels simultaneously because they have a weak power supply, but I think you bought a model that is high enough in rank that you shouldn't run into this problem.

If there are no magazine reviews with power output tests for the AVR you are considering, one of the things that is a good indicator of whether or not the AVRs output will meet the published specs is the actual weight of the AVR. Good power supplies are heavy, so the heavier the AVR the better (with the exclusion of those that use digital amps, which yours doesn't).

Thankfully, the Pioneer you've chosen weighs in at a healthy 28 pounds (as compared to the next Pioneer model down at 22 pounds and the comparable Denon at 23.8 pounds). And it has been my experience that right around 30 pounds is where you see more honest power output, so I think you'll be fine. You'll still get the most power out of an AVR of this caliber when using just two channels, but there should be enough juice for moderately loud multichannel too, especially if you use a subwoofer to handle the low end.

All current AVRs will shut down temporarily to prevent speaker and AVR damage if you push them too hard, so even if you get a bit carried away, no big deal. However, if you find that you are constantly listening at levels that put the AVR into protection mode, then hopefully you can exchange it towards a heavier model.

Originally Posted by holt7153

More excellent info from Tim. My quick related story...last year I rushed out and bought the Pioneer 1019 for my main home theater receiver because CNET gave it the Editor's Choice Award for best receiver. The first thing I noticed was how light it was (19 lbs). It sounded great at lower levels but never really got that loud, and I thought I wasn't setting the MCACC properly. Then came more complaints from other owners about its lack of power and we all quickly discovered that the watts per channel Pioneer claimed was for 2 channels only. I quickly replaced it with a Pioneer Elite SC-05 (41 lbs) and couldn't be happier, but kept the 1019 for an office music system, which brings me to the reason for my post.

In building the office music system I did heavy research and discovered/purchased Monitor Audio RS6 speakers. My office is pretty small so my RS6s and myself form roughly a 7 1/2 foot triangle. I love the bass from the RS6s but when I run the MCACC off the 1019 it wants to switch the RS6s from large to small and route most of the LFE to my newly purchased sub, and I think it makes the RS6s sound kinda weak. I realize bass is subjective and you're not able to hear what I'm hearing, but if you were me would you:

*override the MCACC, switch the RS6s to large, and keep the sub?
*keep the RS6s at small and route most of the lows to the sub?
*run the RS6s solo and return the sub?
*buy a Radio Shack soundbar?

a preemptive thanks.

Originally Posted by holt7153

More excellent info from Tim. My quick related story...last year I rushed out and bought the Pioneer 1019 for my main home theater receiver because CNET gave it the Editor's Choice Award for best receiver. The first thing I noticed was how light it was (19 lbs). It sounded great at lower levels but never really got that loud, and I thought I wasn't setting the MCACC properly. Then came more complaints from other owners about its lack of power and we all quickly discovered that the watts per channel Pioneer claimed was for 2 channels only. I quickly replaced it with a Pioneer Elite SC-05 (41 lbs) and couldn't be happier, but kept the 1019 for an office music system, which brings me to the reason for my post.

In building the office music system I did heavy research and discovered/purchased Monitor Audio RS6 speakers. My office is pretty small so my RS6s and myself form roughly a 7 1/2 foot triangle. I love the bass from the RS6s but when I run the MCACC off the 1019 it wants to switch the RS6s from large to small and route most of the LFE to my newly purchased sub, and I think it makes the RS6s sound kinda weak. I realize bass is subjective and you're not able to hear what I'm hearing, but if you were me would you:

*override the MCACC, switch the RS6s to large, and keep the sub?
*keep the RS6s at small and route most of the lows to the sub?
*run the RS6s solo and return the sub?
*buy a Radio Shack soundbar?

a preemptive thanks.

Originally Posted by grey9hound

For music I run my RS6 (bi-amped) without a sub. speakers are only about 14 inches from the wall behind them and about 6 feet apart from each other. I run them Large and feel that I get plenty of bass from them.I run them Large for HT too. I just adjust the Sub volume manually on the sub itself ,after the distance is set by Audyssey. It wall always shows the sub to be farther than it actually is , but leave it that way as there is an inherent delay with all subs

Originally Posted by ilmaestro

I just auditioned the RX6 yesterday and am completely smitten. The only thing holding me back is the price. A question: has anyone noticed if these go on sale at local retailers or can they be had for a good price anywhere? I know the Magnolia has the BX5 on sale now, so I suppose it could be possible?

Cheers

Originally Posted by Rumble_Fish

I was also smitten with Monitor speakers when I heard the RS6 several years ago. At that time, when I was shopping around and demo, nothing really grabbed me until I put the Chesky Ultimate Demonstration Disc in for the RS6. Sat back in this leather chair and was grinning from ear to ear. Never got around to buying due to work, travel, kid in college blah blah.... So, I may be close to pulling the trigger on the RX6 in Walnut (wife loves that finish). My question for the forum members is that I have an old school Yammy RX-V995. Do I really need to spend the extra $$$ for a nice receiver like the Pio sc-35 ($999) or new Aventage rx-a1000 Yammy ($999). What is the hype with video upscaling chips (Faroudja, Marvell), Ice Amps, HDMI, Lossless Audio etc etc. I understand the HDMI, but, my Sammy Blu Ray upscales pretty nice to Sammy 3D tv. Maybe all I need is an Emotiva Amp. I read somewhere that HDMI may be obsolete???

What do you guys think about this?

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Thems a lot of questions Tex.

You may hear a slight improvement / difference with a more current / more expensive AVR, but it is likely to be subtle. I would buy the speakers first, and evaluate what you get at home versus your experience at the dealer, then decide if you need a new AVR.

Unless you watch a lot of standard definition DVDs and SDTV that you would need upscaled, there is little value in the video processing chips. Haven't heard of Marvell, but last I read, Anchor Bay is one of the better chip providers or Realta. I may be out of touch on this one though. I'm not a video guy, unless I'm in the process of buying a video piece I don't stay up on what's hot.

Ice amps are just another pathway to the same destination of providing power to your speakers. They are small, light and energy efficient, but there is debate over the sound quality as compared to standard Class A/B amps. Unless you need a small, low heat amp, Ice Amps don't need to be on your short list of considerations.

Lossless audio promises better sound quality, but whether or not you will realize that promise depends on a number of factors, like the quality of your gear and the quality of the recording, and how you have everything set-up. To me, Lossless is a small gain in improved audio quality, and alone it may not impress you, but if you step up to this, and better speakers you may feel the combo is worth the effort. Go to the dealer and ask to listen to the lossy and lossless tracks of a movie to hear for yourself.


HDMI is always becoming obsolete with each new revision. HDMI started with version 1.0 and now it is up to version 1.4. If you want to pass 3D through the AVR you will need 1.4.

Originally Posted by Rumble_Fish

Hifisponge....


Thank you for the response. You Sir are a class act. Two more questons for you and I will leave you alone.... I am basically a noob at this stuff....Are you saying it is debatable whether purchasing lets say an Emotiva Amp or any other amp will provide a substantial improvement in sound quality coming from the RX6? Also, do you favor the RS6 vs RX6? I was looking for the RS6 since I can probably get a good price since it is discontinued, but, cannot find it new anywhere. Not really interested in used.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Rumble_Fish

Hifisponge....


Thank you for the response. You Sir are a class act. Two more questons for you and I will leave you alone.... I am basically a noob at this stuff....Are you saying it is debatable whether purchasing lets say an Emotiva Amp or any other amp will provide a substantial improvement in sound quality coming from the RX6? Also, do you favor the RS6 vs RX6? I was looking for the RS6 since I can probably get a good price since it is discontinued, but, cannot find it new anywhere. Not really interested in used.

Cheers

Originally Posted by holt7153

Definitely no interest in buying used? I just picked up a pair of used/near mint RS6s for a nice price and I'm very happy. There's a guy selling a pair of RS8s on Audiogon and according to him they're "absolutely mint/purchased 2 months ago." They're roughly 50% off MSPR but it's an "or best offer" and have been listed for over 2 weeks. I've purchased a few used electronics over the years and (knock on wood) have had zero problems with any of them.

Originally Posted by Rumble_Fish

Holt,

I don't know. They seem like a good deal in CO and they have been on there for quite some time, considering it seems the RS6's that are in excellent shape fly off the shelf when they are posted on Audiogon. I have been considering the non authorized dealer venue. Perhaps Digital Craze or Absolute Audio Video which have "ok" BBB ratings. Both these places are close to where I live. Yea, I know there is a risk with them such as warranty etc etc. At least I get to visually inspect them. Also need to figure out a fair price to offer an authorized boutique dealer and see if they bite.

Any suggestions on a fair price to offer for RX6?

Thanks

Originally Posted by Rumble_Fish

Holt,

I don't know. They seem like a good deal in CO and they have been on there for quite some time, considering it seems the RS6's that are in excellent shape fly off the shelf when they are posted on Audiogon. I have been considering the non authorized dealer venue. Perhaps Digital Craze or Absolute Audio Video which have "ok" BBB ratings. Both these places are close to where I live. Yea, I know there is a risk with them such as warranty etc etc. At least I get to visually inspect them. Also need to figure out a fair price to offer an authorized boutique dealer and see if they bite.

Any suggestions on a fair price to offer for RX6?

Thanks

Originally Posted by hifisponge

You are absolutely fine with that pairing. The Onkyo you have is a well-engineered AVR with solid power supply section. (See my last post on the subject of AVR weight). You won't need to biamp the speakers, and there is typically little gain to doing so, but feel free to give it a try if you've got the extra cable.

Originally Posted by blumonk

Old speakers vs New.

I've been hunting for new speakers for quite some time now and the RX6's seem to be my choice. That being said, I have an older pair of Technic SB2822(you know one's with the 10 woofer, 4' midrange and 2' 1/8 tweeter), for now I'm playing these guys in stereo with a Harman Kardon 3600 and I must admit, the sound is pretty good. Especially the lows. Specs:8ohms, Power 200watts, crossover 3000hz-6000hz, 91db/w (at 1.0m).
My question to you is this: How much better of a quality sound will I get from the RX6's? Outside of it's looks,It just got me wondering if it's worth it to plunk down $1500 on fronts when these sound fine to my ears.

Originally Posted by beaveav

"Well, the truth is that speaker technology has not changed a whole hell of a lot since the inception of the dynamic driver..."

True, the basic technology hasn't changed, but that technology has become much, much more refined. I think of it like cars: Still a gas engine, 4 tires, etc, but newer cars tend to be much more refined than cars from 20 years ago. And in some ways, even cheap new cars have advantages over old cars that were expensive at the time.