[bugs26]

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide and for all of the help that many have you have already given through your previous posts.


I am currently thinking about upgrading my front three speakers in my home theater set-up and I'm looking for some suggestions on what may be good options to listen to. The room is just under 3000 cu. ft. with hardwood floors and the main seating position is about 10 feet from the front stage. I do have some carpets down and nice heavy curtains on the back walls to help out the room. My listening habits are 60% movies/TV and 40% music. I've already done some leg work, but I'm sure that someone can provide some options that I haven't even thought of yet.


I currently have Monitor Audio Silvers (RS6, RSLCR) up front with an Onkyo 605. I have an MFW-15 to fill in the low end. While these speakers have served me well, I've started to really notice that the highs seem a little harsh when listening to music. I know that I'm probably being overly critical, but the more I listen, the more I notice it and the more I get this feeling that I could do better.


Right now, my budget is ~$2500 for the front three and I'm not concerned on whether they are floorstanders or bookshelves. Also, I'm open to the used market if I can get more for my money. I just want soemthing that I like. This is what I've listened to so far along with some brief impressions:


1. PSB Image T55 - There is something about these speakers that I really liked. The overall sound seemed a tad warmer/darker than my current set-up and I didn't notice the harshness that I currently do. The listening session was a little short, so I'll definitely be checking these out again.


2. Focal Profile 918 - Thin sounding, not enough bass, I didn't like these at all.


3. Klipsch (a couple of different models) - Too bright


4. KEF IQ7 - Again, seemed a little bright, sounded similar to my RS6s


5. Energy RC-30, RC-50 - Both of these sounded a little muddy to me, I had a hard time hearing the detail that I wanted to.


6. Energy C-500 - It's weird, but I actually preferred these over the RC series, but again, they were a little less detailed than what I'd like.


7. Vienna Acoustics (Mozart, Hayden and Bach) - These just didn't seem to have the sparkle or dynamics or something. It just seemd like something was missing.


8. Sonus Faber Concerto Domus - Out of all I've listened to so far, I probably liked these the best, but they're out of my budget. To my ears, the detail was superb and the soundstage seemed really big.


So that's my story so far. Sorry it's so lengthy, but thanks for reading. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

 

[kwkshift]

Have you audtioned the Monitor Audio Golds? Since you have been running the Silvers for a while, you'll have a good point of reference for the differences of the Golds. Also keep in mind that the performance of any speaker can be hurt by improper setup within a given room. In the end, pick which ever you really like and have fun!

 

[rick240]

I haven't had a chance to listen to these yet, but plan to at my first opportunity. If you get a chance I'd love to hear what you think compared to your other auditions.

Tannoy Revolution Signature

 

[CADOBHuK]

If you like more for your money, then apart from the used market let me suggest the large 2-way monitors I own . Speaking of sonus faber, these use the same woofers as Sonus Faber Cremona Audiotor , which provide smooth and detailed midrange with a bit of warmth, and powerful and clean bass. The tweeter is a very good ribbon that performs on par with Aurum Cantus G2 of Salk HT1/HT3/HTS. These tweeters are infinetely detailed but also smooth, and the horizontal dispersion is excellent. Although they might not have quite as much power handling as some dome tweeters, but they work for me in a 5k cf room HT and I like to listen pretty damn loud. The crossovers use the best parts out there: ClarityCap capacitors, Mills resistors and Goertz inductors. The shipping is free. Here's a review and here's another . Here are a few brief comparisons. The only downside I can think of at this price is that auditioning them might be problematic, as it is an ID speaker and not very well known. There is this matching SS3CC center channel which does not have its own product page.

 

[bugs26]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll try to check out what I can.


Feel free to keep adding if you have more suggestions. I'm hoping that the next pair will satify me for a little longer than the first go around...