Monitor Audio or Axiom?
June 30, 2008
I'm shopping for new floorstanders in the $1000-$1500
range, and my favorite of the ones I've auditioned is the Monitor
Audio RS6. But I'm intrigued by all the reviews of the Axiom M60 v2,
which I can't audition -- no owners in my area. I know I could order them and return them,
but that seems like a big hassle if I'm probably going to end up preferring the RS6
anyway. Since you've reviewed both these speakers, what can you tell me about their
strengths and weaknesses relative to each other?
A couple notes: I mostly listen to rock and pop with some
modern chamber music as well, and don't mind a little harshness if it means more detail.
On the other hand I listen to a lot of music that is not well recorded (such as Allan
Lomax folk recordings) and while I know they will never sounds great, I know that certain
types of gear will render them unlistenable, which I don't want.
I want a forward-sounding system with punchy bass, though
ultimate extension is not that big of an issue. I prefer a forward-tending soundstage. I'm
going to upgrade my amplification eventually, so matching is not yet an issue (though on a
side note, how would these speakers do with a Unison Unico, which a friend has and which I
love the sound of?).
Mike
It seems to me like you've already made up your mind
about what speakers you want, and unless you want to take the chance on not liking the
Axioms and having to send them back, I would never dream of trying to talk you out of
buying the Monitor Audios. Based on how you described the sound you like, I'm not
surprised to hear that you were impressed by the RS6es. They do have tight, punchy bass,
low distortion, and an up-front, lively sound. Even if bass extension isn't an issue for
you, the RS6es have plenty of low-end oomph, something that surprised me given their
relatively small cabinets.
As for the Axiom M60s, I was no less impressed by their
performance. They don't sound as up front as the RS6es, but they aren't recessed either. I
guess you could say they sounded just right. They have excellent bass (both in terms of
extension and quality) and overall are one of the most balanced, pleasing speakers I've
ever heard. And all for under $1000! However, you'll likely want to upgrade the finish as
the normal vinyl veneer isn't nearly as handsome as the real-wood veneer of the RS6es.
If you've got some bad recordings the Axioms won't be
very forgiving; however, I think the same could be said for the RS6es. One thing you
should know is that you do not have to tolerate harshness in order to obtain detail. The
Axioms aren't harsh yet they were very detailed. The same can be said of the RS6es
(although I wish I still had them on hand so I could do a side-by-side comparison).
The good news is that I don't think you could go wrong
either way. Both the M60s and the RS6es are very good speakers.
Next jump...
June 24, 2008
Currently I have the following: NAD C162 preamp, NAD C272
power amp, and NAD C521BEE CD player.
I'm looking at assembling an approximately $1600 system
without the B&W 805S speakers. What pricing level is the next jump to realize a
significant improvement in sound in your opinion?
Peter
That’s a good question. On the one hand, one of
the great things about assembling a stereo system is that you don’t have to replace
everything at one time. One of the most common upgrades for audiophiles is replacing their
speakers with a better set. Speakers tend to differ the most from model to model as
compared with electronics, for example. So upgrading them alone is a real upgrade to your
whole stereo system. Having said that, it is apparent that you’ve got some high-value
gear listed there. My guess is that you’d have to double your investment to
experience the type of improvement that most listeners would find truly significant. It’s
not to say that you couldn’t improve on one component or another in incremental
steps, but the improvements may not be dramatic until you spend about twice what you’ve
got in your system now. And that shows that you’ve done your homework with respect to
your selections.
Preamp outputs?
June 19, 2008
Can you tell me what the preamp outputs on my new Denon
receiver are for?
Paul
The preamp outputs on your Denon are for adding a
separate power amplifier, thereby using the Denon as a preamp stage only. You likely have
the option of using a separate power amplifier for either the main left and right channels
or possibly those and the center and surrounds as well. Since your receiver is new I’d
not worry too much about that now -- just listen to the new addition to your system and
enjoy yourself. Later on, if you get the itch to upgrade, adding a stereo amplifier to
power the main channels is a great way to get better sound.
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