Monitor Audio Launches Silver RX Line

[Ajani]

Monitor Audio has now updated the Silver Line with the new Silver RX series:

- RX1 standmount £400/pr (£480 in black or white gloss)
- RX2 standmount £500/pr (£600 in black or white gloss)
- RX6 floorstander £750/pr (I£900 in black or white gloss)
- RX8 floorstander £1000 (£1200 in black or white gloss)
- RXLCR centre speaker £300 (£360 in black or white gloss)
- RXFX surround speaker £400 (£480 in black or white gloss)
- RXW12 subwoofer £750 (£900 in black or white gloss)

(Hopefully a release with the US prices will be out soon)


http://community.whathifi.com/blogs/hifi/archive/2009/07/28/monitor-audio-s-new-silver-rx-speaker-range-more-information-more-pictures.aspx

&

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/1/582070.html

[atomicAdam]

sounds interesting.

From What Hi-Fi?
"The speakers also use single bolt-through driver fixings, mounting each driver on a tensioned through-bolt. This both reduces coloration, by increasing cabinet rigidity, allows the drivers to be decoupled from the front baffle and allows a clean design with no fixings visible from the front."

This sounds great. Though I'm not sure I even play my RS6 loud enough to get much cabinet coloration. Though I've got some cinder blocks I could put on top to see if it helps tighten up the sound much.

I am really interested in hearing how much better a "tweeter now has higher sensitivity and wider bandwidth" would be. I've read that some hear the RS6 Gold Tweeter as too sharp, or high, whatever... but I've not had any issue. But I would love to have more detail. Hearing those Dynaudio S5.4 the other day helped me know what I was missing. Would be interesting to hear how much closer/ or different the new tweeter is in revealing some of that detail.

[Ajani]

What's really interesting are the internet rumours, spread by alleged Monitor Audio Dealers, that the new RX line sounds better than the existing Gold Series... Now considering that the Drivers, Flowport and much of the tech in the the new RX line is ripped from/improved versions of stuff used in the Gold Series, I am really interested to hear how the 2 compare...

People also argue that it would be stupid to produce a speaker line at half the cost of the Golds than sounds as good (but since I assume the Gold series will be updated in the near future, that really shouldn't be an issue)... But anyway, enough speculation until the first reviews are out: What HiFi? should have out reviews of some of the RX gear in the next month!!!!

I'm hoping Bob Reina at Stereophile will grab a sample of the RX6 for review really soon and do a direct comparison with his RS6s...

[Ajani]

Here's a pic of the RX6 in Black Oak (I managed to find pics of the RX6 and RX8 in all colours except Natural Oak):

5830

[Ajani]

RX6 - Gloss Black:
5831
RX6 - Gloss White:
5832

[Ajani]

RX6 - Rosenut:
5833

RX6 - Walnut:
5834

[Luvin Da Blues]

RX6 - Gloss Black:
5831
RX6 - Gloss White:
5832

IMHO, these are much better looking than the black exposed wood grain look.

[Luvin Da Blues]

RX6 - Rosewood:
5833

RX6 - Walnut:
5834
Now we're talkin'. :3:

[Ajani]

Now we're talkin'. :3:

Yep, those two look extra special...

[Luvin Da Blues]

Yep, those two look extra special...

Don't let FA see these beauties.

[Ajani]

OK, time for the RX8 Models -

Black Oak
5836

Gloss Black
5837

Gloss White
5838

Rosenut
5839

Walnut
5840

[atomicAdam]

WOW :arf: :arf: :arf:

Call me fashion victim but those white ones are amazing!

I would really be interested in hearing the RS6RX compared to my RS6 - but I think if I had to buy again, I would have/should have opted for the RS8. At home I need a sub to fill in the lows. The RS6 just doesn't pump it out. Though, even having two 150mm woofers, .... still would prob need a sub.

I suppose that is why my next upgrade will probably have to have 200mm woofers or greater.

[Luvin Da Blues]

....Call me fashion victim but those white ones are amazing!

I wasn't gunna admit this but they do look kinda cool. Not sure if I would want them in my room tho.

[Ajani]

So one RX6 review is confirmed for the near future:


You'll be able to read our Monitor Audio RX6 review in the issue that'll be with subscribers from 10th September (in shops 16th).

Taken from this thread on What Hi-Fi? Forum:

http://community.whathifi.com/forums/3/284225/ShowThread.aspx#284225

Keep in mind that all WHF reviews are posted on that same website, so we should be able to read the RX6 review in September as well.

[Ajani]

I wasn't gunna admit this but they do look kinda cool. Not sure if I would want them in my room tho.

They're a tad too pimpish for my tastes, but if I was going to buy white speakers, they'd be my top choice...

[Luvin Da Blues]

Aj, is yer new avatar a foreshadow of (good) things to come?

[Ajani]

Aj, is yer new avatar a foreshadow of (good) things to come?

lol... quite possibly...

[Ajani]

US Prices:

MSRP Wood Veneer High gloss lacquer
Silver RX 1 $675/pair 800/pair
Silver RX 2 $850/pair 1,000/pair
Silver RX 6 $1,250/pair 1,500/pair
Silver RX 8 $1,750/pair 2,000/pair
Silver RX Center $675/each 800/each
Silver RX-FX $750/pair 900/pair
Silver RXW-12 $1,300/each 1,550/each

Detailed Specs now on Monitor Audio Website:

http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/products/silver-rx

[Ajani]

First review in from What Hi-Fi?

5 Stars

http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/products/silver-rx/rx6/reviews

[atomicAdam]

ugh - feeling so argo - just got the RS6 speakers like 4-5 months ago and new product!! I'm getting that feeling I get when I buy something Apple.

I'm not seeing the full review on whathifi or a link to it from the monitor audio page.

after spending time with my RS6 speakers I admit they are nice - and probably outstanding for the price - but they aren't forever speakers. There is just so much detail and depth they are missing compared to higher end speakers. I suppose that is why I am looking to upgrade.......

[Ajani]

ugh - feeling so argo - just got the RS6 speakers like 4-5 months ago and new product!! I'm getting that feeling I get when I buy something Apple.

I'm not seeing the full review on whathifi or a link to it from the monitor audio page.

The full review isn't online yet (the actual issue of What HiFi was released yesterday).


after spending time with my RS6 speakers I admit they are nice - and probably outstanding for the price - but they aren't forever speakers. There is just so much detail and depth they are missing compared to higher end speakers. I suppose that is why I am looking to upgrade.......

That's the problem with getting into high end, there is always better and the more you explore, the more you'll find products that will drain your wallet...

A good upgrade from your RS6s would probably be some Platinum 200s...

[JohnMichael]

A local audio store had a pair of RS6's that I took home to hear with the Krell. Incredible detail and bass for the price. Now I agree with the reviews and Stereophile's rating. They are a fun listen.

[Ajani]

A local audio store had a pair of RS6's that I took home to hear with the Krell. Incredible detail and bass for the price. Now I agree with the reviews and Stereophile's rating. They are a fun listen.

Yep... that's the main reason I like Monitor Audio Speakers: They are fun to listen to... Some people go for absolute realism or detail etc... but for me the most important issue is whether I want to continue listening to music through the speakers... Monitor Audio just gets that right for me....

[atomicAdam]

I wish the RS6's I have would produce a bit more of a dry sound and more detail on horns and woodwinds.

Maybe a bit more body in the midrange as well.

I think I have to mess with the position mine are in again. Too much bass. 10" from back wall and 18" from side walls. I believe are the numbers. I think they need to come forward a bit more.

But i also need some bass traps in the room.

[JohnMichael]

I wish the RS6's I have would produce a bit more of a dry sound and more detail on horns and woodwinds.

Maybe a bit more body in the midrange as well.

I think I have to mess with the position mine are in again. Too much bass. 10" from back wall and 18" from side walls. I believe are the numbers. I think they need to come forward a bit more.

But i also need some bass traps in the room.


I have them 24 inches from back wall and 32 inches from side wall. In my set-up with my equipment I have never heard horns or piano sounding better. My speakers are dry monitors and I think I was missing the fun.

[atomicAdam]

I have them 24 inches from back wall and 32 inches from side wall. In my set-up with my equipment I have never heard horns or piano sounding better. My speakers are dry monitors and I think I was missing the fun.

LOL - nice twist.

How far apart do you have them by chance?

I just measured mine, 6.3ft apart and roughly 10" from back wall and 17" from side wall. I can pull them out further from the back wall but can't bring them closer together unless I bring them at least 19in from the back wall.

When I had them out past the 19" mark they lacked bass.

Going to try pulling them out another inch or two from the rear wall. I don't find them to be too BOOMY depending on where I sit in the room and what is playing, so not sure it is a room problem per-say. Anyways, I'm sure my opinion of what wood sounds like, and good horns, could be radically different from your opinion.

[JohnMichael]

The MA's are in about the same place as I had the MoFi's and are a little over 6ft apart. At first I had too much toe-in and that cancelled some bass. Now with very little toe-in the bass is stronger and better defined.

[atomicAdam]

The MA's are in about the same place as I had the MoFi's and are a little over 6ft apart. At first I had too much toe-in and that cancelled some bass. Now with very little toe-in the bass is stronger and better defined.


I'll have to post a photo and diagram of my room. I've got some toe in, it doesn't appear to cancel bass at all, and helps reduce reflection.

Working from home today so I'll get some photos up later.

[bobsticks]

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of setups.

I have a buddy who's just getting ready to get into the hobby. These look and read like an excellent place to start...and possibly finish...

[atomicAdam]

I'd say, even though my knowledge is limited by experience, that they are very nice for the price and probably one of the better choices for introductory floorstanding speakers on the market. they are very smooth, very easy to listen to for hours. sound equally competent across a variety of music. I listen to everything from White Zombie (La Sexorcisto and earlier only please) to Miles Davis. Aphex Twin to Bell and Sebastian. They don't show apparent faults anywhere.

that being said, there are a couple things I would personally prefer if they did a bit better.

1) mid range just doesn't seem to apparent. this could obviously be because of room set up, but it could also be because of cross over point choice. I'd like to hear a more body to a signers voice at times, and more depth and growl of horns.

2) detail - this seems to vary based on how loud the music is being played. i know this is obvious, turn up the volume, hear more stuff. but i'd like to hear more stuff at lower volumes because, being a city apartment dweller, I can't always play them loud.

3) low-volume vs. mid-volume - they definitely change sound as power goes up. maybe 'change sound' isn't the best way to put it, but i've noticed that the mid range fills in as the volume go up. the over quality and characteristics of the sound doesn't change, but certain parts become more present.

[atomicAdam]

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of setups.


Well here it is - nothing jaw dropping at this point - but I like what I have at the moment and am enjoying myself.

Monitor Audio RS6 $800
Golden Tube SE-40 $300
Van Alstine Omega III $300
Sony PS1 $20
Sony PSx45 $20
Shure M97xE $70
Toshiba DVD/SACD/CD free
Mono Price Interconnects
TC-400 $30(i think)

Room is 16ft long ~10ft wide. Windows on left side of equipment and large walk-in closet on the other. Some awesome yellow foam to reduce room reflections and super pimp rug.

At the moment I have on order new TT lead wires and an anti-static felt platter pad.

Open doorway (as in no door) on left hand side of couch, or closet side.

If we don't move out of this apartment soon (lack air flow - irritating neighbors - small kitchen) then I plan to get some nice cubist art work up above the equipment and have a friend or mine artwork up the foam.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/medium/setup-01.jpg

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/medium/setup-03.jpg

[atomicAdam]

dont tell me i posted and photo'd all that for no response..................and yes i want it now!

[bobsticks]

dont tell me i posted and photo'd all that for no response..................and yes i want it now!


Lol, it's not always dance-all-night, party-a-little-longer in these parts. Sometimes I do sleep my man.

Actually, it looks pretty damn good to these eyes. Cosmetically, I love the bookcase and tube gear is always nice on the eyes. The speaks look very nice too. Have you thought about moving out away from the case and the wall? In any case that's a pretty solid set-up...

What kinda bass gee-tar you pluckin' on?

[atomicAdam]

Lol, it's not always dance-all-night, party-a-little-longer in these parts. Sometimes I do sleep my man.

Actually, it looks pretty damn good to these eyes. Cosmetically, I love the bookcase and tube gear is always nice on the eyes. The speaks look very nice too. Have you thought about moving out away from the case and the wall? In any case that's a pretty solid set-up...

What kinda bass gee-tar you pluckin' on?


It isn't? Dang man, you are going to have reset your priorities. I actually had a few, maybe too many, last night after climbing.

The bass is super duper old. Had it from when I was in the punk music scene around the bay area when I was in 8th grade. Then got into industrial, NIN, Skinny Puppy, computers and electronics and forgot about how to play it. Sad really. I'd like to restring it and start learning again. But what time?

I have tried them further from the wall, out in front of the shelf. When I do that all the bass goes away. The bookshelf is nice, but, it does present it's own issues.

[Ajani]

The full WHF review is available at:

http://whathifi.com/Review/Monitor-Audio-Silver-RX6/

[frenchmon]

I'd say, even though my knowledge is limited by experience, that they are very nice for the price and probably one of the better choices for introductory floorstanding speakers on the market. they are very smooth, very easy to listen to for hours. sound equally competent across a variety of music. I listen to everything from White Zombie (La Sexorcisto and earlier only please) to Miles Davis. Aphex Twin to Bell and Sebastian. They don't show apparent faults anywhere.

that being said, there are a couple things I would personally prefer if they did a bit better.

1) mid range just doesn't seem to apparent. this could obviously be because of room set up, but it could also be because of cross over point choice. I'd like to hear a more body to a signers voice at times, and more depth and growl of horns.

2) detail - this seems to vary based on how loud the music is being played. i know this is obvious, turn up the volume, hear more stuff. but i'd like to hear more stuff at lower volumes because, being a city apartment dweller, I can't always play them loud.

3) low-volume vs. mid-volume - they definitely change sound as power goes up. maybe 'change sound' isn't the best way to put it, but i've noticed that the mid range fills in as the volume go up. the over quality and characteristics of the sound doesn't change, but certain parts become more present.


Just a question....are you sure its the speakers? Could it be that your gear may not be a good match?

frenchmon

[JohnMichael]

Well here it is - nothing jaw dropping at this point - but I like what I have at the moment and am enjoying myself.

Monitor Audio RS6 $800
Golden Tube SE-40 $300
Van Alstine Omega III $300
Sony PS1 $20
Sony PSx45 $20
Shure M97xE $70
Toshiba DVD/SACD/CD free
Mono Price Interconnects
TC-400 $30(i think)

Room is 16ft long ~10ft wide. Windows on left side of equipment and large walk-in closet on the other. Some awesome yellow foam to reduce room reflections and super pimp rug.

At the moment I have on order new TT lead wires and an anti-static felt platter pad.

Open doorway (as in no door) on left hand side of couch, or closet side.

If we don't move out of this apartment soon (lack air flow - irritating neighbors - small kitchen) then I plan to get some nice cubist art work up above the equipment and have a friend or mine artwork up the foam.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/medium/setup-01.jpg

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/medium/setup-03.jpg





One suggestion I have is to move the couch beyond the arched opening and place the book case on the back wall. Floating the piece might better define your space. In my new space it is nice not to have a wall behind me so I do not have reflections. Of course I would move the speakers a little further out until the midrange cleared or put in the foam plugs for the ports on the back. I am Cornholio and I need foam for my bunghole.

[atomicAdam]

Just a question....are you sure its the speakers? Could it be that your gear may not be a good match?

frenchmon


No, I'm not totally sure that isn't the issue.

I think at this point though, from what I've been learning, reading, talking, and everything, I am going to be updating my source, phono-amp, amp before speakers.

[atomicAdam]

One suggestion I have is to move the couch beyond the arched opening and place the book case on the back wall. Floating the piece might better define your space. In my new space it is nice not to have a wall behind me so I do not have reflections. Of course I would move the speakers a little further out until the midrange cleared or put in the foam plugs for the ports on the back. I am Cornholio and I need foam for my bunghole.


Good suggestions on moving the couch but I can't. That open space is where our bed goes when we sleep. We live in a jr. 1 bedroom. So the big room is our big room, my music room, and our bedroom.

rent is high in the bay area, and when you don't get paid even close to the median wage level, paying more then $1k a month on rent starts to hurt.

[frenchmon]

No, I'm not totally sure that isn't the issue.

I think at this point though, from what I've been learning, reading, talking, and everything, I am going to be updating my source, phono-amp, amp before speakers.


I think that would be a very good idea.

[ampheat]

my mouth is watering at the waxing lyrical about these speakers. Yes they look great, may sound better than their predecessors but MY doubt is can they be partnered with a vintage QUAD II tube amp (monoblocks) with a modest 15 watts perchannel output?

[pixelthis]

dont tell me i posted and photo'd all that for no response..................and yes i want it now!

Sorry for the delay...your system really looks nice. If I MAY ask where did you get the stand?
And not to be rude, but how much damage did the monitors do to your wallet?
Do they make a set for around a grand? I am in the market.:1:

[pixelthis]

Oh I SEE...800 bucks. Great price. My stereo guy used to carry MONITORS and besides
really being beautiful the sound was amazing. Hes moving, and when he gets to where hes'
going maybe he will still carry these.:1:

[Ajani]

Do they make a set for around a grand? I am in the market.:1:

Monitor Audio has 3 floorstanders around a grand:

BX5 $750
BX6 $1,000
RX6 $1,250