Pioneer VSX-LX55 with Monitor Audio RX = Any good?
I'm going round in circles here as different deals come round every day. I hear time and time again that Yammy amps pair brilliantly with Monitor Audio but on an off chance what about the above pairing? Not for Stereo all Movies?
Sorry, an exception to what? Do you mean you understand the RX range pairs well with the Pioneer LX55?
Hi Matt
I've got a broadly similar setup to BigBoss but with Pioneer VSX2021 (similar to LX55 without wireless networking) powering Monitor Audio Radius HD speakers. I understand that the tweeters are common to the RX series. I've not heard the Yamaha powering the same speakers, but IMO the Pioneer partners extremely well with the MA Radius balance.
I find that the Radius speakers are just that little bit polite and smooth compared to my Ruarks which major more on detail and ultra-snappy timing, and the Pioneer amp seems to bring out the best of the MA Radius, taking them by the scruff of the neck and giving them the oomph and attack they need. It's a beautifully fluid sound that makes you sit up and notice how good it is without being at all fatiguing. It always makes me want to turn up the volume to enjoy it rather than turning it down because it's attacking my ears, which some screechy hard-edged systems make me want to do.
Do try to demo though (I know this is stating the obvious) and just be careful about listening to a demo in a very different room size to your own. Speakers that sound great in an aircraft hanger-sized demonstration room can sound very different in a typical British lounge.
Happy hunting though!
Sorry, an exception to what? Do you mean you understand the RX range pairs well with the Pioneer LX55?
Hi Matt
I've got a broadly similar setup to BigBoss but with Pioneer VSX2021 (similar to LX55 without wireless networking) powering Monitor Audio Radius HD speakers. I understand that the tweeters are common to the RX series. I've not heard the Yamaha powering the same speakers, but IMO the Pioneer partners extremely well with the MA Radius balance.
I find that the Radius speakers are just that little bit polite and smooth compared to my Ruarks which major more on detail and ultra-snappy timing, and the Pioneer amp seems to bring out the best of the MA Radius, taking them by the scruff of the neck and giving them the oomph and attack they need. It's a beautifully fluid sound that makes you sit up and notice how good it is without being at all fatiguing. It always makes me want to turn up the volume to enjoy it rather than turning it down because it's attacking my ears, which some screechy hard-edged systems make me want to do.
Do try to demo though (I know this is stating the obvious) and just be careful about listening to a demo in a very different room size to your own. Speakers that sound great in an aircraft hanger-sized demonstration room can sound very different in a typical British lounge.
Happy hunting though!
And this is exactly why you should demo your options & not blindly follow what we suggest. I personally hated the Pioneer - MA Radius HD combination, while Leeps loved it. We all have our individual preferences to music.
It depends on the tonal balance you're looking for. The more laid back Yamaha receivers tend to tame the brighter top end of the MA speakers, whereas the more neutral Pioneer receivers tend to bring out the midrange in the MA's more. Those who like the tonal balance of the RX6's and RX8's aren't necessarily after a revealing midrange, so the Pioneer option isn't necessarily desirable for them, as it brings out the mid more, and tightens up the bass a little. Whether the Yamaha suits Monitor Audio or not depends really which MA range is in question.
As mentioned, get a demo and see what you think, as it is your preference that is important, not anyone else's.
I've opted for the Yammy RX-A1010. Owned for a week now.
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My understanding is that the RX is an exception & pairs well with Yamaha. Definitely demo.
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