Which high end "style" speaker package do I go for?
I've got a Denon AVR4311, matched with a Denon DBP4010 and running through a set of M&K (Miller and Kreisel) Xenon LCR 26's (with the tripole rears) and a KX12 Subwoofer. All displayed on a Samsung UE46D7000.Now the picture and effects are amazing, but as I also use this system to play music and that's where the M&K's aren't quite so brilliant (although they will run very, very loud)! So I really don't want to lose the movie "slam" but I would like something that's a little better with music ...Budget is circa £2.5K and I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Monitor Audio Apex or the new B&W MT-60D (which seems to do the same job for less than the Apex's)? I'm keen to know what people think ...
Dali Fazon LCRs will give you a gain in music whilst remaining small.
Personally i would be looking along the line of the Kef LS50 in a 5.1 config. I would also be more inclined to wait and see what Ken Kreisels imminent new speaker range bring to the party. Before making a commitment. I would add that i've heard say the new DXD range of Subs Ken has brought out are amoungst the best with regards to musicality so if that translates to the new speaker range then they will be a major consideration. I would be concerned that the B&W + Apex(less so) would be enough of a step in the right direction.
Alterntively have you thought about going for a separate 2 channel system for music that would be a better bet for improving your musical enjoyment.
Hi,
the Apex are fantastic speakers for both music and movies. They will easily outperform the B&W's as will they your MK's.
As stated consider the KEF KS50's too in a 5.0 set up they are great.
Def get a decent sub. This will make all the difference. The Apex Sub is good but better VFM can be had elsewhere. Don't bother with the B&W sub IMO.
If you can get a listen to the new KK subs do so. Yes I know over budget but it would be worth saving for.
The cheapest option (and probably the one I'd take) would be to add a pair of hi-fi speakers just for two channel listening, running them from your second set of speaker outputs. You can keep the M&K's for movie listening, as changing them for another package may improve them for music, but your movies may take a step in the wrong direction.
Ken's speakers were always pretty unbeatable for movie soundtracks, but music wasn't their strong point, so, as mentioned, it'll be interesting to see if there's an improvement in this respect.
Having owned several M&K systems before, I can confirm that the LS50 package is a good all round package for both music and movies, which is what I use now.
The problem with going for a "lifestyle" system, is that a lot of money gets spect on the visual aspects of the speakers, so you either spend more to get the same performance, or get a reduction in performance.
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You are playing 'music' on a DVD player and sending it through an AV amp to your M&Ks. I would suggest that the problem is more front end than with the speakers. I would audition something like a Naim Uniti 2 on the front end. You connect the analogue out on the AVR4311 to the analogue in on the Naim, and then set the unity gain on the Uniti, so that your movies will still be fine. Your music can then be streamed or played from a CD straight out of the musical Uniti 2 into the front M&Ks. Well worth an audition.