Monitor Audio Silver RX6 AV12 review

Best traditional package £1500-£2500, Awards 2011. Whether it's music or movies, this package is a real entertainer Tested at £2350

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Best traditional package £1500-£2500, Awards 2011. The Silver RX6 AV12 is a real crowd pleaser, born to entertain with movies and music

Pros

  • +

    Excellent build and finish

  • +

    superb speaker integration

  • +

    detailed, dynamic sound with plenty of clout

  • +

    quality subwoofer

Cons

  • -

    Nothing to see here...

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Monitor Audio's Silver RX range has already left its mark thanks to the superb RX6 floorstanders. Now we're using the same speakers as the basis for a brand new Silver RX speaker package.

This means a first outing for new models from the range, including the RX-C centre (£300). The exquisitely finished cabinet features Monitor Audio's trademark C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) mid-bass and bass driver either side of a gold dome tweeter.

The new RXW-12 subwoofer handles bass frequencies and boasts a 12in driver, 500W of amplification and top-mounted controls. But the key components of this system have to be the RX-FX surround speakers (£400).

They may look odd to some, but this design serves an important purpose. You can set them up in bi-pole or di-pole configuration, depending on positioning.

If they're going behind your seating position, it's best to use the bi-pole setting so they're encouraged to fill the space behind you. Flick the switch to di-pole if they're to either side of your sofa.

A system with great synergy
Wherever they're placed, the RX-FXs do a great job of dispersing effects and keeping the surround field as engaging as possible.

Indeed, the whole system works really well. The centre allows for expressive, crystal clear dialogue, and blends in effortlessly with the front RX6 speakers. The RXW-12 subwoofer adds greater bass weight and depth but remains taut and agile.

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In the opening scenes of The Incredible Hulk, the set-up sounds dynamic, dramatic and exciting with no trace of hardness or brightness.

During calmer moments, it does a great job setting the mood, picking out fine detail and maintaining the dynamics of the rain, lashing down in the background.

Monitor Audio has a winner on its hands. The RX6 AV12 is a fantastic all-rounder and serious contender for class-leading status.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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