JerryMa

Monitor Audio Bronze Series

I had a chance to audition Bronze Series B2s last week and really liked them. I'm in the market for a 5.1 suite and am giving these serious consideration. I've heard PSB and Boston Acoustics and liked the Monitors better than the PSBs but not as much as the BAs (which were great but pricey). I was also considering Paradigm at one point but they're out of the running now. I'd like to look into the JBL S38's and am considering trying Axiom as well. I have an NAD T762.

What do people think of Monitor Audio and the Bronze series in particular?. I know it ultimately comes down to my own taste, but I wanted to get a sense of other's opinions of these speakers. Thanks for any input.

Danny Tse

Jerry,

I listened to the MA Bronze B2 2 weeks ago and was able to do an A/B comparison with my current speaker, Energy C-1. The MA B2 was quite a bit better, IMO. Music sounded more real on the MA. Previously, I considered the Energy aluminum tweeter to be real smooth, but the B2 was better even still. In the end, I ordered a pair and will be putting my Energy sale. I was able to get the MA B2 at $390.00/pair including tax.

I listened to a lot of $300.00/pair to $400.00/apir speakers and the MA Bronze B2 is right up there with the best of them. The other one would be the NHT SB2, but they are kind of power-hungry.

But don't listen to the MA Silver S2....you will want those even more.

CurtisSC

I have heard the B2. Excellent speaker for the price. Personally I think the mids were a little thin/recessed. You should be able to get them for under $350 at a willing dealer.

If you are going to try internet direct, try the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170(my favorite) and the Axiom M22. Both of these will not extend as low as the B2, but I think they do a better job in the mids...the highs will be more a matter of taste.

curtis
Manhattan Beach, California

Bob*S

Danny-

Did you, by chance, compare the KEF Q1s to the B2s? The B2s are my preference so far but I am trying to decide if the Q1s are worth the 3+ hour drive to audition.

Thanks for any info.

Bob

Danny Tse

Bob,

I listened to the KEF Q1, but not side-by-side to the MA B2. I remember the Q1 having this unbelievably amazing imaging quality....possibly due to KEF's coax driver. I don't think it goes lower than the B2, but I would say it's a little bit better than the B2 overall. The Q1 does retail a little more than the MA B2, but the beauty of the cabinet and the quality of workmanship was well worth the $50/pair additional to me.

I didn't get the KEF Q1 when I heard it because I was at the dealer to audition the Tannoy mx-m1 and mx-m2. The dealer played the Q1 for me to compare. The Q1 was out of my price range and I didn't get the Tannoys, which were excellent speakers as well.

Bob*S

Danny-

Thanks for the information. I'm going to have to make the drive up north to listen to the Q1s. I really loved the B2s when I heard them. I assume you heard the B2s at Good Guys; where did you hear the Q1s (I listened to the 2005.2 system and the NHT SB3s at Anderson's? Just curious if you think there is a better dealer up there since you are from the area.

Bob

gregD

I'm a big fan of the entire MA line.

That said...

1. I haven't heard the current Bronze line.

2. Audition as many makes as you can... speakers are the most critical part of the chain.

Danny Tse

I auditioned the KEF Q1 at House of Music in San Francisco, where they were powered by a Marantz stereo integrated amp with a Marantz CD player. Very nice dealer if you are in the area. They are also a McIntosh dealer, so that will give you an idea of the level of components and service they provide.

Anderson's is also a dealer for KEF.