Which high end "style" speaker package do I go for?

[MadMark911]

I've got a Denon AVR4311, matched with a Denon DBP4010 and running through a set of M&K (Miller and Krisel) Xenons (with tripole rears) 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)!

Budget is circa £2.5K and I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Monitor Audio Apex or the new B&W MT-60D? I'm keen to know what people think ...

[JimbobVFR]

I may be wrong here but I can't see "style" speaker packages being any better for music than your M&Ks TBH.

If music is the priority then personally I'd look at going with some decent Floorstanders for your L+R channel, maybe a matching centre (or loose the centre completely and run in Phantom centre mode) and keep the rears. You could then add a stereo amp (or pre/pro combo) which has a HT bypass mode fed from the preouts of your AV amp for stereo use without using any of the HT stuff. The stereo amp then drives your mains when using it for HT and you have the best of both worlds.

I've always found having matched LCR to be important but matching rears not so much, hence keeping the current rears, although you may find that because your M&Ks are relatively desirable you may find getting rid and spending the extras on the fronts worthwhile

This is what I did before I got my Arcam AVR, which is pretty good at stereo actually, and it made a massive difference to my enjoyment of stereo.

Failing that personally I would prefer a nice stereo system over an average surround system, even for Films and Gaming.

[StuH]

The systems you mention aren't particularly high-end and might be a bit disappointing after the M&K's.

How about some Gallo Strada's? http://www.roundsound.com/reference-strada.php

They are breathtaking when integrated with a good sub - something like a B&W DB1 or Velodyne DD15 or 18.

I also have M&K (SS150) Tripole rears in my home cinema setup, and as you say not much good for music - bipolar/tripolar is very much designed for surround effects.

A more mainstream option might be

[VEX]

You will also find that different speakers suit different amps in different ways.

Whilst I am a Monitor Audio dealer at that budget I would strongly recommend you arrange an audition using your own amp and a known DVD so you can choose between the ranges you like.

Everyone's ears and idea of 'what is good' is different.

Hth

V.

[StuH]

VEX said:

You will also find that different speakers suit different amps in different ways.

Whilst I am a Monitor Audio dealer at that budget I would strongly recommend you arrange an audition using your own amp and a known DVD so you can choose between the ranges you like.

Everyone's ears and idea of 'what is good' is different.

Hth

V.

Very true.

Another point is that home cinema receivers aren't always that good at music, and if you end with very revealing/potentially bright sounding satellites like the Apex or Gallo's having an amp with a warmer character like an Arcam can really help/

[MadMark911]

Thanks to all for the replies!

Sounds to me that there is no quick fix - especially as my girlfriend has flatly refused to have a "full size" speaker set up in the living room ....

Looks like some research and testing needs to be done over the Christmas hols ....

[jinkster]

Bang and Olufsen A8 or if you want to spend the money (£2500) Some Beolab 4 and Beosound 5. http://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/sound/loudspeakers/...

Good luck!

[OldSkoolRS]

I like the M&K for movies, but like you prefer something a bit more musical for, err, music. As a compromise I went for a matching front three speakers from PMC (I initially bought the smaller DB1+ models, then traded for some used TB2+ ones instead). I have the M&K K4 tripole surrounds at the side and a pair of the monopole K5 at the back. I have a smaller set up in my conservatory just using K15s at the front and K4s as the surrounds too as I don't tend to listen to music (apart from TV) in there.

I know PMC have recently brought out some new models to replace the ones I have: Called the 'Twenty' range. I don't know where abouts in the country you are, but I can highly recommend the hifi lounge which is owned by a PHer ( not sure what his screen name is) that I also know from AVforums:

http://www.hifilounge.co.uk/

I don't know if you consider the PMCs 'lifestyle' enough, but worth a look I reckon.