M&K S85 Vs K Series

Hello.

From being convinced I would go for B&W 603s, an LCR600 and 602.5 rears, a recent set of auditions changed my mind...

I heard the Gallos (great looking, good movie sound, but didn't cope well enough with stereo for me) and the M&K K3 package. The M&Ks were awesome. For such small boxes they had as much presence as the B&Ws in stereo and disappeared into the background when we switched the movies on.

Unfortunately I ran out of time and was unable to check out an S85 set-up. Before I get this organised, can anybody comment on the cost/quality benefit of S85s over the K series. I would have to build up the system slowly if I went the S85 route starting with the front three. Speakers will be driven by an Arcam AVR200 and a DV88 source.

Also... aesthetics is an issue for me too. Do the S85s (black) dissolve into the background? Any mounting suggestions? Finally, has anybody seen the K series in titanium?

Suggestions of any other alternatives would be welcomed.

Ta,

Wilbur

 

Its like comparing a Ford Sierra to a Cosworth. They may both look similar and are made by the same company but under the bonnet the difference is huge.

 

And in relation to this Cosworth, is my AVR200 a Reliant or a Rolls?

If the S85s are overkill then maybe I should stick with the K3 option...

 

I´d say the S85´s aren´t overkill, they´re the better option. You´ll have speakers that can really show what the Arcam is capable of.

 

Definately not overkill but in view of the cost difference perhaps you should try and find time to demo them side by side before you buy the S85

If you are worried about building up your speaker set slowly starting with the front three only, I have the M&K Pro equivalents at the front with Mission M7DS at the rear.

To hear them at their best you will need to place them on decent speaker stands. Mine are on Atacama Nexus.

I presume that you are aware that they are satellites and will need a subwoofer to handle the sub 80Hz stuff.

 

Now your talking my language.

 

Ok. I've heeded the advice and sorted out a demo of the S85s. In terms of a sub, I was looking at M&K's own V125... obviously I need to hear a few but does this sound like a good place to start? I've seen a few posts (I think one was from ReTrO) that suggested the V1250THX Select would be a good option, and then there's the MX125... I could go on...

Also, how do M&Ks stand the test of time? It seems as though the S85s have been unchanged for years, would it be worth looking out for a 2nd hand set? What should you look out for when buying 2nd hand M&K stuff... apart from the obvious!

Ta.

Wilbur

 

I suppose that M&K's answer would be "Why change a winning formula". They don't often come up for sale second hand and tend to be snapped up very quickly.

I use a REL Storm with mine which I bought second hand and another S85 member has his coupled with a Q100.

 

So a pair of S85s purchased in December 1998 and well looked after would be pretty much the same as a pair purchased today (albeit nicely warmed up)!

 

Indeed. Remember that M&K products have a 10 year warranty too, so try and get any receipts / warranty info. M&K are really helpful if you've got any questions or problems. Maybe they can check the serial numbers to make sure they're still covered under warranty?

Good luck.

 

The V125 is a good sub to partner the K3 package. that is the one that we sell generally instead of the K9. If using the K9 it is worth getting a pair.

The S85's are a big step over the K series, most noticable in the stereo reproduction side, they are much better with music.

 

Which sub would you use with the S85s ReTrO?

I've just come across an 18 month old V-1250 THX Select -would this be a good match or could I go better?

(and what would you pay for one that old in good condition?)

Thanks,

Wilbur

 

Personally I've not done one of the V1250THX subs. I think there is minimal diference between that and the V125, mainly cosmetic, and the THX lacks an internal crossover filter. (I think, and it costs more).

The V125 is a good match with the S85's also. The next step up that I would go for with MK would be the MX150. A pair of V125's is pretty awesome though.

 

So given the option of a good price on a V1250 THX would you go for it or hang on in for a V125...? I'm really not going to get the opportunity to audition these 2 side by side unfortunately.

 

If you can get a V1250THX for a good price then go for it - it's a good subwoofer but not as good as the "push-pull" MX range.

However, you should also take a look at the Velodyne subs in the Power Buys forum - the CHT15 at £684 is a very good sub and, according to Uncle Eric, able to compete with M&K MX subs. Remember, M&K satellites don't have to be matched with an M&K sub - any decent sub will work well with them.

Matt.

 

Thanks for the tip. I may have to wait for my budget to increase slightly - the V-1250 THX was looking likely to be £400.

 

Hi.
Did you notice a while ago Tom Edge had three M and K 150thx speakers for sale .£1600.Bargain of the year.
I have had a listen to the k series and the S85's.The S85's are a big step forward.
Gary

 

Picking up the S85s this Saturday. I want to get my speaker cable in advance so I'm all ready to go

Is Silver Anniversary going to be enough or should I be looking for something higher spec? (What's the best price you guys have seen on Silver Anniversary by the way...?)

 

It's what I use on mine and I bought it from HiFiBitz

 

How have you got the cable terminated Ian?

 

QED banana plugs which I bought with the cable. I'm not convinced of the sonic superiority of banana plugs over bare wire but it makes life much easier if you ever have to change things around (especially at the amp end)

 

You won't really appreciate the bananas instantly (other than their looks and ease of connection). You will certainly appreciate them when the ends of the cable not tarnished, thus preventing the best quality sound.

 

Is there much to be gained from having the banana plugs air-lock factory fitted by QED (seemingly at vast expense) or can I purchase the cable from HiFiBitz and then add the termination myself - recommendations on plugs and a supplier would be appreciated... many thanks.

 

You can't fit the plugs yourself as you'd need the crimp gun for it.

Most good specialist hifi dealers will be able to do the Airlocs though.

 

If you phone the order line - 01254 882888 - we can fit the Airloc Plugs at a cost of £4 per plug. These are professionally fitted using the crimp gun mentioned above.

 

Thanks Peter. I'll take my measurements today and give you a call tomorrow. How long does delivery normally take on cable if you need to add the plugs (any chance i could get them by Friday - if I call first thing tomorrow?)

 

Delivery is normally next working day for things like cables but the sales order desk are in a better position to give you an idea on how long it will be.

 

Was wondering if anybody's got any experience with the REL Q200E when paired with the S85s. I've spotted one in the classifieds for £350.

A good match? Unfortuately I'm really not going to get a chance to audition the subs so it's gonna be hit and hope.

 

Yes - I used to own a Q200E and, albeit for one night only, I did get hold of some S85s for an audition. They worked fine together although I would say that for the money you are talking about you might be better looking at a brand new Velodyne CHT10 (in the power buys section) rather than a used Q200E.

I thought the S85s were great by the way.

Matt.

 

Just to throw in my 2 pennys worth - I have the following spec

3 * s85 front
4 * k4s side and read
1 * mx-150 sub (2nd hand for £1100 thanks to this forum)

the k4s are a fantastic buy at 495 a pair - they just blend so smoothly you have no idea of where the sound is coming from just a perfect wall of sound (if thats the way you like it)

oh and the sub seriously kicks ass - hope the house is upto it in the long run.

either way think you will be very happy with you s85s

andy