New LCR speakers for apartment living room (2700 cu ft)

[ringwraith24]

Hi All,
So I recently got into a new apartment and have been upgrading my AV gear. Started with a 65" TV added 2x10" monoprice monolith 10" THX subwoofers. The last remaining bit is the speakers. I have an old Polk monitor 30s (with CS2 centers) which are clearly no match for the subwoofers and are not really that great for music. They are ok for movies though along with the CS2 and the subwoofer doing most of the heavy lifting.

Looking for recommendations on upgrading the LCR set (preferably bookshelves) to something that is good for music and movies alike and doesnt cost a bomb (max budget of £1K). Dont really have the ability to run surrounds as it is a multi purpose room, but I would be happy with a good LCR. Open to buying used speakers as well. The room is an open plan living room and I typically listen at low/medium volumes. I am not in a hurry though as the current system is serviceable, so can wait for a good deal. Browsing through the reviews, monolith 365s (when they are on a deal) could be a good option, but I don't really need the THX volume levels. I hear they sound good at low volumes as well and when on a deal could fit my budget.

Thanks!

PS pic of the current setup so you know what I am working with.

 

[Gasp3621]

MA Silver 100 would be great and musical choice giving you fuller sound for 2ch listening without sub(s) partly due to 8" drivers and fairly good size cabs. The 6G is on sale for under 500£ while new gen pair costs 750£ (Silver 100 7G).

Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf Speakers

The Silver 100 is a serious audiophile speaker capable of producing remarkable resolution, from the most intricate musical scores to the loudest rock concert, with superlative ease.

petertyson.co.uk

You just missed the super deals of Silver C350 3-way centre, i can´t find them anywhere anymore. So it would be the smaller Silver C150 then which might still do the trick for you fine. Dirt cheap this one too.

Monitor Audio Silver C150 Centre Speaker

Monitor Audio’s Silver C150 dialogue speaker is designed primarily to partner the smaller stand-mounts and floorstanders in the range, being carefully voiced to complement the timbre and balance of the Silver 50 and Silver 200 models; guaranteeing consistent sonic character.

petertyson.co.uk

Sadly you limited to black gloss or oak, but the gloss finish doesn´t raise much the cost.


If you not familiar with S100 check some reviews to get started. They are highly praised by most folks who has heard them. AVF editor gave them Best Buy.

Home review

More of the same from Monitor Audio’s Silver range, and that’s a good thing.

www.whathifi.com

Monitor Audio Silver 100 HiFi Speaker Review

Monitor Audio's Silver 100 Standmount Speaker delivers first class service

www.avforums.com

Monitor Audio Silver 100 Speaker System Reviewed - HomeTheaterReview

Sean Killebrew explores Monitor Audio's Silver 100 bookshelf speaker, plus other models from the Silver Series lineup: the Silver C150 center, Silver 50 bookshelf speaker, and Silver W-12 subwoofer.

hometheaterreview.com

Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf speakers review and test

www.hifi-review.com

Of course the 365 would be great too especially for movies. The subs as stands are fairly low (48cm), maybe short 10-12cm stands would be something to consider on top of subs unless you sit very low. Just to think the tweeters should be roughly at seated ear height. And then tilting the center channel shooting more upward toward ears.

Fisual Dynami Matte Black Large Desktop Speaker Stands (Pair) at AV.com

Fisual Dynami Matte Black Large Desktop Speaker Stands (Pair) at AV.com

www.av.com

 

[ringwraith24]

Hi @Gasp3621 many thanks for the recommendations! The MA silver 100s look good. Would they be better than these for example considering I have 2 subwoofers? The prices are very similar

Monolith by MonopriceTHX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Bookshelf Speaker | eBay

Monolith THX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Enabled Bookshelf Speaker (Each). Each speaker has been THX certified, ensuring optimal frequency response, dispersion, and low distortion. THX certification ensures that the sound from the speaker is as the audio engineer intended.

www.ebay.co.uk

Regarding the centres, the c350s look like a good step up. I could wait for a good deal on those since I am in no great hurry.

 

[Deleted member 901590]

Have you checked if your AVR has support for front heights, so you could go 3.2.2?

The Monoprice THXs include an upfiring Atmos driver, may make your viewing more immersive?

 

[Gasp3621]

Hi @Gasp3621 many thanks for the recommendations! The MA silver 100s look good. Would they be better than these for example considering I have 2 subwoofers? The prices are very similar

Monolith by MonopriceTHX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Bookshelf Speaker | eBay

Monolith THX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Enabled Bookshelf Speaker (Each). Each speaker has been THX certified, ensuring optimal frequency response, dispersion, and low distortion. THX certification ensures that the sound from the speaker is as the audio engineer intended.

www.ebay.co.uk

Regarding the centres, the c350s look like a good step up. I could wait for a good deal on those since I am in no great hurry.

Tough to say without hearing. Monoprice likely has edge with movies although you aren´t pushing the system loud either. Silvers may be more exciting with music as they are more typical audiophile speakers. They also come with nicer finish which is important for some people.

Another great deal is with the Focal Aria range which is often compared to likes of Kef R in US. Seems to be highly enjoyable speakers which measure great too. Also big centre channel with dual 6,5" drivers. Slightly over your budget though, but if looking competitor prices they are quite a lot more.

Focal Aria 906 (Noyer Walnut)

Shop for Focal Aria 906 Walnut Speaker Pair with Richer Sounds for a 6 Year Guarantee, expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

Focal Aria CC 900 Centre Speaker

The Focal Aria CC 900 is a 2 way centre speaker designed to match the rest of the stunning Aria range, both aesthetically and sonically. A centre speaker is an extremely significant part of any AV speaker system, so ensuring it delivers is key! The Aria CC 900 can easily combine with the rest of...

www.audioaffair.co.uk

 

[Gasp3621]

Hi @Gasp3621 many thanks for the recommendations! The MA silver 100s look good. Would they be better than these for example considering I have 2 subwoofers? The prices are very similar

Monolith by MonopriceTHX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Bookshelf Speaker | eBay

Monolith THX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Enabled Bookshelf Speaker (Each). Each speaker has been THX certified, ensuring optimal frequency response, dispersion, and low distortion. THX certification ensures that the sound from the speaker is as the audio engineer intended.

www.ebay.co.uk

Regarding the centres, the c350s look like a good step up. I could wait for a good deal on those since I am in no great hurry.

If you would buy Monoprices i would just wait until the deal comes for the 365T and 365C. You don´t buy speakers often so i would really make it count and choose something to keep you happy long term. 265 typically used as surround channels while the 365T has 3-way design and is similar to centre, ideally that should be the goal.

 

[ringwraith24]

Have you checked if your AVR has support for front heights, so you could go 3.2.2?

The Monoprice THXs include an upfiring Atmos driver, may make your viewing more immersive?

Hi @AEIOU I have a yamaha rx667. It's quite old but it has presence speaker connections, dont think it has heights. Would it still be useful with the upfiring atmos driver?

 

[ringwraith24]

Thanks @Gasp3621 . The focals look nice, but also a bit over my budget. Yes, I am ok to wait for deals indeed. I hope they do come though as I hear talks about price rises etc.

 

[Deleted member 901590]

Hi @AEIOU I have a yamaha rx667. It's quite old but it has presence speaker connections, dont think it has heights. Would it still be useful with the upfiring atmos driver?

A lot of members would probably reply saying "waste of time" as I believe they are only a matrixed sound mode for those front presence.

But I would say DEFINITELY gvie it a go! I used to have front heights, years ago from a Sony AVR, that were just matrixed Dolby PLIIz and they were really effective.

You'd need to check first in the manual if it will do the front presence without any surrounds.

 

[ringwraith24]

@AEIOU I believe it does support looking at the manual although I never used the presence speakers before. The AVR has decent power (90Wx7ch) so not looking to replace it soon
https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/9/321279/RX-V667_omrc_en1-2.pdf

 

[ringwraith24]

If you would buy Monoprices i would just wait until the deal comes for the 365T and 365C. You don´t buy speakers often so i would really make it count and choose something to keep you happy long term. 265 typically used as surround channels while the 365T has 3-way design and is similar to centre, ideally that should be the goal.

The monoprice 365T + 365C would ring in more than £1000. The monitor silvers seem like they would come in much cheaper if I get the gen6s so seriously considering them!

 

[kbfern]

Monolith by MonopriceTHX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Bookshelf Speaker | eBay

Monolith THX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Enabled Bookshelf Speaker (Each). Each speaker has been THX certified, ensuring optimal frequency response, dispersion, and low distortion. THX certification ensures that the sound from the speaker is as the audio engineer intended.

www.ebay.co.uk

The mono 265b are available from Mono's ebay site at £215 ea which is a steal and they have 4 left so go for those and get the 365C from Monouk either now or when on offer.

There are 2 users at least on here with that configuration with 10" THX sub who think they sound great.

 

[ringwraith24]

Thanks @kbfern . Yes, the 265bs look like a good deal. I confirmed with monoprice support that they offer 5 year warranties on the ebay sales.

I don't really need THX ultra as it is a living room and I have a sub, but did not find many reviews of the 265s being used as main L/R.

 

[kbfern]

@blacksheep99 has that setup along with Tony Cosgrove.

 

[kbfern]

As I said both bsheep and TC have the 356C and 265B as LCR but I was wrong about the subs BS has a pair of Mono 12" THX and TC has an SVS sb3000 IIRC subwoofer.

 

[blacksheep99]

Monolith by MonopriceTHX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Bookshelf Speaker | eBay

Monolith THX-265B THX Select Certified Dolby Atmos Enabled Bookshelf Speaker (Each). Each speaker has been THX certified, ensuring optimal frequency response, dispersion, and low distortion. THX certification ensures that the sound from the speaker is as the audio engineer intended.

www.ebay.co.uk

The mono 265b are available from Mono's ebay site at £215 ea which is a steal and they have 4 left so go for those and get the 365C from Monouk either now or when on offer.

There are 2 users at least on here with that configuration with 10" THX sub who think they sound great.

I started with the 265's for LR with the 365C and it worked well. So well in fact I bought the 365's for L&R to complete the front and moved the 265's to rears. For value and performance I think they're hard to beat. I've very happy. Great for movies and good for music.

 

[blacksheep99]

If you go mono then I'd snap up the 265's with the centre and then you can always use get the 365's in future if you wanted. The 265's well sell on no problems or you may do the same as I did. FYI the tweeter in the 265 is at the same height as the 365 which you would expect but worth mentioning as I wall mounted mine.

 

[kbfern]

Also consider the new Mono Encore B6 bookshelf along with the C6 centre they should do you a great job and even cheaper than the THX range with no Atmos drivers included.

American audio has them in stock or from Mono uk both are selling at the same price £179 ea B6 and £227 for centre.

Monolith by Monoprice

Available in the UK, exclusively through American Audio Co, we are extremely excited to have partnered with Monoprice EU to bring the Monolith THX and 2022 Encore Ranges to the UK. These highly regarded speakers and subwoofers offer exceptional Bang for your Buck with rave reviews in the USA...

americanaudioco.uk

Monolith By Monoprice Encore T6 Speaker System Review

Performance Build Quality Value PRICE $1,410 (as tested) AT A GLANCE Plus

www.soundandvision.com

Monoprice Encore B6 Bookshelf Speaker Review

Monoprice Encore B6 Bookshelf Speaker Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[ringwraith24]

Thanks a lot guys! Great info. @blacksheep99 , if you dont mind, how much of an upgrade were the 365Ts over the 256Bs? I am guessing the extra drivers are worth putting 200 bucks extra for?

 

[ringwraith24]

I guess it's extra 200 per speaker so quite a premium

 

[blacksheep99]

They're definitely a step up and of course match with the centre which was another factor for me. I was that impressed with the centre coming from my old speakers (q acoustics 7000 series) that I felt it was worth the investment to have the matching set. I've just checked I got a discount on the LR, paying £783 in the end.

 

[kbfern]

I have heard the 365T should be back in stock sometime in March but doubt they will be on offer straight away.

The other thing to watch is if you find you can get the 365T and 375C at the same time as they do seem to go out of stock of one or the other and rarely together available for long.

 

[ringwraith24]

Many thanks @kbfern and @blacksheep99 (and also @Gasp3621) for your advice and recommendations. Since I am in no great hurry, I guess I will just wait for the deals to come on the 365s and buy the fronts / centre as they come on deals. I have signed up for their offers

 

[blacksheep99]

If I see any offers come up I'll pop something in here. Also look at Quidco, they offer some cashback on monoprice. All adds up.

 

[ringwraith24]

If I see any offers come up I'll pop something in here. Also look at Quidco, they offer some cashback on monoprice. All adds up.

Thanks @blacksheep99 appreciate it...btw I found that topcashback has an even bigger cashback compared to quidco - 5% vs 2%!