Upgrade from QA 3010i 5.1 system to B&W 607 S2 or something else?

[Jaxkesa]

I have had the QA "home cinema package" with 3010is, a 3050 centre and 3070 sub for about 6 years and wanting to upgrade to something a bit better.

Mainly for watching movies/TV in a medium sized living room along with a Denon-X4500H. I won't really be listening to music on them. Budget is up to £1500.

I was originally looking at the MA Silvers but not sure if they are overkill. Then I saw the B&W 607 S2 Anniversary which seem to be reduced at the moment so a nice upgrade without spending too much. There are some glowing reviews but then found some audio sites where people say they are rubbish.

Can anyone advise on this or if the MA Silvers or B&W 607 S2 Anniversary are indeed an upgrade from the QAs?

 

[Jester1066]

I run MA Silver 6g speakers for my base layer in a 5.2.4 setup - with the same 4500 AVR. (See signature - rotate phone to landscape )....

For movies they are absolutely ruddy fantastic imo. My room in 3m wide by.4.57m long (standard height ceilings). It isn't a dedicated room, but I get the full immersive experience sound wise with these speakers. I don't find them overkill at all (even with dual SVS subs!). Highly recommend these range of speakers and will be a significant upgrade on the QA's imo.

I'd caveat that with saying (as always) an audition of at least the stereo L&R speakers is a must. The MA's are likely more forward in the treble than the QA's.

The Silver 100 standmount (Bookshelfs) are hard to be beat in terms of bass reproduction from a standmount in this price bracket. Although I now use the 3 way Silver 300's as an L&R in my HT setup, so impressed with the 100's was I that I kept them for the bedroom setup!

I can only imagine the 7th Gen silvers will be equally as good too. Although whichever brand speakers you go for, I'd avoid the matching sub. This is often the weakest speaker and far better value can be had by going with dedicated sub manufacturers, like SVS, BK electric (British) etc.

Monolith subs are very good value & popular among forum members (as is their encore range of speakers) - Although I've not heard them myself.

Happy to answer any other questions too!

Good luck

 

[Jester1066]

In addition. If your seating/sofa is against or near the rear wall (as is the case in my setup). The Bipole/Dipole switchable MA Silver FX speakers are great for surrounds. Giving a very wide dispersion of sound.

 

[Jaxkesa]

Thanks for the info. Sofa is near the back wall so the FX surround speakers do look appealing but the 7th gen set is a bit pricey so might see if I can find a good deal on the bronze set. The B&Ws are quite a bit cheaper but I'm put off by the mixed reviews.

I don't have anywhere nearby where I can audition speakers unfortunately so kind of relying on reviews and opinions! Will need to do some more research.

 

[Jester1066]

Thanks for the info. Sofa is near the back wall so the FX surround speakers do look appealing but the 7th gen set is a bit pricey so might see if I can find a good deal on the bronze set. The B&Ws are quite a bit cheaper but I'm put off by the mixed reviews.

I don't have anywhere nearby where I can audition speakers unfortunately so kind of relying on reviews and opinions! Will need to do some more research.

Here's a set of 6th Gen FX's:

For Sale - Monitor audio silver FX black

Hi for sale Monitor Audio silver FX speakers. Pick up only unless buyers sorts delivery. Don’t have original box so if posted out will be packaged in different speaker box. Also for sale MA silver C150, this is £150.

www.avforums.com

 

[rccarguy2]

Best to demo a few brands first. Those two brands are quite forward.

 

[Jester1066]

Best to demo a few brands first. Those two brands are quite forward.

I did say an audition was recommended and said that the MA's were/may be more forward in the treble than his QA's, in my reply... OP then mentioned this:

I don't have anywhere nearby where I can audition speakers unfortunately so kind of relying on reviews and opinions! Will need to do some more research.

I suppose he could order them online and use distance selling regs to try them in his home for 14 days.

Ultimately I'd always recommend at least an in store demo (ideally a home demo's better), but appreciate that's not possible for everyone.

I'm lucky as I've a number of store fairly local (and drive), so can collect gear to home demo - if it's available obviously!

 

[password1]

I would shortlist the Mission QX mk2 and ZX.

 

[Gasp3621]

I have had the QA "home cinema package" with 3010is, a 3050 centre and 3070 sub for about 6 years and wanting to upgrade to something a bit better.

Mainly for watching movies/TV in a medium sized living room along with a Denon-X4500H. I won't really be listening to music on them. Budget is up to £1500.

I was originally looking at the MA Silvers but not sure if they are overkill. Then I saw the B&W 607 S2 Anniversary which seem to be reduced at the moment so a nice upgrade without spending too much. There are some glowing reviews but then found some audio sites where people say they are rubbish.

Can anyone advise on this or if the MA Silvers or B&W 607 S2 Anniversary are indeed an upgrade from the QAs?

600 serie is B&Ws budget range and AVForums reviewed the 600 & 600 S2 5.1 packages and mentioned one competitor being QA 3050i 5.1 so i would see themmore at the level of MA Bronzes. Looking the measurements they are very bright sounding speakers - more so than Monitor Audios, but of course with some eq they can "tamed" to some degree.
The current Silver 6G prices are very low and makes them one of best deals in UK. Finish alone in MA is step up similar to B&W 700 range. Overkill? Nonsense. Always buy best speakers you can afford as you have good receiver already.

I have listed some models here which are still available (also the larger 300 & 500 towers are there if intrested):

Monitor Audio Bronze or Silver for home cinema in a lounge

As the title says Bronze or Silver for home cinema in the lounge. I’m looking to upgrade my LCR only. I have a lounge that’s 18’x15’x 8’ height. My hobby is roughly 80% HT 20% music I was looking at the Silvers as reading better quality components, however the Silver range is twice the price...

www.avforums.com

 

[Jaxkesa]

Thanks for all the advice. I originally went to purchase some Monitor Audio 6th Gen speakers but they were out of stock however I got a good deal on a set of 7th Gen speakers which I couldn't turn down. Matched with an SVS SB2000 Pro subwoofer and really happy with the upgrade in sound and how they look.

 

[Jester1066]

Thanks for all the advice. I originally went to purchase some Monitor Audio 6th Gen speakers but they were out of stock however I got a good deal on a set of 7th Gen speakers which I couldn't turn down. Matched with an SVS SB2000 Pro subwoofer and really happy with the upgrade in sound and how they look.

View attachment 1688747

View attachment 1688745

Lovely clean looking setup mate. I'm really pleased you got a good deal on some 7th Gen Silvers. They look great in satin white too.

Have you repurposed the QA's as upfiring atmos speakers? Maybe consider the matching Silver AMS to replace: ...

Silver AMS 7G | Dolby Atmos® Enabled | Monitor Audio

The Monitor Audio Silver AMS 7G Dolby Atmos® enabled speaker fits perfectly with the Silver 300 7G and the rest of the Silver Series for great height and depth.

www.monitoraudio.com

 

[Jaxkesa]

Lovely clean looking setup mate. I'm really pleased you got a good deal on some 7th Gen Silvers. They look great in satin white too.

Have you repurposed the QA's as upfiring atmos speakers? Maybe consider the matching Silver AMS to replace: ...

Silver AMS 7G | Dolby Atmos® Enabled | Monitor Audio

The Monitor Audio Silver AMS 7G Dolby Atmos® enabled speaker fits perfectly with the Silver 300 7G and the rest of the Silver Series for great height and depth.

www.monitoraudio.com

The Atmos speakers are my existing PSB Imagine XAs. I couldn't really justify buying the AMS ones although they would look neater.