CH_Yeow Posted June 18, 2007 Posted June 18, 2007 Need your inputs. I have a smallish bedroom. SVS or HSU research is too big for me. Had auditioned the M-1 speakers and really liked them. The MT-30 system comes with the PV-1 subwoofer but that is too expensive. Thought of leaving it out and supplement with the Velodyne SPL800R which is more or less using D-Class digital amplification and I heard it is excellent stuff for less money. Anyone owns it and how about the best prices in Singapore? Will eventually pair with Onkyo 875 receiver when it arrived in Bangkok. Thanks.
ming1881 Posted June 18, 2007 Posted June 18, 2007 I'm also seriously looking at B&W M-1 Speakers with Velodyne SPL-800R. Any comments or suggestions on this subwoofer are appreciated. Cheers :)
dmateo Posted June 18, 2007 Posted June 18, 2007 M1 goes around 750 a pair in KEC I believe. Not sure about Velo SPL 800. If you happen to be in Japan, around 25K yen (300 sing), not sure about Bangkok and I didn't checked separate when I was in Hong Kong Hope that helps.
Guest jonlee Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 Yeow, for smallish room, u might want to try the anthony gallo adiva speakers (just the full range sphere speakers, leave thet sub out).
1AngMoh Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 Need your inputs. I have a smallish bedroom. SVS or HSU research is too big for me. Had auditioned the M-1 speakers and really liked them. The MT-30 system comes with the PV-1 subwoofer but that is too expensive. Thought of leaving it out and supplement with the Velodyne SPL800R which is more or less using D-Class digital amplification and I heard it is excellent stuff for less money. I'm also seriously looking at B&W M-1 Speakers with Velodyne SPL-800R. Any comments or suggestions on this subwoofer are appreciated. Cheers :) What are you guys using the sub mostly for - movies or music? The Velodyne SPL-800R is a fine subwoofer, though its 8 inch driver clearly limits its low end drive capabilities. For small rooms the 800R would definitely do the job and IMHO is a better subwoofer than PV-1. On the other hand, if you ever needed to employ the sub for large room use you would be well advised to look for a larger sub. I think the 800R retails for around $1400. One further comment - whilst the M1 is an excellent choice for mini HT environments, they are a very inefficient speaker and really need a decent 7.1 AVR with high power to drive them.
ming1881 Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 Hi AngMoh. In my case, i will be using (movie:80%, Music:20%) in the large living/dining room of HDB 5room. Wife wants a small and powerful speakers but find the PV-1 quite expensive. Any alternative sub can recommend? Planning to get a 50inch plasma and good AVR system (Denon 2308 or the new Onkyo 805 or newer model from Denon, etc..) to go along with it. Can wait 2 month for the AVR as ccurrently doing renovation. Any good high power AVR can recommend for the 7.1 ;D Sorry Yeow for highjack your thread :) Thanks again everyone. What are you guys using the sub mostly for - movies or music? The Velodyne SPL-800R is a fine subwoofer, though its 8 inch driver clearly limits its low end drive capabilities. For small rooms the 800R would definitely do the job and IMHO is a better subwoofer than PV-1. On the other hand, if you ever needed to employ the sub for large room use you would be well advised to look for a larger sub. I think the 800R retails for around $1400. One further comment - whilst the M1 is an excellent choice for mini HT environments, they are a very inefficient speaker and really need a decent 7.1 AVR with high power to drive them.
dmateo Posted June 19, 2007 Posted June 19, 2007 why not try something even smaller... :) How about Monitor Audio R90 ? I don't like it's look with grill on, but the black piano finish with grill off looks ok to me.. 400 buck a pair. Then it's just a matter of center and sub... :D I think even AE has a packet Aego T... a bit big for my liking but should be around 2k for their 5.1 packet.
CH_Yeow Posted June 19, 2007 Author Posted June 19, 2007 Thanks for all the replies. And no problem about hijacking my thread. Hi Jon, the same agent for B&W speakers also sells the gallo. So might test it out. Yup, rather low sensitivity speakers. j The price here is 49000 baht for 5 speakers. Not sure if I can bargain , or should I smuggle from Singapore to save some bucks? Savings just enough for return jetstar tickets. When I heard the M-1 speakers, it was in a sound proof HUGE HT room, playing the Incredibles DVD only and using a dated Nakamichi AV and Pioneer DVD player. (my time) ;D And the beauty is I can add a pair for 7.1 if I really need it later and it comes with the dedicated stands (10000 baht a pair). Also read about the Monitor Audio's R, not yet found the agent in BKK. Next week end will have a Bangkok Audio Video show, will sniff around. The SPL800R selling around 39000 baht. Very expensive but I have yet to audition it. I'll forget the Mirage Nanosat. Thanks.
1AngMoh Posted June 20, 2007 Posted June 20, 2007 In my case, i will be using (movie:80%, Music:20%) in the large living/dining room of HDB 5room. Wife wants a small and powerful speakers but find the PV-1 quite expensive. Any alternative sub can recommend? There really are lots of options. One option would be to listen to the Monitor Audio Radius package as suggested by dmateo. The 5.1 package comes with a 12 inch fully sealed subwoofer which does an excellent job. While i agree with CH_Yeow on forgetting the Mirage Nanosat package, Mirage's Omnisat package is very popular. The Omnisat's employs a dispersive design which enables a small speaker to create bigger soundstage than is otherwise possible with a conventional design. Whatever satellite speaker design you choose bear in mind they are a compromise. Whilst they look pretty (sometimes) and save space - they will never equal the performance of a set of full range speakers.
ming1881 Posted June 20, 2007 Posted June 20, 2007 Thanks AngMoh. Will check the other options this week.
dmateo Posted June 20, 2007 Posted June 20, 2007 just thought this might be usefull. I was auditioning M-1 with a friend when there was a stereo setup sound filling the air. (it's not in a room, it's in an open space of a electronic shop). The sound is loud and clear, after I finished auditioning the M-1, I take a walk with my friend and out of curiosity I looked up at the information on which speaker was playing that sound and was quite suprised when I found out the sound coming off a tiny R90 speakers. Yes, that things go loud, I just don't know how loud can it go really as I was put off by the way the model looks. If you crave for something smaller, there is even an R45 (half the size of R90). I've not heard this one on action though, it would be interesting if someone tried it out and let us know. 1AngMoh I was intrique by your comment that SPL 800 are suitable only for a small room. Any dimention idea of what is considered to be suitable for this sub?
ALERT1624705860 Posted June 20, 2007 Posted June 20, 2007 just thought this might be usefull. I was auditioning M-1 with a friend when there was a stereo setup sound filling the air. (it's not in a room, it's in an open space of a electronic shop). The sound is loud and clear, after I finished auditioning the M-1, I take a walk with my friend and out of curiosity I looked up at the information on which speaker was playing that sound and was quite suprised when I found out the sound coming off a tiny R90 speakers. Yes, that things go loud, I just don't know how loud can it go really as I was put off by the way the model looks. I'm also considering the B&W MT-30 and Monitor Audio Radius. But couldn't have a close comparison because both brands are carried by different shops. Thus different room and A/V setup. dmateo, Where did u audit the M-1 and Monitor Audio Radius? Anyone here knows which shop in Singapore carries both B&W and Monitor Audio Radius??
dmateo Posted June 20, 2007 Posted June 20, 2007 Hi Alert, Did this two weeks back when I was in Big Camera Tokyo Yurakucho. I don't know if there is any shops here in Singapore that carry both brands. Are you auditioning R90 AV12 at precision ?
ALERT1624705860 Posted June 21, 2007 Posted June 21, 2007 Hi Alert, Did this two weeks back when I was in Big Camera Tokyo Yurakucho. I don't know if there is any shops here in Singapore that carry both brands. Are you auditioning R90 AV12 at precision ? dmateo, I can't remember the Shop name but its near KEC Audio. I guess tats the only shop that carries a wide range of Monitor Audio. Yes, I planned to audition R90 AV12. But haven't done so. Maybe this weekend. I've also thought of pairing the R90 with B&W PV-1. What you guys think?
stealth Posted June 21, 2007 Posted June 21, 2007 Hi Guys, You may also check this out....from Cabasse of France. :D Worth giving it a try ;) Retailing at $2150 at Electrades at Adelphi 4th floor. Consists of 5 Satellites, a 8" downfiring active sub, stands and accessories. Just a suggestion ;D stealth
ming1881 Posted June 21, 2007 Posted June 21, 2007 Anyone tested or heard the SPL 800 sub and what is the ideal room dimension that is suitable for? Which would be better system MT-1 + SPL800 (i or R) or KEF 3005? or not much in it? Is the SPL 800 sub better than the KEF 3005 sub? Thanks again.
1AngMoh Posted June 21, 2007 Posted June 21, 2007 1AngMoh I was intrique by your comment that SPL 800 are suitable only for a small room. Any dimention idea of what is considered to be suitable for this sub? Pleased you liked the MA R90 speakers. They are very good for their size. Re sub vs room size - there is no exact answer as it depends on room acoustics and how well the room is sealed. The lads at KEC have their own opinion which suggests that the SPL800R is suitable for small rooms of say around 3 x 4m, whereas a 1000R would be recommended 4 x 6m. dmateo, I can't remember the Shop name but its near KEC Audio. I guess tats the only shop that carries a wide range of Monitor Audio. Yes, I planned to audition R90 AV12. But haven't done so. Maybe this weekend. I've also thought of pairing the R90 with B&W PV-1. What you guys think? I would recommend pairing the R90 with its MA partner, the RSW 12 - which is a very good 12 inch sub. The MA stuff is available from Precision Audio at the Adelphi. Anyone tested or heard the SPL 800 sub and what is the ideal room dimension that is suitable for? Which would be better system MT-1 + SPL800 (i or R) or KEF 3005? or not much in it? Is the SPL 800 sub better than the KEF 3005 sub? Thanks again. IMHO the SPL800 is better then the KEF 3005 for small room applications.
dmateo Posted June 21, 2007 Posted June 21, 2007 We need to borrow PV1 from one of the member and tested in Precision Audio ;D ;D But it think it's not a fair comparsion. RW-12 is like 600 quid while PV1 is around 950 quid. It's almost like comparing 1600 cc car with a 2500 cc. For my I just think B&W markup price in Sing is on the high end. I'll check PV-1 next month when I'm down in Hong Kong. Last I check B&W in Hongkong is about 20% cheaper to Singapore. I checked MT-20 on their retail electronic store and it's selling equivalent of circa 2200 sing. I've found some AV store in Mongkok and quite sure the price would be cheaper even after the 5% GST from custom. dmateo, I can't remember the Shop name but its near KEC Audio. I guess tats the only shop that carries a wide range of Monitor Audio. Yes, I planned to audition R90 AV12. But haven't done so. Maybe this weekend. I've also thought of pairing the R90 with B&W PV-1. What you guys think?
ALERT1624705860 Posted June 21, 2007 Posted June 21, 2007 We need to borrow PV1 from one of the member and tested in Precision Audio ;D ;D But it think it's not a fair comparsion. RW-12 is like 600 quid while PV1 is around 950 quid. It's almost like comparing 1600 cc car with a 2500 cc. For my I just think B&W markup price in Sing is on the high end. I'll check PV-1 next month when I'm down in Hong Kong. Last I check B&W in Hongkong is about 20% cheaper to Singapore. I checked MT-20 on their retail electronic store and it's selling equivalent of circa 2200 sing. I've found some AV store in Mongkok and quite sure the price would be cheaper even after the 5% GST from custom. Dun think any member would lend their PV1 just for test purpose. It'll be better if you can pursuade KEC to lend you and test it at Precision. I'm not trying to compare the sub. Was just wondering whether the MA R90 Radius package would sound better if paired with PV1. 1AngMoh, Sounds like you've tested MA R90 AV-12 Radius package. Have you auditioned the B&W MT-30 as well?
1AngMoh Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 1AngMoh, Sounds like you've tested MA R90 AV-12 Radius package. Have you auditioned the B&W MT-30 as well? I don't own an MA R90 Radius package but i have certainly listened to the package on several occasions. It gets my thumbs up for musicality and overall performance for size metrics. Relatively speaking the R90 speakers really are very good but its the integration with the sub-woofer that makes this combo shine. The RSW-12 is a big mother - 500w RMS (1000w peak) amplification. A good sub is needed to compliment the R90's which frankly need its help from about 120Hz down. I like the sub so much i own one. I have not auditioned the MT-30 package so i can't comment on this. I can however comment on the PV-1 which for me was a complete disappointment. OK, the PV-1 looks simply fabulous and the unit does really well with music, but not unfortunately the same is not true with movies. The PV-1's problem with movies is lack of low end grunt. B&W specification for frequency response of 21Hz (-3dB) which is excellent - is in reality an exaggerated lie. Independent Field tests done in the UK by AV Talk measured the PV-1's -3dB point at 41Hz! Furthermore, the PV-1's THD is extremely high, more than 24% distortion for 90dB SPL at 30Hz. See the below link www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=20041&start=0&rid=14&SQ=1161244902 How the PV-1 obtained so many magazine accolades i'm not sure - i can only speak as i personally find. By all mean's give the PV-1 a try [make sure you take some discs with low end tracks to test!] but if you like the R90's i would recommend you buy the matching RSW-12
ALERT1624705860 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Hey 1AngMoh, thanks for your valuable comments. I'm in the process of shortlisting style speaker packages and AVR. Will test the MA Radius package soon.
dmateo Posted June 24, 2007 Posted June 24, 2007 Hey 1AngMoh, thanks for your valuable comments. I'm in the process of shortlisting style speaker packages and AVR. Will test the MA Radius package soon. Alert, did you manage to audition MA R90 AV12 ? If so care to share the information with us. One last point, I know from some magazine that MA is retailing 1350 quid (GBP) in UK, I'm not sure what is the fair price of it here in Singapore perhaps around 2.6-3K SGD ? Thanks
dmateo Posted June 25, 2007 Posted June 25, 2007 hmm.. that's bad. But then again It could also be that you're a victim of circumstances when he was really trying to give good service to the other 2 guys... :D Now if you were the other two guys, you will probalby say that the shop service is top notch.. (no offense mate, just trying to see if from different angle) :P Why not try on the weekday, I heard service is much better on weekday as there are less customer. I will go do there myself mabye today or tomorrow while I'm still on leave. Also I don't know if those shop in Simlim sells MA, but will check it out as well.
ALERT1624705860 Posted June 25, 2007 Posted June 25, 2007 Update us after you've tested the MA Radius ;)
dmateo Posted June 26, 2007 Posted June 26, 2007 Tested MA yesterday night. I spent almost 1.5 hour with Edwards and I find him to be very warm, pleasant and knowledgeable. So, bro I think it's the timing..:D I've so far listened to AE Aego T, MT-20 and MA R90's with RS W12 sub. (Precision does not carry 225 nor does they endorse 225 which I can understand why after his explanation). Some comment. Aego T, I can't really comment. I think the speaker should sound better to what my ear listened given the rave on the project. Probably it has not been run in for long. Sub was dominating as well, handover from sat to sub is not as smoot as RS. Perhaps it gets better if setup properly. MT-20, I like this system. It really gets the feet tapping if you know what I meant. HT is not bad as well, I always believe a good sounding sat should be able to deliver good HT performance and it's quite true for this case. MA R90. In my ear, this system sounds better to B&W M-1 sats. The sub is definately better compared to the AS2 to my ear. I pretty much decided I will got with MA R90 set. It was a close call between MT-20 and MA R90, however my cheapo Yamaha RX-V657 is finally the deciding factor. R90 has a sensitivity of 87db, while M-1 is at the range of 85db. So my concern would be that yammy RX-V657 will not be able to drive the sats to it's fullest capacity. A point that is interesting, the setup in precision is using 4 R90 and 1 R180, instead of R225, however the recommedation is to go with 5/6 R90 (2 R90 for center). The logic is sounds and I think it should work really well, will try this on my purchase date. As of now I need to wait for one month as there is no stock for black colour. :'( But I don't mind really.; I have a business trip to Hong Kong early July, so will give it a go there as well for R90 AV12 setup (with R225) just to hear how it sounded with it's original setup and whether it's worth to buy R225 versus either 1 x R90 or 2 x R90 for center as per precision suggestion which is cheaper and I do believe will integrate the same if not better to R225. Also will look for wife input on the aesthetic department as to make sure she is ok.
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