Difference between Monitor Audio and B&W

[Gtiracer]

Without the hassle of going down my local Hi-fi demo shop approx +25mile away.

Can anyone describe / explain the difference to the best of their ability about these speaker manufacturers - what types of audio they excel and lack at.

Would really appreciate any advice about them - My personal interest is Gaming, Movies and a little bit of music.

 

[Gtiracer]

Well that's a "How long is a piece of string" question.

Personally I find the Monitor Audio sound more musical and involving, but quite honestly both brands are top quality. Speakers are a very personal choice. You'll get as many opinions as there are listeners. Each one is valid, but also highly individual.

I have to say though, if you're really thinking of buying gear of this quality but consider going to the store to listen to it as "a hassle" are you really sure it's the right choice for you?

Im not thinking of buying anytime soon - not got the funds, hence there being no need to go down a shop and bother a salesman, I'm just gathering opinions for my own benefit to help myself make a choice when it comes to buying.

 

[Gtiracer]

a lot will depend on the amp.

with B&W you dont want a smooth amp you want something more punchy. i much prefer onkyo amps with my speakers than denon for example. yammy would also be a bit too smooth.

thats why you need to audition. you can then try and track down cheaper after if you like.

Thanks for the info - I currently have an Onkyo SR605 - will that suffice or will i need an amp upgrade would you imagine?

 

[Gtiracer]

just looked at PMC prices - ouch, bit too much for me

If I had the room for floorstanders...

There is another company nearby I think that does deal with PMC speakers, will have to drop them a mail I think. Sticking point certainly seems to be the need for a home demo Dealers don't seem to understand when I listen to speakers I really struggle to get any sense of improvement over my M71's.

I've upgraded the amp over the years from entry level Yamaha's, Denons, then to mid level Marantz and Yamaha's and now a top notch Yamaha AV Amp, but the missions still work well. I've demo's £500ish Quads, £500ish B&W's, and listened to relatives Epos ES14's and Monitor Audio Radius HD set ups, and they are all somehow beaten by my (supposedly) rubbish set of £250 missions. Dealers turn their noses up when I explain what I have, yet are flummoxed when what they offer me to demo don't improve on the sound. Even my poxy headphones i carry to work every day cost more than my speakers!

are the M71's really that good, or is it just due to personal preference that they're better for you do you think?