I always run my set up on pure direct using entry level yamaha RX v475 (yeah, I do not have high end amp or receiver). I run my songs on Dell XPS 1800 using Power DVD (which I personally find as the best bit perfect software for windows- after having tried foosbar2000 and Jriver). I always like pure direct when I play, but I don't have any stereo amp, so I have no idea how they will sound on it.Hello,
I bought my Monitor Audio Silver 300 at a discounted price this Black Friday.
I use as a source a Mac Mini with Audirvana and Tidal to play SACD, FLAC and MQA, and a Pioneer BDP-450 for SACD and CDs. The main amp is a Onkyo A-9010, the second is a Yamaha Avantage RX-A1030. The difference in sound between the amps is quite big, you cannot replace the sound of a dedicated stereo amp with the sound of a avr receiver. The stereo amp is more dynamic, detailed and present. Maybe the avr could sound better with tweeks of the settings, but I'm a purist and leave the direct sound on...if it sounds good then the matching between components is right.
The speakers are sounding harsh even after almost 100h of usage in my system, although the sound seemed to sweeten a bit, or my ears are getting used.
The guy from the store tell me that the amp is not suitable with this speakers and the break-in is not enough, and the Monitor Audio speakers need a longer time of usage.
The Onkyo amp is sounding very good on a Magnat Quantum 705, a Klipsch R-26F and Monitor Audio Silver 8. The Silver 8 sound was the reason to buy the Silver 300, thinking that overall signature is maintened.
What I found not ok is that some voices are sounding harsh and annoying in the upper mids, like the artist is shouting and this make me lower the volume to stop the pain. The sounstage is a bit restrained, maybe because the sound is controlled too much.
The best thing is the bass which is very deep and round, much better then the bass of the speakers mentioned early.
MNSLD2, please tell us what setup do you use with the Silver 300?
Thank you.
For your setup, Klipsch R-26F has very high sensitivity so I would not try to compare Silver 300 with them. I could not find specs for Magnat Quantum 705. But for your case, are you using A1030 as pre-amp and Onkyo as amp or the otherway? Or you are bi-amping the speakers?
These speakers are very accurate, and do take a little time to break in. My dealer told me it will take about 200 to 400 hrs. For me, I don't know how many hours, but about a month (and probably still working on it) to get good bass. They do have crystal clear and much prominent sounding highs and mids, compared to other similar range/sensitivity speakers out in the market. I find them with amazing clarity, detailed and separation of instruments that i was seeking.
One thing I have found recently (today only) with my setup is that keeping the volume of my PC at about 60-65% and controlling rest of the volume with receiver makes them sound much smooth and relaxing. After auditioning few different brands of speakers for the similar price and specs, I understood that high end speakers do not have wide soundstage. The more accurate the speakers, the tighter the soundstage. They will typically need higher wattage to give wider soundstage, in my opinion.
I am looking forward to run them on a higher wattage amp to see how it will improve the imaging and soundstage on it.
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