Royd Minstrels

Posted by: i am simon 2 on 09 March 2003

Looks like I will have a pair of minstrels on their way to me for the end of the week.

They were not to expensive, and I fancied a change, I don’t know if it will be an upgrade or side grade from the Ruark Epilogues, but If they are no good, I can always sell them again.

I have not heard minstrels for about 8 years, in fact they were on the end of the first ever Naim system I listened too, so maybe there is some nostalgia attached to the purchase.

I seem to remember them having incredibly well controlled bass at low volumes, which should suit me well, but it was a long time ago and I have heard a lot of different sistems since then.

When I heard them, they were on the end of Nait 3, I have read that they are insensitive little buggers, so hopefully the 160 will be plenty.

Sorry for waffling on, but now the question.

Any one with experience of this funny little floor stander got any advice on positioning etc?

Simon

Posted on: 10 March 2003 by Nigel Cavendish

I've got Minstrels on the end of a nait 3 firing across a room that is about 26' by 12'.

They are about 9' apart, 10" from the back wall, slightly toed in, with the ports facing inwards i.e. towards each other.

Surprisingly deep bass from such small enclosures, well controlled and detailed.

cheers

Nigel

Posted on: 10 March 2003 by Rico

ports in or ports out, depends on the room. Don't toe them in.

They can groove like the proverbial goove thang! Perhaps not the last word in accuracy or extention, but great at communicating music (which is what counts).

Ricorating: four and a half disco remixes.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

Posted on: 10 March 2003 by Linds

Still have my Minstrels

...but have a buyer I hope so they'll soon be gone from the corner of the bedroom! Replaced now by Credos.

Minstrels were/are an utter bargain speaker for their awesome toe-tapping and vocal ability. The treble grain or splashiness or what was it eventually nudged me too far and forced the change. Pity the RR1 "replacement for the Minstrel, but better!" from Royd is £700 or £800!

Buy your Royds, enjoy your Royds! The placement tips given above are absolutely spot on in my experience! Keeping them away from a back wall is critical. You can reinforce (muddy) the bass and lose the timing big-style!

!!! There's always money somewhere for the next upgrade... !!!

Posted on: 11 March 2003 by i am simon 2

Thanks for all the usefull tips so far, keep em coming.

They should be with me on Friday, so I will have the weekend to listen and comment on Monday.

Regards

Simon

Posted on: 11 March 2003 by JohanR

Lot's of talk about Royd today! This is the third thread where I have the pleasure to write about them. Read the other threads to, Simon, together I would say they summarize the Royd "sound".

Or wait until the weekend and make your own judgement!

JohanR