Monitor Audio and Naim?

Hi Bruce!

I have had two MA speakers. First the Studio 2's with my 92/fc/90.3. They sounded awesome, but I wanted more bass (and a REL gave me too much). I changed to Intro's and upgraded my whole set in the meantime. Now as I have downgraded again to CD5/hi+Nait5/hi I have bought Studio 20's and they sound great. I have bought them without listening, so confident I was about them because of the beautiful 2's. I do have to admit I do prefer the Vienna Acoustics Beethoven, but because of their size they were mo option to me for now.

I do recall some people don't favour MA, so do give them a listen before buying!

Greetz, Bas

Thanks for the input everyone. I was under the impression that these were pretty efficient speakers, so I'm a bit surprised to hear about the power requirements.

Bas, I currently have Vienna Acoustic Bachs. Since you are a VA expert, how do the Studios 20s compare with my speakers?

Bruce

Well Bruce, I only know the Beethovens and they are, I suppose, quite something else to the Bachs.

The difference between the MA's and the VA's is that the VA's give a lot more detail. I had the impression that there were no curtains left. O.t.o.h. the MA's just sound great. I don't know how to exactly explain what I mean, but is the same reason why I once started with Naim. I can never pinpoint problems, although when I hear better Naim I know why it is better. I guess it's the same with MA, to my ears they just sound great. Je ne sais quoi...

Something of less importance, but everyone who visits my house just loves my speakers, both sounds and looks!

The Studio 20s do need a little bit of juice, but if you listen at moderate levels, the 150 should work fine. I did a lot of Naim auditioning with these speakers at the local dealer and they sounded great, if they are perhaps a little to pricey for what they are.

I used to run some even more power hungry MA 700PMCs with my Nait 5, and they worked well, as long as I didn't play them at house party levels. (I still have them in my second system.) I upgarded to the VA Bachs myself, and find them better in every regard, particularly in the amount of detail presented. The 20s have more detail than the 700s, but I'm not so sure if they trump the Bachs. In any event, it looks like you prefer more forgiving, sweeter speakers, which I know I do. Maybe think of the Mozarts.

For what its worth, I've got a pair of elderly MA R352s that work very well with my Nait3.
Very musical, lots of detail and good tight bass control. They don't like NACA5 cable though.

David

I have had my MA monitor 3s for 10 years now and whilst I would never claim the gold tweeter was anything special (can get a bit splashy), I think they do a good job of maintaining the PRAT and they pass the WAF with ease.

The new breed of MAs seem to still have the MA sound but with more bass and scale. If you have a large room they should at least be worth a demo.