Definitive Technology BP-8020 vs the Monitor Audio RS6. Which is "better"?

Thank you for the information and for the advice douglas_schroeder.

The system I would use these speakers with is strictly for two-channel stereo music. The room is about 22' x 15' with a low ceiling. I'm currently using an Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 1 amp, a tube preamp, a ten inch sub, and a pair of Monitor Audio RS6 speakers. At the moment this setup sounds good enough for me, although in the past I've had many different components.

I had a fairly elaborate HDTV setup in another room, but am trying to simplify my life so I eliminated that system in favor of a soundbase (Zvox 570) with an external subwoofer. This setup is better than I expected, by the way.

All of the Definitive Technology BP-8020 reviews I could find are quite positive. Admittedly I've never auditioned these speakers and am basing my opinion of them solely on these reviews, which includes reading between the lines, as it were. I'll be deciding by the end of the day what to do. It's just that the Monitor RS6 is so remarkably good for its size/price (but with a tube preamp) that I hesitate to replace it.

Thanks mrussel1 and dinasty.

I wound up not getting the Def Tech speakers. I had no idea the line was being closed out, so not getting them turned out to be a lucky break. The seller became very stubborn about price, etc. and was asking too much for his used 8020s (~$600/pair).

I'm very happy with the Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 1 amp, and am glad I bought it. Emotiva is very easy to deal with, and their customer service is first rate. It's a beast and much more amp than I need--very neutral and accurate. In my opinion it's best paired with a tube preamp, especially with the RS6s, which are a bit bright.

The Monitor Audio RS6 pair I've been using for several years now is a really good speaker for the price. They sound and look great, and the last time I checked were still fairly available on the used market, and at ~$500-600/a pair, a real bargain. They are somewhat bright at higher volume, but my advancing age and diminishing high frequency hearing have turned bright sound into an advantage.

Regarding the Zvox 570...yes, it's a great soundbase. The 670 is only $70 more, and frankly, is an even better deal at $370; my brother bought one and I listened to it the other day and was flabbergasted at how much bass it produces...without an external sub. LFE sounds are very prominent, deep, and definitely good enough for most people (unless you're a bass freak). The only issue is, depending on your TV stand, the strong bass may occasionally vibrate and buzz the . But that's a small problem I'd be willing to live with. I'm probably going to get one after I decide what to do with my 570.

Yes, for the money spent it's a good system. Can't really complain.

Without the tube preamp I'm pretty sure the brightness of the RS6s combined with the neutral tone of the Emotiva amp would result in too much brightness, even for my old ears.

By the way, I'm using an Aric tube preamp (v3.7 if memory serves). He builds them himself and sells them on eBay and on his site. No remote controls or bells and whistles, but it does include phono capability. I've owned many solid state preamps, all budget priced at ~<$600 when new, and the ~$375 Aric tube preamp outperforms all of them, at least to my ears. It's warm, but not too warm.