Dissapointed with my new speakers

Mb9061,

Just curious, what were you using to drive the Monitor Audios? The Silver RS6 is a pretty balanced speaker - I auditioned several times with large Denon receivers which are not the last word in amplification. Sounded pretty good overall even with that driving them - don't recall them being overly bright... but definitely not dark either.

To a large degree, the real culprit may be being ignored. These speakers have neither a good lower extension nor are very tight in the bass. Personally, (having owned the 602 S3) speakers (and other B&Ws), this is somewhat the sound you will get with the speakers (until you get much, much higher in their line-up). You are comparing them to your Klipsch speakers which have a typically deeper/lower bottom end extension - though not very tight and somewhat loose.

It sounds like you have become accustomed to the Klipsch bottom end (while not very accurate, it is more noticeable) and are comparing too very different sounding speakers. I would work on room placement if you are trying to get a bass sound more in-line with the Klipsch (more than anything else). For $250 for a sub you are pretty restricted and may be better off saving a bit. I would avoid the B&W subs (not very good, had one), but think that with these speakers you would be well served by one of the REL Quake subs (starting with the Q106? and going up from there based on available budget).

The REL's are much better subs than most others in this price category (at least in terms of real bass control vs. just boom, they have good speed and decent extension). If you want the sub to boom (more like the Klipsch), this will be controlled based on locating the sub and the general set-up.

I wouldn't exactly say I love the Klipsch house sound. I haven't heard any of their real horn speakers like the Heresys etc, but the newer line using the cerametallic woofers and Tractix horns have real problems with properly voicing the mid-range.

The mid-range on both the Klipschs we own are hollow, recessed, and just overall pretty lifeless. It didn't bother me much with the RB25s as they are pretty well balanced for the price however, it is quite noticeable on the RF82s so thats why I avoided moving up the Klipsch product line.

The B&Ws on the other hand, are the complete opposite of the Klipschs, however they take it too far. To me, the mids on the B&W seem overemphasized, pushed forward, and at times vocals don't sound realistic. What I'm looking for is that same mid-range emphasis but a more full, lush sound.

What I did like about the Klipschs was the clarity from the Tractix horns. They didn't resolve as much detail as the B&Ws but they didn't make me cringe from the brightness either. To me they seemed like a good half way point. One thing I noted though was that the B&Ws are amazing for movies. I queued up the Quantom of Solace Blu-ray and the detail and impact with the cheap sub I have now is amazing at high volumes. This is the only area in which I really love these speakers however.

As far as new speakers go, I think I might go audition those Totems however I was also looking at a used pair of Von Schweikert VR-2s. The reviews seem to point to what I'm looking for but they sure are expensive for my budget! Do you think these speakers would match what I'm looking for?

I think you will like Totems. They are a good value for good sound. I'd probably take them over either B&W or modern Klipsch floorstanders in the same general price ranges. Models I've heard like the Arros require considerable power and current to come alive at low volumes the way they are capable though. Don't let the small size fool you there!

I'm not familiar with the sound of the Von Schweikerts so can't comment there.

Interesting. Because there seemed be some concern about bass weight, I completely skimmed over the Totem Arros, but Mapman knows I am a huge fan of those. Agree on the power requirements for that speaker, but the imaging is fantastic and the attractively finished skinny boxes have huge WAF. The slightly larger Sttaf has a bigger sound, but for a lot more money (would be surprised to see these for under $1000).

For the asking price of the VR2s, you could almost buy a new pair of Totem Forests which are a SERIOUS speaker. I do recommend you go listen to the Totem line of products if you can - you may find that you would be quite happy with one of their compact speakers like the Rainmaker or Model One instead of a pair of floorstanders.