Monitor Audio Studio 20SE vs. GR20 or GR60

I owned a pair of Studio 20's in the 90's. They were detailed, excellent mid-range and better bass if they were loaded with 'sand' or 'buck shot'. They imaged very well, for example the height of a vocalist. They had great finish and build quality. I think it was poor decision on my part to sell them. If I see another pair of 20's, 50's or 60's I will buy them.

The current MA line doesn't seem to have the same build/part quality. MA now has a different build strategy focusing on global marketing with cheaper components. The cabinet build quality is extremely important not just for cosmetics but better sound - Sonus Faber, Wilson Benesch are good examples - the extra care & time spent on varnish, lacquer, etc has very specific purpose other than just cosmetics. The current MA line-up just looks and feels mass-market and consequently lot cheaper to manufacture. The sound signature of the GR line is about personal taste and you may rightfully believe a GR60 is superior to it's older counterpart. OTH as someone previously mentioned, those special speakers or any 'used' time-tested product is always difficult to get because it's in high demand. For instance, always difficult to find a used pair of Sonus Faber Extremas, Guarneri or Electa Amator II's - they are all out of production for many years but still considered exceptional performers. When they're listed anywhere, they won't be around for very long - that's a sign of strong value - because they are not just a pair of speakers but real work of art.

My vote goes to Studio 20, 50 and 60 over the GR's.

Amongst other speakers, I have owned the Studio 6, the GR60 and now own the Studio 50.
The GR60 (3-way with three dedicated woofer chambers) have front and rear vent ports and are very room-dependent. It's very difficult to control that bass. They are plain - the magic of the Studio series is all gone.
They are great with movies but poor with audio.

I found a pair of the oldies Studio 50 and replaced the GR60 which I don't miss. The Studio 50 has all the liquid and 3D midband/highs from the Studio 6 plus amazing audiophile bass (they're fully sealed).

Despite the aged concept of the Studio 50 and the hi-tech solutions of the GR60, the Studio 50 presents the soul of the music while the sound of the GR60 although detailed and extended lacks that life, or should I say old magic?

Have heard the GS60 and only found minor sonic differences to the GR60. To my hears it's the same plain sound.

No Sony the magic is not gone. You just don't have the right equipment or the proper set up. I've had many many speakers in the past and to me the Studio Series is still a wonderful speaker. I've used them in audio and video and there just great great speakers. I with out question disagree with you. Some people out there just don't have them set up properly and usually have poor equipment!!!!!There very revealing and can not be as good as they can be if you don't have them set up properly. You rarely ever see a pair of old Studio Gold series for sale either. I know these speakers upside and down and there still very hard to " BEAT"

The MA GS 60s is a very under rated speaker. And you are right, so many people do not have them set up right. Many are pairing them with not so good receivers, have a rack stand/TV between them, and have them back all the way against the wall. These speakers seem to be a big hit with people that using them mainly in a home theatre type situation. For music, if you set them up right, pair them with complimentary components, and your right, this is a very hard speaker to beat. How or why they do not get as much attention from the "audiophile" crowd I have not idea. IMO, they are great, especially for their price.

oops, I see you were talking about the Studio series not the newer Gold Signature series. Sorry.