Just in the process of building my first decent 2 channel system.
I really liked the sound of the Musical Fidelity components and the Monitor Audio speakers. One remote for the amp and CD is nice too.
I auditioned a couple of other CD players with the system (Rega Planet - didn't like it as much and Roksan Kaspian - loved the sound, but much more money). I also heard a Bryston Integrated Amp with $2,000 cables, a power conditioner, Definitive Technologies speakers which sounded great, but the amp and cables were out of my budget.
Power is probably a little low at 55 wpc, but I won't be listening at very high volume anyway.
Don't have the speakers just yet, but really looking forward to hearing the system. Will post pictures once I have the system up and running (sadly, it's in boxes right now as I'm moving soon).
I couldn't test the cables with my current Sony HT receiver (won't accept spade connections), so I hooked up the MF components and did a brief comparision between the Monster and Transparents. I listened to a few songs with both, and I did notice a difference, even with lower end bookshelfs (8 year old PSB Century's). The Transparents were a much cleaner, crisper sound. Also, I couldn't properly connect the spade ends to the PSB's, as the posts are too wide, so I only got half the connection. I would imagine that once I get the MA RS6's, they will reveal a much bigger difference - as they are a much better speaker, I would imagine that they are much more revealing as well. I guess it comes down to how much you want to spend - $50 for Monster's vs $340 for the Transparents I got is quite a big difference (and I think these are the second model from the entry level). With my limited knowledge and experience with the audiophile equipment, it seems to me that the cables make a marginal difference. I wouldn't go with the cheap stuff, but buy decent cables. I think you get better bang for your buck with a better speaker and then a better source.
XC-rob - How did you conclude the Transparent cables are "quite a step up" from the rolled Monster speaker cable? Not saying you wrong, but how much of a jump is it? Or should I save my money?
Well, the components are still in the boxes (I'm moving soon) and I'm waiting for the speakers to arrive. So I can't comment on how the transparent cables sound yet...although I may try them out on my mediocre home theatre's front speakers. I'm going from Monster speaker wire that comes in a roll (the thicker stuff)...so it's quite the step up for me in going to the Transparent cables.
Thanks - I'm like a kid waiting to open a Christmas present - can't wait to have it up and running. I got to listen to some S8's on the weekend, which I really liked. Probably will get the RS6's, but now I'm thinking maybe the Gold series - anyone know how the Gold and Silver series compare?
Very nice system, I enjoy listening to monitor audio's speakers. How are you likeing the transparent cables? (I assume they are not broken in yet) I auditioned Music Fidelity equipment when i first got into high-end audio, I thought they were too expensive. I kinda regret not listening to them indepth, I think it may have been a better fit for me. Again, congrads on the system cheers
Looks and sounds as if you have a great system put together. Enjoy!
PS - I'm glad you didn't waste your money on the Def Tec speakers. Outside of the heartstopping bass, they are lousy speakers. You were wise to put your money into the RS6's.
