Which amplifier (integrated) would you recommend for Monitor Audio PL speakers
((((Initially I
listened to the PL100s on axis -- with each speaker firing straight at me. Like that,
there was too much higher-frequency energy and, depending on the source material, the
PL100s edged toward brightness. After that, I tried them far off-axis; however, when I
went too far off-axis, the speakers sounded dull. This drastic shift has mostly to do with
the ribbon tweeter."
The only caveat comes in the mid range, which can sound somewhat lean in the vocal range, with an overall balance that rises toward the treble. The PL100 will probably sound forward to some, so definitely try before you buy. The PL100 is a top-drawer performer with luxury appeal, and it hides nothing. ...Doug Schneider))))) Amps wont make a huge difference but will help some. with the words above like drastic wider spacing may help but read between the lines. If adjusting the Rotel"s Bass/ treble doesn't help. You may well want to listen first the next next time in your home with the speakers one of the amps that have zero feedback design may help you play music and has a balanced XLR input the Ayre AX7.. Metal drivers / Hi Mass tend to be great in the bass but cant move fast enough and end up slow in the Mid band where most of the music is and where we are able to hear the best. If after all fails and you throw in the towels try listening to The Vandersteen Treo CT it works well with most all amps, offers 4 unique drivers time aligned and pistonic/faster to the frequencies they are reproducing which IMO results in a more coherent satisfying listening experience. Best, JohnnyR |
Not sure how you can fix the ribbon tweeter. Ribbons suffer from compression and distortion as you increase SPL. True to form for that style transducer, the ribbon appears to be severely distorting and compressing at modest levels. http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/measurements/speakers/monitor_audio_pl100/ Worse there is a problem with the woofer. It is breaking up at 2KHz which will be clearly audible as distortion and huge distortion spikes evident on the measurements. Also the woofer is a cheap design that cannot play even modest SPL before significant compression. This speaker will only only sound good at low volumes and will sound dull and harsh when pushed. No amplifier is going to fix it. Sorry to tell it like it is but how else can I be if any assistance (what point would there be to spend $1400 on an amp when the speaker is your problem) BTW I also don’t like B&W because of their poor design but your previous B&W speakers were much better than the PL-100. If you can move on then you will be far happier. ATC SCM 19 would be a step up from the B&W if you are looking for a stand mount. |
