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Acoustic Energy Aegis vs. Monitor Audio Bronze

Looking at surround speakers to go into a system that consists of:

1. Marantz SR-8000
2. Sony DVP-S9000ES (CD, DVD, and SACD)
3. Sony WEGA tv (32")

Focus is 90% audio (wide mix of musical genres) and 10% movies) in a room that is 15' x 15' with low (7.5') ceilings.

Am trying to choose between an Acoustic Energy (probably Aegis 2's for the fronts; 1's for the back; + Center and Sub) set up and a Monitor Audio Bronze (2's for fronts; 2's for back; + center and sub). Thoughts and experiences would be appreciated. Thanks
gheon
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
No experience with the AE or Monitor Audio. Have you considered the Wharefedale Diamonds (8 series) or Pacific series? I am very happy with the 8.1 Diamonds (mated with a refurbished Marantz 2216 receiver & Yamaha 393 CD player). Prefer their sound to other British monitors that I own that I actually used with the same set-up (EPOS 11; B&W 302). The website is www.iagamerica.com.
rgd
656 posts
 
Have a pair of Monitor Bronze 2's hooked into a NAD L40/C270 combo in the wife's system - very respectable sound for the dollar. Bass is tight but not very low so a sub will be in order especially for HT.

Not sure either of your choices is of the same level of quality as your other gear seems to be. Might I suggest a better pair of mains as your focus is 90% music and spend less on the remaining speakers for HT application...
gheon OP
11 posts
 
Thanks Rar1 -- had not considered the Wharefdale's, but will see if I can find a place in NYC to give them a listen.

RGD, sounds like a reasonable suggestion -- your thoughts on a good set of mains for that system would be much appreciated. For some reason, I took a liking to the AE's and started down that path, but maybe that is not the best path for my needs.

FYI, my upstairs system is a Classe CAP-150 integrated, an Arcam FMJ CD-23, and a pair of Joseph Audio RM22si's connected with Harmonic Tech cables all around. I don't expect the downstairs system(obviously) to match upstairs, but wanted something that was nice and represented pretty good value for music and would not do a bad job with movies.
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