MONITOR AUDIO BRONZE 100 REVIEW VS BRONZE 50, WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12.1, Q ACOUSTIC 3030i & MORE!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- If you move up from the base Monitor Audio Bronze range model - the Bronze 50s - what do you get? Paul Rigby reviews the 100s but also wonders, is it actually worth the upgrade? Also, how do they compare to speakers from Wharfedale, Q Acoustic and Martin Logan?
GOOD: tonal balance, integrated bass, midrange insight, fragile treble
BAD: nothing
RATING: 9
VIDEO CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
5:18 - Closer Look
8:58 - Sound Quality
10:51 - vs Q Acoustic 3030i
14:30 - vs Monitor Audio Bronze 50
17:29 - vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
19:21 - vs Martin Logan 15i
22:06 - Conclusion
#monitoraudio #speakers #review #bronze #bronze100 #wharfedale #diamond #qacoustic #3030i #martinlogan #15i #hifi #audiophile
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Fantastic review. I have owned a pair of the Bronze 100's for 15 months, and I totally agree with your sunshiny evaluation. I've owned numerous similarly priced bookshelf speakers and the Bronze 100's rule.
Thank you so much for this review. I was searching for a pair of speakers for my audio set. My previous speakers were ok, kind of, but I was always playing around with the EQ to make them sound well, depending on the kind of music. After listening to this review and some others about these speakers, I finally decided to buy them. And I'm loving them! They are very versatile, and now I only have to lower the bass one decibel at most on my amplifier for some albums.
Really would like to see a comparison between the bronze 100 vs silver 100. Great video!
Concur - Please review the Silver !!
Totally agree - would love to compare silver to bronze to the Martin Logan
It will be a large step up in comparison.
@@nc3419 I'm not sure about that - I've seen one review of the silver that focused on it's "upgrade" as being primarily the fit/finish/materials of the speaker cabinets. That's why a direct listening comparison of the two would be fascinating to me.
@@pvl256 Just received the Silver 50s and have them playing cold out of the box. Definitely a very significant upgrade to the Bronze. For its' size it is tremendous in its' ability for detail, resolution and gives sufficient space in comparison to even more expensive speakers.
The primary difference between these and larger standmount speakers is a slight decrease in dynamic output and stage size. You'll hear the quiet passages and it quickly shifts to louder passages but stops just short of the energy presented by a bigger speaker. But not by alot but it is noticeable. More significant when compared to the Silver 100s though. The 50s are also smooth for a metal tweeter and controls sibilance very well.
In comparison to the Silver 100s, the 100s convey alot more energy and are a bit more forward. Neither are laid back and maybe I believe I sense more depth with the 50s. Pretty much it is giving me everything I essentially needed in a smaller speaker meeting expectations as there are tradeoffs between larger mid drivers.
As to Martin Logan, I had the ML 15s some years ago and as far as detail, capability for both HT/ and particularly music, I think the Silver 50s are a better option. The thing the AMT tweeter gives you, at least with music is it can render voices to have a more live (not lifelike) sound like you are listening at a venue vs more or less a studio recorded voice, if that makes sense to you. I did like it. I could live with either tweeter but the Logans' choice of mid driver held them back. They had limits as to how load they could play too before breaking up.
When compared to my then Silver RX1s vs the ML Motion 15s, the RX1s just walked all over them. The newer ML models may be different though. Still, Monitor Audio fixed the Silvers in that the 50 model in comparison to the RX-1s are better, not being too laid back like they used to be. Still not as forward sounding as the 100s but just right.
At the time I had the 100s, I thought they were very exciting and made movies loud and fun but were a bit much particularly at night and sometimes with music. They seem to be about 2-3db louder or more especially during dynamic passages. For an apartment, the 50s fit the bill with their commensurately and expected dynamic ability but are easy enough to drive with a smaller amp. Good enough for music and in a very small, attractive package. Probably get better results if I use my Hegel.
At full retail it's a tough call as there are alot of choices, but a demo unit for a bit over 500 was just the ticket. Discounted at 699 remains an option and its a fair value at that price, IMO. For what it's worth.
Bought these to go with my Denon PMA-600ne amp, very impressive and great combination (warm amp so they say.. and bright speakers) in my opinion. Tubular Bells sounds amazing! They were a little bit bigger than i anticipated but not too big to become cumbersome. £297 paid in the UK, seems quite a bit cheaper than the amount quoted on the American reviews. Nice review!
Silver 100 6g ownerguy here. Great speakers ❤ thanks 🙏
Fantastic review. Been pondering for a while and went for it. Got a pair last week. I think I've just hit the burn it point, wow. I was just listening to Pink Floyds Wish You Were Here when a fuller sound just came from the speakers. Never really believed it but I heard it.
Very good review.
Regarding Stereo vs Home cinema.
Would you turn them into the correct angle to meet the stereo triangle?
For HC i think this is not always ideal since place on the sides of the reference point are already suffering anyway.
Question is: What had Monitor Audio in mind while creating these speakers?
Dat Marillion at the back! ❤️ Love your reviews mate!
Now we need a comparison with the gold 100s. Great channel!!!
Totally different price range though
Very Interesting review and comparison, thank you
Nice of you to say so, Michael - thanks.
I'm planning to upgrade my 5.1 setup with the MA bronze series, I have 5 satellite speakers and a sub from Sony now but the sound is missing so much detail. I'm just wondering if I should get the 50s or 100s for my front speakers, I thought 100s as front, 50s as surround, and the C150 as the center. But I'm wondering if I shouldn't get the 50s as front as well since the atmos speakers are designed for the 50s and 200s, then again I don't have a atmos receiver and I'm not sure if I'll ever go for atmos, maybe in the far future when every movie and game has support for it.
My living room is about 80m² but it's in like a T shape and the TV area is about 25m² but doesn't have a back wall.
Great video comparing 50 and 100.
I have a medium/large room 4m wide x 6m long and want to add these Monitor Bronze 50 speakers up high on the wall mounted as Front Height in a 5.1.2 or 5.1.4 system for Auro 3D. Aiming down at 30 degrees from MLP, Do you think the Monitor 50s may be too small if watching rock concerts? 🤔 most bass would go to my sub however im interest in your thoughts. Monitor Audio have a really good mounting accessory for the 50s though not for the 100's
Great review again. My next purchase would be floor standers and would therefore not include any of the speakers here. Possibly the Monitor Audio Bronze 200 may be the ones after watching today.
Hi Paul - great review. Quick one, what's that Caravan box set I see on the far left of the storage below the speakers when you take a Closer Look?
Here you go: www.discogs.com/release/19916626-Caravan-Who-Do-You-Think-We-Are
Great video, Paul. This is the first major re-design for about four generations, moving the port from the front to the back and squashing the cabinet down a tad. Your comparison between 100 and 50 mirrors my experience between the gen six Bronze 2 and 1. I still use the former in my study system. The only thing I find a little sad is that they use electrolytic caps. That’s a project just waiting to be started for me. All the best for the season 😊
Great review! Looking at these or the diamond 12.2’s, any chance you might compare those 2 models?
Did you buy any?
Great review audiophile man! Really torn between these and the floorstanding 200 model. Would be using them for around 70 percent home cinema and 30 percent music. Any thoughts?
Depends on your room, how much space you have, how triggered you might be by being surrounded by large floor standing speakers and how much extra bass you need in addition to a sub (which I assume you already have for AV).
I'm actually looking at the MA Silver 7g 100's, but trying to find out about pairing them with Audiolab 6000a. What do you think?
I see the 6000a in your reference, list.
I have a pair of Silver 100 paired with Audiolab 6000a. They felt slightly underpowered so I added an Audiolab 8000p power amp. Very pleased with the set-up now.
Thank you for adding inches I usually have no idea when you speak in metric only about sizes. Although I must say I like using a metric tape measure
Not that surprising the larger soundstage w/8” woofers. How do the Monitor Silver compare to the Mission 770. I’d love to see that comparison.
which among these is best for near field ? thanks
I prefer bookshelf speakers, like these brands very much also rega, elac and klipsch. Bookshelfs surprised me every time I listen to them, what they deliver on sound is really awesome and fascinating. Like your reviews and it's important to audiophiles to know, that there are so much alternatives to the expensive components on the market, that really have high sound qualities for less money
I'm planning to upgrade my 5.1 setup with the MA bronze series, I have 5 satellite speakers and a sub from Sony now but the sound is missing so much detail. I'm just wondering if I should get the 50s or 100s for my front speakers, I thought 100s as front, 50s as surround, and the C150 as the center. But I'm wondering if I shouldn't get the 50s as front as well since the atmos speakers are designed for the 50s and 200s, then again I don't have a atmos receiver and I'm not sure if I'll ever go for atmos, maybe in the far future when every movie and game has support for it.
Tengo un axr100 y un bonze 100 y se quemo el .tweeter por que paso ?
The 12.2 would have been a better comparison to the 100.
The 12.1 is £249 The Bronze 100 is £259, so close price match.
I'm old enough to remember when eight inch two way speakers were the norm. Probably superseded by improved more capable smaller drivers but is nice to see.
Would the Bronze 50 improve vs the 100s if a sub is added?
would you pay double for the silver 100's?
What is the use of those two Black round sponges delivered with each pair of Monitor Audio?
Plug the ports. Maybe works if using a sub. I found with my speakers they sounded nicer with ports open while using as is
I needed some advice but I think this guy has made my mind up ;) I have a Marantaz set up PM8005 Amplifier a NA8005 network player and the SA8005 super audio cd player I had some Dali Zensor 3's that had a 7" woofer (I just sold a few days ago) I never liked the look of the front cones so I finally sold them for £250.
I wanted to know if I should get the Diamond 12.2 or the Q Acoustics 3030i or the monitor audio bronze 100 as a replacement. for the Dalis I'm happy to pay unto £300
any help appreciated or advice?
Personally I'd go MA for main left & right music.
I had decade old Bronze bookshelf speakers with my Marantz PM6006
From the many reviews & comments I've read the Q3000s are a good budget choice for Home theatre
yes I was on the verge!! but the front grills put me off I listened to the polk audio ES20 and the bass lower end really sounded well!!!
Anybody knows where can I buy a pair of replacement grills for this speakers? Bronze 100 or silver 100
Ask Monitor Audio?
I had actually noticed the left sleeve cuff of the jumper in an early shot, and was glad to see it featured more noticeably at around 17:36. However, it's probably best for it to stick to cameos at this point in its career, eh?
Funnily enough, I asked another reviewer his opinion on this very subject, with the speaker range in question being the Elac Debut B5.2 versus their big brother, the B6.2 - whether that leap was worth considering.
However, the above is now rendered moot, given that I've just bought a pair of the fine 100s you've just reviewed, for the incredible price of just £199! Sevenoaks does have a few more pairs at that price if anybody's interested.
Not according to its agent.
Hey, Love your videos a lot! I was wondering your thoughts and suggestions about digitizing vinyl, what should I get and what’s the best way to do it? Thank you
Depends on your priorities and what you expect from the result. The basic, cheapest method is to grab either a turntable with a built-in USB (there's lots out there) port or a phono amplifier with the same (something like a Rega Mini Fono). Then use the free Audacity downloadable software (www.audacityteam.org) and a connecting cable to your laptop or other device to receive and store that resulting file. On the other hand, if sound quality is the highest priority and you have a budget then buy a more specialised item that outputs files to 24bit (16bit files will include a certain level of noise - fine more most people who never really hear it). If you need to go there, give me a shout.
@@TheAudiophileMan I think I’d like the 24 bit option if you have any advice about that Id be very grateful. One option I have heard about is getting an audio interface and connecting that to a phono amp. Thank you for all that you do!
I guess it depends what kind of room you have. As I have tried both the 50s and the 100s. Came back to the 50s as they being smaller fit my small living room better. I found it hard to control the100s in the small room add to this the full length glass rear wall. They just muddied the sound. The 50s were better in the mids and controlled in the highs. I have a sub so bass wasn't so important. I know I must treat the back wall and will be doing this with pleated curtains.
If you need help damping your room - especially on a budget - I do have a Guide on my website, that you can read here: theaudiophileman.com/damping/ I would always recommend sorting the room first and then passing judgement on any hifi that might reside within it. On your other point, if you're finding it hard to control a pair of 100s in your room, I'm not sure that the sub will help matters.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for that yes I Am in the process of damping the room I do have very good sound coming from my system. Particularly from vinyl. Just need the back wall to be less reflective. I will certainly take a look at your guide. 👍
@@TheAudiophileMan I just read that article. A question about the foam plugs that come with Monitors and go in the air ports in the backs. Would they help in anyway if you had empty room problem sound?
Real to Reel Marillion on vinyl 👍👍👍🤘 Great backdrop
😀 Love Marillion 🎶 Fantastic band live. Only became a fan in the H era
Anyone compared them to Polk R200?
Think you should have compared the 100's to the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 and not the 12.1 because the 12.2 has similar sized drivers.
Rotel A11 Tribute + MA Bronze 100 and 200 is excellent.
Diamond 12.1 or Bronze 50 is better?
I realize that this is an old video so the chance my comment gets read is small, but I'll still try. I really liked this video and would be super happy if you could do a review on Bronze 500. Or even better to compare Bronze 500 vs Silver 500. There's is that difference in absence of mid woofer on Bronze and it just keeps bugging me if it actually makes any difference and if yes, how big. Considering the fact that many comparisons between Bronze 100 vs Silver 100 came to the conclusion that the difference is pretty small. But that's that mid woofer on Silver 500...
I'll make a note, thanks.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you already for reading my comment and for your reply. And if that review will ever happen, that would be super cool. Thanks
@@kokarulevic I suspect you'd get smoother dispersion maybe more detail from the 3-way. The silvers may also be tuned a little more flat than the bronze, but that depends as tower version may be different from bookshelf version I saw
To match the sterile sound of the new purist era amplifiers they are issuind bloated undefined sounding speakers..am I right? The magic combination is very bassy amps with tone controls and tight speakers. What I hear in all HiFi shops is trash thin metallic sound.
The Bronze is indeed more refined in Sound than the 3030i. And the Timing is better. You can easily hear that Monitor Audio has much more experience in building speakers than Q Acoustics, which is a quite new Company.
The Bronze also sounds more forward, while the 3030i (and especially the smaller 3020i) sounds like the Music would play INSIDE the Box instead of throwing the Music into the Room. The 30xxi Series by Q Acoustics is really good and has been improved compared to their predecessors (without the i), but I think it's not a speaker for everyone because of this sound signature and lacking "forwardness".
New monitor Audio bronze are a step down from the old ones.
in what way?
@@RennieAsh 8" woofers are not as agile as 6.5" woofers..
Bronze 100s (20cm woofer) vs Wharfedale 12.1s (13 cm woofer) doesn't seem like a fair comparison, don't you think? 12.2's would make more sense.
Its completely fair if you follow my reasoning. The more comparative review was with the 3030i. The 12.1 was used because I used a Monitor Audio 50 as an example of a 'one rung up' potential improvement for those looking to upgrade. The 12.1 was inserted to provide a less biased, company disconnected, 'one rung up' comparison because the 50 will be utilising similar technologies to its 100 cousin.
@@TheAudiophileMan Appreciate the clarification (still would be curious to know how the 12.2's compare to the bronze 100's). I like your comparative reviews overall, and your music choice in particular. :) Thanks!
@@TheAudiophileMan Oh forgot to mention: could you also add some comments on differences regarding room size and placement, distance from front wall, etc., to your reviews? I think that would be useful to your viewers.
Rating time please.
Sorted - thanks Bill.
50 or 100 ? It's the size of the room that matters...
I’ve never heard a monitor audio speaker that I liked, even the platinum range. Just not my taste.
Beware that tempting 8" woofers...
Please stay metric.
I am, never fear. I’m just adding imperial measurements for those who need them.