Monitor Audio ma4 mk 2 vintage speakers ,detailed sound review and comparison.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- here i review Monitor audio ma 4 mk2.
And compare and contrast with Spendpr BC! and Kef LS50 .
Powered with Naim nap 100 (50 watts per ch )also quad elite (140 watts per ch) power amp .
linked to Rotel RC9780x preamp.
from arcam cd 72 cd player .
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You're a fun reviewer to watch and you'll definitely have 10k subs in no time. I just bought a Sansui 331 on your recommendation.
However, I think your channel should be called StereoReviewYeah. It's an endearing verbal pattern.
I love this guy. Unfortunately, when a good reviewer tells you about a total bargain on eBay, it stops being a bargain pretty fast.
Yes I was thinking that I did deliberately not put bargain in the title though.K
Amazingly hilarious fun and pleasent , lighthearted , I am fan
I've had modern Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 for a few years and, close up, sound very good across the frequency range.
I totally understand what you on about with the kick sound and toms sound of the drums to stand outs, and the bass performance is more pronounced with the vintage speakers. I remember the heybrook sound like this in the 80s but top end is very clear. But modern speakers wouldn't match as the 70s and 80s speakers unless you pay more about over £1000 try to get same performance if you lucky !!!!!
Hi
Just a quick one to thank you for your reviews, they are always a joy to watch. We want more :)
You don’t mention the Ma3. They are dearer I know but they have that mid range added, amazing speakers in my opinion.
Hi ,i own a set of these.Saved a Them,they had a Philips tweeter but they were rubbish.I found the original audax tweeters.The sound is awsome,for such old speakers.
Love the Monitor audio
Hi Kelvin , i bought the Monitor Audio 252 MD speakers recently from eBay, found them really boomy and was a bit disappointed with the highs from the tweeters as well, but they were a faulty pair due to farting from time to time so could have been the reason so returned to seller, was tempted to get another pair, but think i will have a look around for a pair of these at the right price.
Another nice video.
Very much how I remember these speakers from way back, I totally preferred them over the MA4. These were in my shortlist of around 10 all time favourites, and yes I agree about the Big bass sound etc - maybe not quite for me nowadays but none the less excellent speakers (incidentally BC1's were also on that all time list of mine)
I just enjoy this channel without reservations. It's a fun, no nonsense set of audio equipment review videos that always make me happy.
As an American, I'm also very touched when people in other countries wear things with the US flag on them. I hope Kelvin comes or has come to the US at some point. He'd certainly be welcome by me.
Thanks for the offer Andy yeah I’ve been to America twice
West coast then New York
Interestingly so many musical location references in New York
Super interesting to put that whole picture together
Cheers From London
I still have my MA16s which I bought new in 1980 with two weeks' wages from my first ever job: £80. Beautiful sound, beautiful finish... the MA16s made toast of the Wharfedales and Goodmans at their price point, but I suspect Monitor Audio just didn't have the production capacity to compete at this end of the market, and concentrated their efforts higher up.
I'll have to keep my eyes open for a pair of these. I've got a pair of 2006 Monitor Audio RS6 silvers that I will never let go. I also have a pair of 2011 Monitor Audio reference MR2s. If you get a chance to grab a pair of the MR2s for under $200 they are a total bargain. I got my RX6 silvers before the price skyrocketed for $600 brand new and they are a bargain at any price under $500 usd. The MR2s for the money I paid are a steal. If you ever get a chance to buy a pair of Epicure M100s you will not regret it.
I've got two big magnets. Those MA 713 Gold tweeters are magnificent.
Interestingly, Royd mostly used very simple crossover designs. Also the genius Sonab speakers sound great with the simplest crossover you can think of, consisting of a capacitor and a coil.
J Kort I would say there’s truth that you can do it simply if everything transpires and works and is designed for that configurations.
Also true some of the best speakers have complex crossovers well the LS358 has an incredibly complex crossover for a two way.
I’m not expert in crossovers but this is what I see generaly speaking
I picked up a pair of these MA4 series 2 speakers, but the sound from them was not very good at all. Bass was excellent, but there was almost no treble, and midrange was also lacking. The tweeters seemed to work and were not distorting or anything. It's just the output from them is way quieter than the woofers. They are Audax HD100D25 tweeters, and I'm sure they are original as they have Monitor Audio labels on the magnet. I tried re-capping the crossovers, but it made no difference at all. Then I replaced the tweeters with Audax TW025A0's (drop in replacements) and now the speakers sound absolutely awesome! Exactly as you describe yours. Incredible speakers. Better bass output than many speakers with 10" or 12" woofers. Not sure I've ever heard 2-way speakers with as much range as these have. They out do many 3-way speakers. Hard to find info on them too, so definitely appreciate you sharing your thoughts on them and the info you have.
Nice work glad you persevered they really do deliver
K
I do enjoy the style you have, way more fun to watch then others who act like snobs.., so please keep it comming!
Thanks for the review. It is informative as the rest of your videos. Speaking of vintage speakers, another good one is TLS80 transmission line speaker by IMF. I'd love to hear your review on it if you happen to have one.
Yes I mean looking at the drivers and it’s transmission line you just know it’s going to sound good
Kelvin, have you tried plugging the ports on your MA4 MK. I have some big vintage speakers with big ports like that (maybe even bigger) and the bass is too much. I plugged the ports and the bass is still plenty, but now the midrange is waaaaay better when the bass much tighter. All ported speakers are tuned to accentuate a certain bass frequency, but it isn't worth the big bump at 35Hz (or whatever the port is tuned to) to lose faster, tighter and more accurate bass in all frequencies. Cut some foam to fit your ports and listen for an hour or so and them pull out the foam as the music is playing. The bass will sound like it is in slow motion and ring like a gong compared to plugged ports. Sealed boxes sound best and there is no reason why you can't plug the ports for better sound quality.
For a few years now I have been listening to sealed boxes (plugged ports are close enough to get the effect) and I can never go back to ported speakers , because I can't stand that aura of lingering (ringing) bass, heard high up at the front of the room. It just muddies the entire ensemble and gives me listening fatigue right away.
Good job at describing how things sound. I haven't heard many of these speakers and amps, but I feel like I know what they would sound like due to your intuitive and analogous descriptions. That is my language too. I totally get it.
Yes I’m pretty much one agree with everything you say my ultimate speaker is never ported but on occasions it is gotten right but it’s very rare
I have a set of MA3s...excellent sound
I bet Monitor audio made great speakers this range in particular
They used to be cheap secondhand too
Nice video i like a revieuw About mission 760 i loudspeakers.
I have those speakers and they sound fantashtic .
I like your video,s.
Greats André grom Holland.
Yes those missions are surprisingly good for size K
Thank you, really enjoyed the video. I have a gorgeous pair of Monitor Audio MA 4 Mark ones. Paid around £200 a couple of years ago. Same bass driver but Isophon tweeters that look the same as the MA 5’s you reviewed. They sound very good but I do miss some mid range forward presence as you describe. I think I need to go to three way again, but I do love what I already have. Any suggestions would be gratefully received... I listen to a lot of vinyl, loud, detached house heaven.
Hi Kelvin, thanks for so much interesting video's, i really love them. Now, i can buy a nice pair MA4 series 2 from a friend (one tweeter isn't working). He is saying i must decide what to pay for them. But i don't want to rip him of. What should be a reasonable price to pay? Considering the broken tweeter....
Very nice videos, thank you.
You asked for a few 'vintage' ideas from your viewers. Inspired by a very special dealer in the Netherlands, Rinsma Hi-fi, I learned a few things and also own some "outcast" vintage products. A Fons CQ30 turntable and a Naim CD2 cd player. I like the early Naim cd players.
I think you will like Royd Audio speakers as well. They were great value and the brand really studied the monitor speaker concept, you seem to like so much. A mint pair of Royd A7, can be had very cheap, but is very musical sounding. I now own a pair of Royd Squire though.
I also own a pair of Sonab OA5 type 2 speakers. An old but great omnidirectional speaker design. I use these, with better internal cabling and better components, with a Luxman SQ-507x. Did you ever try this? A great sounding and good looking amp for reasonable money.
As you mentioned in another video, with cables (especially their capacitance) you can change the sound of your hifi. I like to use Belden cable.
Best regards,
Yes it’s interesting how some products fall off the radar the funds was rated quite highly back in the day.
Sonab made some really nice amps
They are black they also fell off the radar I had one it sounded great it kind of blew up that might be a problem.
Thanks for the feedback
K
Would love to see a review of Proac Response Threes.
I tell people I've seen a 15 woofer in a rack system speaker with a 10 oz magnet. It's like trying to drive a tractor trailer with a Volkswagen beetle engine, don't expect to get good speed. The magnet is the motor of the speaker. A 15 " should have a 5-6 lb magnet to get good sound
Good review. Can you talk about the pitfalls of older electronics if a person is self-repair challenged?
Nick H, the pitfalls are many on very old gear. I'm assuming you buy a working piece of kit. At the very least you will need a full set of replacement electrolytic capacitors. They will certainly be wandering off spec and may be leaking corrosive electrolyte on to the board. Beware equipment where they have only replaced a couple of blown caps but not the rest, as they will be well below par anyway.
Other issues are noisy rotary controls. A good spray of deoxit or switch cleaner will usually fix it, but not always.
Have the kit serviced and for amps have the levels checked and you should have great fun for years.
i love your videos and your comments..i have a good turntable with a tube amp and a ELAC Debut B6.2...i found yesterday a couple of Telefunken WB 60 made in 1965 and they sound much more balanced^, warm and with a beautiful image....i would love to hear your comments about it. thanks.
Yes interesting 1965 speakers that’s old
I Took a look at them paper cones are nice and quick it constantly surprises me how old gear can surpass all the modern technology
Bigger boxes and more cones space basically give you a larger sound I guess
Thanks for the feedback K
I drive the bc1 (refurbished by Terry ) - how would you comparer these to the bc1 - specially to electronic music.?
If you like the ma4 mk2 grab an Armstrong 626😉
Hi Kevin, i liked your video , what speakers brands do you consider good in terms of tonal and timbre accuracy and suitable for vintage sansui AU-719 that you reviewed? Do I need speaker with big woofer because I have only a 2 way speaker B&W with aluminium tweeter, a 6.5 " midbass and a 6.5 passive radiator . Thanks for your response.
Not sure I have an answer for you about speakers
Too many variables room size music personal choice cost
Personally if I can make the noise I will always have bigger speakers
@@stereoreviewx hi, thanks. My room is 10' x 30' (speakers Places along the 10') i listen most rock blues , blues , classic rock and classic music , price less than $1500 Thanks.
Hope are well Steven - did not see you post any video lately.
Is ok to ask you to get a lavaliere microphone for the future? You're fun to watch. :)
Hi Kelvin, I bought these speakers a month ago and can't stop listening to them! I bought them from the original owner and they are in perfect condition. Thanks for the review, thanks to your suggestion I found a wonderful sound. I also use NAD 1020 and 2140, in combination with Monitor Audio this is it! Thank you again :)
I am in the process of completing the second set, what amplifier / receiver would you recommend for the Spendor BC1? It will be a set for Jazz, classical and acoustic music.
Greetings from Poland!
Great to hear you’ve got the monitor audios they are very satisfying sound
@@stereoreviewx Thank you for your answer!
Will you be back to making videos yet? We miss you!
Hi Kevin, thx for sharing. Your reviews are interesting and always cool to watch. I found a pair of MA4mk2 from my parents attic this we. Just plugged them. Brings back a lot of good memories. There is an issue with one of the twitters but nothing unfixable I'm sure And I will never understand why they replaced these for an Aiwa micro-hifi...
But good for me, I'll keep them;)
By curiosity what is your favorite amp match?
Well I’m not sure I have a favourite and they’re not fussy I would say that now if you go on eBay select tweeters you might find a pair of those treaters for sale Should be about £50 also and screw the base driver rotate it and screw it up nice and tight that’s a win-win cheers K
@@stereoreviewx Thx! working on it! cheers. Hélen
HI! what a great channel ! This video came out pretty much the day i started my vintage journey so SUPER helpful.
i really hope you dont mind me asking you a few question? no drama if not. Ive just upgraded my home vinyl DJ setup to include a rotary mixer and now have the vintage bug and want to continue the upgrade through my setup and ditch my active monitors.
Any advice on high end Amps for that rich warmth, and speakers like the Ma4s would be really appreciated, cant find a pair of those anywhere!! . currently have my eye on a Marantz 1152dc and im looking into Goodmans Havants or magnums or anything with BIG bottom end , a real minefield ! also if anyone knows of any london based sellers too id love to make some connections
Nice one Kelvin! Never seen those before......hey I'm thinking of bidding on a pair of Wharfedale Linton 3xp, any opinion on those?
yes I had those good points are it’s three way
They are not a very refined speaker basically if you give them some nice front end they’ll be okay but if you feed them with some not good signal I don’t think I’ll be very pleasant.
you want the ones where the tweeter is blue or partly blue not the grey cloth twitter K
Nice 👍
I used to have the MA4 mk 1s with it's modified Isophon tweeter (gave em to a freind) and I've always been curious about the MA4 mk2s. Apart from the different (soft dome) tweeter and driver arrangement I've heard they are very much alike using the same cabinet, woofer and crossover adapted slightly for the Audax soft dome. Sometimes I prefer a soft dome but with some percussive music I like the rigid domes like on the mk1.
Yes curiously the port is much bigger on the mark to the mark to has the big magnet-based driver I wonder if the mark one has that big magnet to
K
@@stereoreviewx The Mk1 has the larger magnet B200. Also the surround is neoprene instead of butyl rubber.
The MA4 Series 2 is a very different animal to the earlier MA4.
The KEF B200 is the superior SP1039, crossover is complex and totally different as is the heavy cabinet which has a plywood front baffle and considerable bracing and damping throughout. In reality, the only similarity with the earlier MA4 is the Monitor Audio name.
@@markwestley6706 I've never looked inside an MA4/2 but I have seen the insides of the MA4/1. The later also uses the large magnet SP1039 B200 woofer. The MA4/1 also employs considerable bracing and damping including a rear brace between the woofer magnet and the back wall. There is also many bituminous panels applied to the walls and an acoustic blanket wrapped around the back of the woofer to reduce it's impedance peak. It differs from the usual British birch ply and uses 1" thick high density industrial grade MDF. As to the differences in the crossover I just I don't know but my understanding was that the MA4/2 was intended more as an evolution than a complete redesign.
*Note: I'd heard from a few sources that the MA4/1 was designed by Martin Colloms but I've never been able to confirm this.
@@socksumi Martin Collums designed the MA1. MA5, MA4/1 and MA4/2, MA3. I worked for Monitor Audio at the time and worked on their Direct Drive Turntable and the start of the MA4/2 but I left Monitor Audio to start up Tresham Audio with Richard Dunn so Martin Collums was responsible for the final version of the MA4/2.
Can you help me monitor audio ma 202 are they good?
I know this isn't a trouble-shooting forum and I know it's not your job to help me out. HOWEVER Got a pair of these on eBay listed as 'perfect condition' based on your review. Turns out one speaker has almost absent, crackling bass. Any idea what I should be looking for in terms of parts replacement? Help would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks Kelvin.
Yes it’s a KEFB 200 SP1039
It has the biggest magnet of all the B 200s
K
@@stereoreviewx Thanks Kelvin. Sorry for late reply. Your answer left me too depressed to type.
Hi i have the Monitor Audio R352 / MD 15217 from 1978.
Nice tweeter
what are they Monitor Audio System R252 Vintage , looking for a nice warm pair
I will call them just okay the tweeter is a nice thing but it’s cheaply made
@@stereoreviewx any out standing inside book shelf ?
Hi great job !! whats your take on vintage wharfedale 510.2 big loudspeakers
Yes good question lend me a Grand and I’ll tell you
😜
@@stereoreviewx i recentely bought a pair for just 70 euro's (3 way wharfdales 510.2 from the mid eightees i think )
Yes sorry my friend my mistake got confused with the new Wharfedale Linton
What do you think how do they sound
€70 does seem like a serious bargain
Love to hear your opinion cheers K
@@stereoreviewx - i like these wharfedales very much. they are very big and actualy floorstanding. they came with an approx. 45 cm stands on spikes. but i have them on a dressoir on both sides of my flatscreen . beeing the fact they are floorstanding speakerboxes they have very much low end which i equalise with a kenwood ge55 equaliser. so it goes from my phillips cd 614 cd player coaxial out to my cambridge azur dacmagic DAC to the kenwood and the to my vintage yamaha ca 610. the twree way speaker system has once equalised amazing lows so the kick of the drums really packs a punch and the bass guitar is easy to follow.i like it very much.
keep up these vids good job mate kind regards from the netherlands , bye ,eric
Hi I was just wondering what your opinion is on monitor audio ma3’s I own a pair and love them
Oh yeah I mean just by looking at them three-way by a quality manufacturer trying to make things sound good and the Twitter is great I know
@@stereoreviewx do you have any experience with the monitor audio ma3
That second pair you own...I wonder if you will sell them to a fellow Londoner ;)
Try to max out the reviews ar around 12-15 minutes. I’m having a black-out after 15 minutes.
Kelvin, here's a song you may want to add to your "go to" songs for analyzing how a speaker handles bass guitar. On the best speakers you can almost hear the bass players fingers plucking the strings. Note the kind of a taut sound the string makes when he lets it go. It's a very unique sound.
th-cam.com/video/rAtDrFdomN4/w-d-xo.html
Remember dear audience, that these vintage speakers are out of spec, mostly sound muffled and have the BBC dip in the midrange. Also the treble extention is limited. As for the rest: enjoy memory lane.
Anyone that comes in my house and compares these to the KEF LS50 s .
Call it a no contest clearer bigger deeper more spacious life-size and exciting .
Ebay is a gigantic ripoff.