New Speaker Dilemma Monitor Audio GX300 or Revel Performa 3

[akitared]

So it's time to think about upgrading my speakers from my 5.1 Monitor Audio RS and 2 x Monitor Audio RX1's. I am contemplating upgrading L/C/R to the following:

Monitor Audio GX300 and GX 350
Revel Performa F208 & C208
B&W CM10 or 804D.

I am only able to audition (albeit at the stores), Monitor Audio and B&W. There is no Revel dealer anywhere near me here in Calgary. I am using 2 x XPR1 & 1 x XPR5 with my trusty Yamaha Z11 for pre pro. I have a mix of cabling including Pangea Power Cords, Cabledyne Power Cords, Cabledyne XLR Balanced I/C and Morrow Audio SP4 Speaker Cables. I do intend on swapping out virtually all cabling for Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun Speaker Cables & Matrix Ref II I/C.

Any recommendations/suggestions? WAF will play a huge role in the final decision, my room is 216FT2 and fully treated with GIK acoustic panels/bass traps. I do 60% music, 30% Movies & 10% Gaming.

I look forward to your comments/suggestions/guidance,

Paul.

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[briank]

It's been a few years since I've listened to any Monitor Audio so I can't really compare those. I did listen to the B&W 804d's and Revel F208's and ended up going with the Revels. Both sounded great but different so it comes down to personal preference. If I was looking for a music only system , I likely would have went with the B&W. However, for a hybrid music and movie set-up I thought the Revels would be better. I just thought the Revels provided a broader soundstage that was very smooth and natural. I think the Revels have the best WAF as well as the Walnut finish is beautiful and they look great with or without the grills. Either way, you can't go wrong as both choices are excellent.

Also, the Accoustic Zen Satori are very nice speaker cables but you might also consider the AQ Gibraltar. I compared these side by side in my home and ended up returning the Satori. The Satori was very very good but the Gibraltar sounded a hair cleaner. I haven't tried Acoustic Zen interconnects but I can say the AQ Colorados are outstanding. Obviously these are expensive new but used prices are reasonable.

[rohrej]

I love the sound of the GX300s, they made a big improvement over the GL line by adding the ribbon tweeters. However, for that money (or slightly less) you can get the new Salk Veracity ST which sound even better. Plus you can get those in ANY veneer you want, which could help with the WAF factor (it did in my case). Jim makes all the matching center/surround options too, and can customize the dimensions to your requirements.

[akitared]

BrianK thanks for your thoughts, I hadn't considered Audioquest but will do so now,
Rohrej, I have heard of Salk, more to complicate the decision! I have a few months to research as this upgrade will be a Christmas present to myself, I will be auditioning the MA GX300 today

[snafujg]

How did those GX300's turn out? I'm in a similar boat to you looking at the same speakers. I'd be interested in what you have to say.

[thenewblack]

What stands are you monoblocks on? They look great!

[thenewblack]

VTIs?