5.1 Monitor Audio Silver RX6 AV12 speaker set review

 

Image credit :Monitor Audio

Last year's Award winner came out to defend his crown. This system is based on the Silver RX6 floor standing units; they are complemented by the versatile RX-FX rear, RX-C center speaker and RXW-12 subwoofer.

On first acquaintance, we noticed that this rather large, but not capricious installation system combines a high level of flexibility and clean, detailed sound. Did she manage to pass the test of time?

Definitely, neither the high quality workmanship nor the sleek, understated design has gone out of fashion. If you can find room for floor-standing front speakers, the rest of the system can easily fit into the room.

The center fits on a standard shelf, and the sub can even get lost in the corner. The rear speakers are compact (easy to wall-mount or rack-mount) and versatile (bipolar and dipole).

Two additional RX-FX speakers radiate in opposite directions for better sound distribution throughout the room; in the dipole mode, they work in antiphase, increasing the scattering of sound. If the speakers are behind you, we recommend bipolar mode; if on the sides - dipole.

Scope, breadth and coherence

In both cases, the sound field is wide and deep. It owes its sweep and scale to the front end of the powerful RX6, but the RX-FX do their part by filling the gaps between the front and rear and helping to create a coherent whole.

There are no unnecessary parts in this kit. Equipped with a pair of C-CAM branded midrange / woofers flanking the gold dome tweeter, the center channel speaker delivers incredible articulation for this test. The sound is crisp and clear in movies and open in music. The main thing in the character of this system is the volume and certainty of each sound from the entire frequency range.

The detail is just as characteristic of the subwoofer. The bass is very harsh and rumbling, but at the same time it is agile and energetic. Bass precision provides a solid foundation for impressive dynamics and true musicality in CD playback.

The word “universal” may sound like a dubious compliment, but in this case it is not: time has not undermined the strength of the MA set - it remains a true master of his craft.

Cohabitation

The rear RX-FX are ideal for wall mounting; thanks to the bipolar / dipole design, they are not fussy about placement.

Monitor audio specification

System Format.                 21/2 Way.

Frequency Response.         35 Hz – 30 kHz.

Sensitivity                          (1W@1M) 90 dB.

Nominal Impedance.       8 ohms.

Maximum SPL.                  115 dBA.

Power Handling               (RMS) 150 W.

Recommended Amplifier Requirements. 40 – 150 W.

Cabinet Design.             Dual chamber, rear ported bass reflex with HiVe II port technology.