Monitor Audio PL-500 Speakers

Owner

Replaced Antipodes S40 with the Antipodes K41.

ricred1 January 07, 2023 17:32

Owner

Added dual REL No. 32 subwoofers

ricred1 December 04, 2022 19:04

Owner

Thanks!

ricred1 September 18, 2022 02:00

Owner

Replaced my Wireworld Platinum cables with Infigo Audio Signature cables.

Replaced my Antipodes Audio S30 with an Antipodes Audio K21.

ricred1 September 11, 2022 23:04

Owner

Jeff,

The JR 625 S2 and 735 mono-amps are both Class AB amplifiers.

"What made you change from the 625 to the 735?" A dealer told me a couple of years ago, that I never really heard my Monitor Audio PL500 ii speakers with the 625 S2 and he recommended changing my amplifier prior to doing anything else. Suffice it to say, he was correct. I prefer the sound of my system with 735s without subwoofers, compared to the sound of my system with the 625 S2 and dual REL G1 mkII subwoofers. Going from the 625 S2 to 735s isn't subtle in my system/room.

ricred1 May 18, 2022 15:55

Owner

Replaced my Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp with Jeff Rowland 735 mono-amps.

ricred1 October 18, 2021 01:33

Owner

I changed from my Antipodes DS GT music server to the Antipodes S40 music server. I liked the change so much I ordered the Antipodes S60 power supply and K10 ripper. I hope to receive the S60 and K10 on Saturday. In addition, I'm going to get the S30 to complete my digital setup. If I would have known then what I know now, I would have ordered the K30.

ricred1 March 23, 2021 01:35

Owner

Added new images

ricred1 May 08, 2020 01:04

Owner

Sold my REL Carbon Limited subs and replaced them with REL G1 mkII subs.

ricred1 May 02, 2020 00:46

Owner

Hello Juanramos,

No, when I was scheduled to take my Rowland to Houston to compare the two, the Vitus was still on loan. I'm changing to REL no.25 subs and that will be my only change for a while. My other passion(I rode 23 miles on my bike yesterday) has started to pick-up; so no plans to change any other components.

I don't know how much money you want to spend, but Rowland just released their new 735 mono-amps at $40K for the pair.

ricred1 April 26, 2020 00:32

Owner

joeinid,

Thanks for the compliment regarding my system.

ricred1 January 21, 2020 03:12

Owner

Replaced Audioquest Hurricane powercords with Clarity Cables Vortex powercords.

ricred1 January 20, 2020 04:55

Owner

Updated picture. I replaced my JL Audio F112 v2 with Dual REL Carbon Limited subs. I still need to fine-tune placement.

ricred1 September 24, 2019 02:25

Owner

Added dual REL Carbon Limited subs

ricred1 September 04, 2019 22:20

Owner

"I thought you were an Audio Research and Wilson Audio fan?

Maybe you have me confused with someone else? I haven't owned Wilson Audio or Audio Research for quite a few years.

"When did things change, why"?

I submit a novice in any hobby struggles to find their preference. After years I learned to trust my own ears. I think about changing things occasionally, but I've had the same amp, preamp, and speakers for over three years.

"How does it all compare?"

I have never heard a speaker as dynamic as a Wilson, but I prefer my current system over any system that I've owned. It isn't better, just different. There are no absolutes in Audio, only preferences.

ricred1 July 31, 2019 02:08

Owner

milpai,

My room is treated at the first relection points, ceiling, bass traps on the floor behind the audio rack, and behind the listening position. I will post additional photos tomorrow. Again, thanks for the compliment on my room/ system. Much appreciated!

Your room and system is very nice also. Do you speakers have a ribbon tweeters?

ricred1 July 20, 2019 01:52

Owner

milpai,

Thanks. Room treatment has helped my speakers disappear, improve detail and imaging.

"Wondering how you made the decision between 1D and 2D on the Alpha panels?" I sent a panoramic picture of my room to GIK and they provided recommendations to me.

ricred1 July 19, 2019 17:05

Owner

I finally moved the center channel speaker from the equipment rack to a dedicated stand. In addition, I rearranged the components and eliminated the need for two racks.

ricred1 July 19, 2019 00:55

Owner

Added two GIK Acoustics 4A Alpha Series Bass Trap Diffusor/Absorber, four GIK Acoustics 244 Bass Traps with FlexRange Technology, and two GIK Acoustics Monster Bass Traps.

ricred1 April 13, 2019 21:39

Owner

Changed from Audioquest Fire XLR to Wireworld Platinum Eclipse XLR series 8.

ricred1 February 16, 2019 14:18

Owner

I think everything is about context...in my system the Dave added the detail my system was missing, while sounding more musical than my previously owned DACs.

My room is 20'x26'. I've had some great speakers(Aerial 7Ts, Wilson Sashas, Revels) but none of them could fill my room like the PL500 IIs.

"I bet it sounds like " you are there" type of sound." It's a system that I built based on my preferences and some won't like it. My system is on the very slightly dark side of neutral, that's detailed, but not in your face. I've owned hyper detailed systems before and I couldn't listen to them for extended time without feeling fatigued.

ricred1 September 03, 2018 16:08

Owner

Changed from Wireworld power cords to Audioquest.

ricred1 February 19, 2018 21:30

Owner

Changed from Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 7 XLR to Audioquest Fire XLR. Changed from my Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 speaker cable to Clarus Crimson.

ricred1 December 04, 2017 20:52

Owner

Thanks Dave.

ricred1 August 23, 2017 01:39

Owner

Greetings Dave,

I sold my Aeris and don't have it anymore. I should have the Dave in a couple days. I will share my initial thoughts when I receive it.

ricred1 August 22, 2017 23:56

Owner

Replaced Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC with Chord Dave DAC.

ricred1 August 22, 2017 12:47

Owner

Added the Torus RM-20 power conditioner. Trying to be content, but thinking of the Shunyata Denali power conditioner.

ricred1 July 28, 2017 14:08

Owner

Replaced the Bryston BDP2 music server with the Antipodes DS GT.

ricred1 May 27, 2017 18:52

Owner

added JL Audio F112 subwoofer. I hope I'm done!

ricred1 March 27, 2017 17:03

Owner

shadorne,

thanks for the kind comments.

ricred1 January 22, 2017 15:31

Owner

Early post was sent from my phone and should read I have them 4 1/2 feet from the front wall.

ricred1 October 23, 2016 14:52

Owner

rshad0000,

I have them 4 1/2 feet from three front wall. I have Wireworld Silver

Eclpse 7 speaker cables and Platinum interconnect and power cables. Audio is personal and there are no absolutes. I've owned Wilson Audio Sophia 2's, 3's, and Sashas. To "my ears" there is simply no comparison to the Pl500's. The 500's are simply more musical, realistic, tonality is much better.

ricred1 October 23, 2016 13:51

Owner

I added several components to complete my 7.1 surround sound system: Monitor Audio Gold C350 center channel, Monitor Audio Bronze 5 used as side speakers, Marantz SR5011 AV Receiver, Dynaudio Compact 20(ordered) to use as rears.

ricred1 September 22, 2016 00:42

Owner

Added Epson projector and Screen Innovations screen. Almost done!

ricred1 July 13, 2016 03:47

Owner

Added another picture!

ricred1 April 27, 2016 01:29

Owner

tboooe

Thanks.

I submit the JR Continuum S2 is very, very good. It does all of the audiophile things very well.

ricred1 April 21, 2016 19:23

Owner

Received my Monitor Audio PL-500. Posted a picture, but the picture really doesn't do the speakers justice. I will post a review in a couple of weeks.

ricred1 April 20, 2016 12:45

Owner

Sold my beloved Aerial 7Ts and replaced them with Monitor Audio PL-500. I pray I'm done!

ricred1 April 04, 2016 14:44

Owner

Added JL Audio F110s

ricred1 February 11, 2016 00:05

Owner

Sold the Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 integrated...changed to the Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amplifier and Jeff Rowland Corus preamp.

ricred1 January 07, 2016 14:11

Owner

Charles,

Thanks for the nice words regarding my system. Your system is very nice too. My problem is I really love what I have and getting a little more of what I love is expensive.

ricred1 October 23, 2015 01:09

Owner

I'm looking to have a little more spacing between instruments when recording allows! Changing from the JR 525 to the JR Continuum S2 improved resolution and bass articulation. Going from the Bricasti M1 DAC to the Aeris provided more detail and a slightly wider soundstage. The aforementioned changes were relatively small from a cost standpoint. I've heard the Raidho C 3.1s with the JR 525 and they were great. They definitely provide more spacing, but at a significant cost. Do you suggest any other speaker options below 20K. I say below 20K, because I'm getting the Raidhos from a friend at a great price.

ricred1 October 22, 2015 20:40

Owner

Decided to sell my Aerial 7Ts and get Raidho C 3.1s. I should have them before the end of the month.

ricred1 October 22, 2015 12:44

Owner

System edit: sold my Bricasti M1 DAC and purchased a Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC. I'm attending RMAF 2015 to search for speakers to possibly replace my Aerial 7Ts. I hope to get the opportunity to listen to Focal Sopra 2s, Dynaudio C4s, and Vienna Liszts.

ricred1 September 24, 2015 01:07

Owner

System edited: Changed from Jeff Rowland M525 Amplifier to Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 Integrated amplifier...done for now!

ricred1 July 05, 2015 15:57

Owner

Added a 2nd SVS SB13 Ultra sub

ricred1 May 21, 2015 02:25

Owner

System edited: Added SVS SB13 Ultra subwoofer.

ricred1 May 10, 2015 12:17

Owner

System edited: I just changed my Silver Eclipse 7 XLR IC to the Platinum XLR. The difference is significant to my ears and now I've ordered a 1 meter Platinum Eclipse 7 digital cable.

ricred1 April 27, 2015 12:32

Owner

Added Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 7 IC. I still can't believe what I'm hearing. Not night and day difference, but improvements across the audio spectrum.

ricred1 April 25, 2015 22:56

Owner

Wireworld 75 Ohm coax/SPDIF?

ricred1 March 29, 2015 13:05

Owner

Guido,

My Bricasti M1 has shipped and I will have it on Wednesday. I will provide you my initial thoughts on Friday.

ricred1 March 29, 2015 01:52

Owner

System edited: Sold the PS Audio DSD and replaced it was a Bricasti M1 DAC.

ricred1 March 28, 2015 23:51

Owner

Guido,
Yes, the BDP2 is one of the best purchases ever. I don't know how it compares to other players, but I really love it. Very easy to use and to have access to my music from my IPad is great.

ricred1 March 01, 2015 02:29

Owner

System edited: Added the Jeff Rowland 525

ricred1 February 28, 2015 04:31

Owner

System edited: Added the Bryston BDP-2 digital player, controlling it with a Ipad mini. Waiting for my new amp to arrive next week.

ricred1 February 15, 2015 19:17

Owner

System edited: Received the Parasound JC2 preamp and PS Audio Directstream DAC on the same day. Improvements yes, especially regarding bass articulation. I can't credit improvements to either component because I inserted both of them simultaneously. More comments after a few days of listening.

ricred1 December 21, 2014 20:33

Owner

System edited: Just ordered a PS Audio DirectStream DAC. I'm finally done, for now!

ricred1 December 16, 2014 19:57

Owner

Needfreestuff,

I've learned so many thing over the past 20 years in this hobby. Number one, is putting a system together is more important than the individual components. That being said, I still submit it's important to find a speaker that you enjoy and build around it. I've been lucky enough to find what I want in the Aerial 7Ts. I've owned many speakers and constantly made the mistake of upgrading the speakers, without putting enough thought into building a system. Now, I'm into building a system and I'm almost there. My next step will be a transport, isolation, and maybe I'll end it with a sub.

ricred1 December 12, 2014 14:27

Owner

System edited: Just purchased a Parasound JC 2 preamp.

ricred1 December 08, 2014 01:20

Owner

System edited: Many changes, latest change was adding a PS Audio Perfectwave DAC II.

ricred1 November 20, 2014 14:28

Owner

I went from a Peachtree Class D integrated to the A21. The A21 has significantly more control and a fuller sound. I owned an A21 before and came back to it. I truly believe I would need to spend several thousands more to get slightly better and/or different sound.

I'm going to try to go from the A21 direct to the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC when I receive it on Wednesday.

ricred1 November 18, 2014 02:54

Owner

Milpai,

Honestly, I don't know to what extent the A21 made because I changed multiple components at the same time.

I didn't consider anything besides the P5, because I knew I would get a DAC. My thoughts were the DAC is going to have more influence on the sound because CDs are my primary source. I purchased the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC II.

Overall the sound is far more musical (air, dynamics, details).

ricred1 November 17, 2014 18:24

Owner

System edited: Added Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 speaker cable, Gold Starlight 7 digital cable, and Silver Electra power cords.

ricred1 November 17, 2014 00:45

Owner

System edited: Just added a Parasound A21 and P5, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 interconnect and Wireworld Silver Electra 7 power cords.

ricred1 October 30, 2014 02:56

Owner

I'll preface my comments by letting you know I currently have my 220se for sale.

I submit the 220se is great for what it does, especially when you consider the price. It simplifies a system and is capable of good, but not great sound. I really think it depends on what speakers you are driving and the size of your room.

I'm driving Aerial 7Ts in a room that measures 20' X 26'. I believe I need a little more power(current)to get the best out of my current speakers. The Peachtree 220se does a good job with imaging, provides a good soundstage, and good bass control. I have decided to go with separates and spend a little bit more money.

According to Peachtree the 220se is sonically very close to the Grand integrated.

ricred1 September 30, 2014 00:20

Owner

Kevinkwann,

In my room, with my equipment the F208s reminded me of Mirage M1s(Bi-polar)when I had them. The soundstage was big, but the imaging suffered. In addition, they lack detail compared to more revealing speakers. They just didn't sound musical to my ears. Now, if I weren't a 2 channel person and my primary goal was very good surround sound I would have kept them. The F208s are very good speakers, but I was willing to pay a little more to improve the areas that were important to me.
The Aerial 7Ts are musical to my ears, have a big soundstage, very detailed without fatigue, and has one of the best mids that I've ever heard. There isn't a one speaker fits all, but I'm very, very happy with the 7TS.

ricred1 July 14, 2014 15:44

Owner

Kevinkwann,

I didn't make the same mistake...I didn't buy Aerial 7Ts because of the manufacture or how much they cost. I was unhappy with the overall sound of the F208s so I sold them. The 7Ts are the most enjoyable speakers that I've ever owned. I will build around them; however I won't buy another speaker.

ricred1 July 13, 2014 22:20

Owner

Donjr,

Yes, I sold my F208S. The F208s have a very good soundstage. You can sit virtually anywhere and still receive a stable image.

ricred1 June 28, 2014 20:15

Owner

System edited: Added GIK acoustic treatment

ricred1 June 28, 2014 00:39

Owner

I replaced the plate with Silver Audio Silver Shot jumpers cables today that match my speaker cables. I don't want to exaggerate, but everything has improved. No, not a night and day difference, but significant enough that it is easily heard. More space between instruments, slightly clearer mids and more defined bass. Considering the small amount I spent, this is one of the best things I have ever done!

ricred1 June 13, 2014 00:58

Owner

Bo1972,

This is what you wrote in another thread concerning cables: "The best ones also let you hear the differences in Heights of instruments and voices during a recording. These things can't be achieved so easily with more expnsive amps or sources. YOUR WORDS NOT MINE.."CAN'T BE ACHIEVED SO EASILY WITH MORE EXPENSIVE AMPS OR SOURCES!" I know from hearing with my own ears a better source and amp can make a difference. For now, my question is regarding cables and I'll try to ask in a different way, with the hopes of you providing an answer. What do you believe is the best value in Audioquest's current line of speaker cables?

ricred1 June 02, 2014 21:04

Owner

Bo1972,

When I was deciding to change my system I had a long talk with a high-end company known for their amplifiers. His advice was always start with the speakers, because there are more differences between speakers than amplifiers! I know you always recommend Pass Labs; however I don't like Pass amps. I will eventually upgrade my source, but I'm asking you about speaker cables. In particular what Audioquest cable would you recommend?

ricred1 June 01, 2014 01:33

Owner

Skateman,

Thanks for the nice words. There are some higher priced systems that sound really great. What I would like to reiterate over and over again is price and/or manufacturer doesn't always equate to better sound. I'm not saying some of my previous speakers sound horrible. Honestly, in hindsight I realize some of my previous speakers were bad values.

ricred1 May 30, 2014 01:53

Owner

Kevinkwann,

I don't flounder...my problem was I tried to convince myself that I liked a speaker because of how much it cost, as opposed to how it sounds. I'll repeat that I was buying for the wrong reasons. I bought into more money or brand name equates to better. I had the perfect opportunity to sell my Sashas with minimum loss and I did. I couldn't be more content. I'm adding relatively inexpensive room treatment and I will be done. I don't have the best system, but I enjoy listening to music more than ever!

ricred1 May 25, 2014 12:30

Owner

System edited: received my Aerial 7Ts and a Peachtree 220 SE...I'm happy for now!

ricred1 May 17, 2014 22:14

Owner

System edited: I just purchased a pair of Aerial 7Ts and should have them next week. Looking forward to keeping them for a long time.

ricred1 May 10, 2014 00:55

Owner

Bjbcab,

To be honest with you, no matter what I tried, listening to Sashas was fatiguing. After a couple of months without a system I decided to put a modest system together. I initially had Revel F52s and loved them. I quickly traded them and purchased Revel F208s. I just purchased a pair of Aerial 7Ts and will build a system with them as the foundation. I have discovered that I prefer a well balanced speaker that can present a three dimensinal soundstage. I don't want to get into what's better, but I submit you can build a very satisfying system for a lot less than the cost of Sashas.

ricred1 May 07, 2014 20:15

Owner

System edited: I received my Parasound Halo A-21(replacing Peachtree 220) today. I still have the Peachtree Nova preamp, but looking to replace it soon. Any recommendations on where to start? Must be able to allow 2.1 via optical cable.

ricred1 March 30, 2014 05:35

Description

Room Details

Components Toggle details

Antipodes Audio K21

Monitor Audio PL-500

Infigo Audio Signature XLR

Clarus Crimson

GIK 242

Chord Electronics Ltd. Dave DAC

Jeff Rowland Corus

Jeff Rowland 735 mono-amps

Epson Video Pro Cinema 6040ub

Screen Innovations Series 5

Torus RM-20

Antipodes S40

REL No. 32

Comments 121

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