I currently have an Arcam FMJ28 amplifier (which I was thinking of replacing with one of their new models) and a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 speakers which I am not too keen on. Can anyone suggest a speaker that would be be a better match for the Arcam. Thanks.
What don’t you like about the Bronze? What’s your budget? How big is your room? Which amp are you thinking of getting?
I'd be curious to hear KEF's Q350 with your amp, maybe the LS50. There are so many choices, variables...
It's a small room. I think I'll keep the amp as it's still working fine, but the Bronze seem a bit boomy no matter where I place them. I admit that they have a fantastic mid range but to my ears they lack a bit of top end brightness. I kind of "inherited" them, so I'm looking for something in the £500-700 range.
KEF LS50s won't necessarily give you more top end, but they will certainly produce a cleaner top end, with greater delineation. The bass should also be superior despite the smaller cones. I'd check out those and used pairs of Vandersteen 1CIs.
I had the same problem with a pair of Monitor Audio floorstanders. At the time I replaced them with a pair of Dynaudio Excite X14 and loved them. Might be worth looking at. Also check out Wharfedale, some other KEFs, PSB, maybe Elac. Depends on what dealers are near you and what they carry. You definitely want to do some in-home auditions if possible.
The Quadral Chromium Style 2 (~£700) might fit your ear and budget and work well with Arcam. I've never heard Quadral speakers, but would definitely try to audition this speaker in your listening room. The Concept 20 ('less box, more music') works well in a small room and falls well under your budget in the UK. Good luck!
Maybe Triangle with Arcam—e.g., the Triangle Espirit Titus EZ book. Your rooms acoustics, e.g., lively vs. dampened, and speaker placement are important. Your music and program material are important, too. It's a matter of ear.