Excellent clarity and resolution

Not particularly pretty; Average construction

Based on a recommendation from a friend, I listened to the MS-40's and compared to B&W 602/603. I found very comparable performance and sonic qualities to the B&W 602 at a much better price. Their sound is typically British - slightly rounded top end, warm midrange and weak (but defined) bass. These speakers have excellent resolution, almost too good if you are going to match with similarly priced electronics. Ultimately these speakers can really hold their own with Krell KAV-250p preamp and Monarchy SE 100dlx monoblock amps, although bass is not what Americans are used to.

Only problem is the aesthetics. These speakers are not much to look at, with very average construction and resonance.
Sound - 4.25 overall/ 5.00 for value
Flexibility (biwire, etc.) - 4.5 overall/ 4.75 for value
Looks - 2 overall/ 3 for value.

Similar Products Used:

Near; Mirage; Vandersteen; B&W

So your looking for speakers. I'm guessing you'd like great sound, solid build, good looks and a reasonable price. This is the one!! These speakers have a tremendous ability to make you want to tap your toes, or pound your chest. I'm not going to use all those fancy audio terms because I personally believe they are worthless. They either sound great, or they don't....these do. Great bass (very tight) likely because these are British speakers and sound very similar to EPOS or REGA speakers. If you have an opportunity to listen to any Mordaunt-Short product, please do so....you will be pleased. This speaker is approx. 36"high, 10"wide, and 11"deep. Fits in around furniture well but don't put them next to glass cabinets. These speakers are deceptively powerful..300 watt peak. Loud, clear, and limited distortion. Obviously, you will require using fairly good source equipment, but mid-fi.....not high high end. This is one of those products that will blow the socks off of so many more expensive products and will not be given much of a chance because they are British, and many American and Canadian audio reviewers are snobs. Most of them probably cannot even hear the difference between an item costing $1000, and one costing$3000. Hey, if you want to spend more.....feel free, but if you are looking for speakers you will likely never need to replace ever again....these could be for you. Value has never been better.

Price, sound, built, biwiring

After using my MS-20i as fronts in my surround-eqiupment, I bought these MS-40i and put the MS-20 to the rear. I listende to several speakers, Dali, Technics, AE, etc, but the sound was impressive from the MS-40's. Also in hifi they make good music with my Pioneer DV-717 as the Musicmaster.

Similar Products Used:

MS-20i (rear)