Needed Opinion: Mordaunt Short

okiepolkie

Does anyone have any experience with Mourdant Short speakers? If so, what is your opinion of them?

I haven't heard them personally, but am working to schedule a demo soon.

Here is the reason I ask:

As I mentioned in my demo system thread, I'm adding some more specialized lines to my offerings.

I'm going to focus more on the following lines right now. This will change, of course, over time, but I need a couple of opinions as I go. I will still have several lines available, but I want to focus on just a few. Video offerings will probably remain the same, but electronics and speakers will change.

My current line-up is beginning to shape up like this:

Electronics:

Denon
B&K
Bryston
Cambridge Audio

Speakers:
Polk
Revel

I'd like one more option for speakers, and Mordaunt Short is a possible candidate.

Would this be a valuable resource, since it isn't offered many places, or am I just wasting my time?

polkatese

Okie, congrats on getting into a biz that I can only dream of.

My two cents, I was looking into MS a decade ago, while I was in the market. One of the local dealer bragged about MS, in comparison to KEF, at that time, and I ended up with KEF. To me, MS offers nothing special. I honestly don't know what pricing bracket it serves, but I would venture that it will be in the same ballpark as Cambridge Audio. I am not familiar with Memphis area, but have you done a quick market research to understand on how you can differentiate yourself from the rest of B&M High-end?

One suggestion that I would add, and again, I don't know if this is make sense for your market, Sumiko products (Sonus, Primare, Vienna, REL, etc.) I found them to be one distributor who has a very complementary product line that are sound great matched together.

Do have fun while you are making money, once again, congrats!

okiepolkie

I really like the Sumiko products, and I've contacted them about becoming a dealer. I even considered them before I added my LSi7's(for the second time). However, I'm not sure if my market could really support their offerings. With the Revel products, I can offer a well balanced midrange speaker with the Concerta's, but still provide a high quality sound with the Performa's. With the Sonus speakers, for instance, the price point is more in line with the Performa series, which is a little higher than most of my clients would be willing to spend.

Also, speaking of KEF, I can get their products as well. I was mainly looking at the M.S. line because it is relatively unknown at a reasonable price point.

dorokusai

I concur with my fellow Polkie...MS is mediocre, no redeeming qualities....check out KEF instead. KEF is one of my top 5 favorite speakers, especially vintage KEF.

okiepolkie

Thanks Mark. I like the looks of the M.S. speakers, but the KEF's aren't slouches in the that department either.

shack

polkatese wrote:

One suggestion that I would add, and again, I don't know if this is make sense for your market, Sumiko products (Sonus, Primare, Vienna, REL, etc.) I found them to be one distributor who has a very complementary product line that are sound great matched together.

I agree with this recommendation. VA is one of my favorite brand of speakers (yes...I know...others don't agree) and SF is another brand that is usually well recieved. I have heard Vienna Acoustics speakers on Bryston gear and it is an excellent combo.

okiepolkie

PSB is the the other option that has opened up for me. I've been researching most of the weekend to decide between Mordaunt Short and PSB. I know M.A. isn't everyone's favorite, but there are a couple things behind this that will affect other business interests.

M.A. offers very nice looking, installation friendly in-wall speakers and a reasonably priced conventional speaker line.

PSB, on the other hand, would not be my favorite in-wall series, but I like the conventional speakers much more.

I have listened to PSB on several occasions, but haven't had an opportunity to listen to the M.A.s


For either line, I will be the only retailer in my area. PSB used to be offered by one of the other local stores, but they dropped them because of their push for B&W.

Maybe I should just start a new thread and have a poll. Anyway, thanks for the help.

Schris22

I did a small review of the M.A B2 vs the PSB Image 25 and they aren't bad speakers at all. I actually perfer them over PSB for music.

I agree with the sumiko stuff as far as good quality, but you got to have lines for your market, product may sound great but if no one buys it then whats the point.

One of my friends has had dealer problems with the KEF in this division (SW) and so that kind of bothered me when he told me the story.


One problem with mourdant short is their availability online. Acessories for less is one site that I know sells them. I know that audioholics recommended the MS. but I don't have much respect for audioholics.

The greatest thing about PSB is the great range they have in their lines. Look for my review falling fast as no one has posted there in the speakers section.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41208

Good luck,

Chris

okiepolkie

Thought I would resurrect this thread, to offer an update on offerings and business.

I never did pursue Revel, but did focus on Mordaunt Short as a basic speaker line to compliment the Cambridge Audio lineup. They have been an excellent entry level speaker, which has been the primary focus of my business for the last 2-3 years. The 902i is an excellent sounding speaker, and I have enjoyed them in my primary setup for right at 2 years now. They have been driven by a Bryston B60R SST, various Cambridge Audio and Yamaha receivers. At the moment, they sit on Target Audio MR24 speaker stands, and they do offer a solid amount of low end, a fluid midrange, and an open and forward top end. The top end has never sounded bright, or sibilant, as many metal dome tweeters can be. The greatest contribution to these speakers was the addition of the Shunyata Guardian 4 power distributor. It tightened up the low end, and provided even less strain on the top end. However, in the living room entertainment system, I haven't noticed a dramatic difference. These speakers will be replaced soon, and I will provide an updated review of the new star, which as yet to be determined.

As business has progressed, with more elaborate, dedicated, theaters, it has become apparent of the need for more refined electronics and speakers. I have recently become a Dali dealer, and am looking to add REL soon, and Vienna Acoustics within 6 months. In the electronics department, I am adding Primare, which should mate nicely with Dali and/or V.A.

I'm always open to comments, so bring'em if you got'em.

Braddles

I had a listen to the MS Mezzo 2 bookshelf speakers a month ago and was very impressed. Crisp & tight.
At $1200.00 aus pretty good value for money.
They have some good reveiws so far.