Mordaunt Short Mezzo

Terrax

A lot of knowledge here, so I thought I'd try seek some wisdom.

I'm short listing some new speakers and have been looking, researching for weeks now it seems. Brain hurts. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you have or have checked out this line of speakers? I can buy locally, along with quite a few other brands such as MB Quart, NHT, PSB, Usher, Totem, Audio Pro, Monitor Audio, Rega, Jamo and so on, but the Mordaunt's have me curious. The design looks interesting.
Didn't mention Paradigm, as I just bought a pair of Studio 60's and CC-690. Liking them a lot. However, this one I'm short listing now are for a Comp/media room set-up.

Not asking for opinions on if they will (sound) right for me, as well.... that just couldn't be done anyway. I am however looking for more info and your own opinions. Build quality, where they are made, materials used, etc.....

http://www.mordauntshort.com/summary.php?PID=65

Braddles

i had a listen to the mezzo 2's bookshelfs and was quite impressed. Very crisp and tight. They have got some good reveiws so far. Pretty good value for money.

Ricardo

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41161

okiepolkie

I was able to complete an in-home demo of the Mezzo6's for about 6 weeks. As referenced in the other thread, I've had the 902i's for right at 2 years. The Mezzo line offers some very interesting design features that do seem to make a difference in the overall presentation. The aspirated tweeter, derived from the Performance series, sounds very similar to the 902i's, but seemed to be a little cleaner on the top end, using a Cambridge Audio 640R as the power source. They sounded even smoother when I paired them with the YBA 701 receiver. The bottom end was also very clean and full, and I never noticed any port noise or extra stress on bass heavy passages.

Overall, I would be pleased with the Mezzo 6's in a 2 channel or home theater application.

Terrax

Thanks for the input.

Yes, I read the other thread, but didn't see mention of the Mezzo's. As I do not believe they had been released at the time.

I am assuming they are built in China? Is that correct? Also, I could not find reference to the cabinets, I had heard they were real wood veneer, but could not verify.

okiepolkie

They are made in China, but have very good quality control. I also spoke to my rep about the finish, as it has been several months since they were here, and they are not wood. I remember some talk about them being wood as well, and some of the first samples might have been, but I guess it just wasn't to be in the long run. If you have any more specific questions, let me know.

Terrax

Thanks man. Oh well... I ordered a pair of Mezzo 6's this morn anyway. Should be at my dealers in about a week. He assured me they were wood when I asked again today, and he's not one to be wrong on many accounts. As long as they sound good is what matters. Heck even my Paradigms are vinyl so that not really a big issue. At the price I can get them for, it really isn't an issue, and if they do turn out to be vinyl, (which as I'm sure they will since you checked) I might even get him to drop his even more.

Terrax

I received my Mordaunt-Short Mezzo 6's and thought I would share my impressions of them, in case anyone cares...

I have been into home audio for around 15 years as a hobby of sorts. Not truly hardcore, but more than casual. And of course always budget minded. I've owned quite a few speaker brands over the last few years, such as Boston Acoustics, Magnepan, Polk, Infinity, Axiom, Klipsch, Athena, Wharfedale, more Rockets than I care to count and Paradigm. Of which, Paradigm Studio 60's and CC690 is in my media/HT setup now.

However, a few weeks ago I ran across a review of Mordaunt-Shorts Performance 6 speakers and found them to be interesting enough to read all that I could find. Now, the Performance 6's are not budget speakers by any means, at least not for me. But when I found out that some of the technology that is present in the Performance 6's had trickled down to Mordaunts new (new-ish) Mezzo line, I knew I just had to give them a try.

So I ordered a pair of Mezzo 6's two weeks ago and received them a couple of days ago. While unpacking them, I became very impressed with the build quality. I will say, they do not have an expensive exotic veneer covering them, but the dark oak vinyl seems very high quality. It seems to be of furniture grade and what surprised me most was that every seam, every driver, every piece is perfectly matched and even. Every little detail is exactly the same. And they seem so very sturdy, or a feeling of solid heft. Even the grills, which attach magnetically to the aluminum front baffle matches perfectly.

As for sound quality............ Let me just say, I will be selling my Paradigms, no ifs, ands, or buts. They sound that good to "me". I listen to a lot of different types of music including Electronica, Goa, Trance, House, Dance, Top 40, Acoustic, World, 70's, 80's, 90's. But I chose some tracks from my Electronica collection to evaluate the Mezzo's because it is so intricate, varying, layered, and fast paced. And with the tracks I listen to most, I almost freaked..... I was hearing little small details I never once heard with my Paradigms, or Rockets. Amazed I was.

The top end has such an air about it, its hard for me to put to words.... other than intricate, detailed with a certain amount of edge, but not ridged or grating. I can only apply the terms lush, creamy, and slightly silky to the mid range. While the bass, although not very deep, is fast, tight, and with what seems like more feeling (or emotion) to it than my Paradigms.

They are of course, not "perfect" by any means.... what man made product could be? But....... They are as close to perfect as I have ever heard, either in my house, or on a show room floor. I am just so glad I finally found that sound that I can truly say..... makes me happy and satisfied. And for a lot less money than I ever thought I'd be able to do it for. Under 1k (MSRP is like $1900.00) for a floor-stander that leaves me feeling the music as well as hearing it.

This is just my little take on this speaker journey and with my ears telling the tale. Others may not agree, and may not even consider Mordaunt-Short as a serous contender, but for me...... Damn.......... I'll be just as happy if they don't.