Monitor 40 vs Monitor 7B comparison

lmacmil
lmacmil Posts: 119
edited February 2010 in Speakers
I have had a pair of Monitor 7Bs for my 2.0 system since 1982. At the time, they were about the best bang for the buck ($400/pair). I just got a pair of Monitor 40s for my HT. Just for kicks I hooked one up to my stereo (Yamaha receiver) in place of a 7B, pushed the mono button and used the balance control (remember those?) to pan back and forth.

Here's what I heard: the 7B had way better bass. The 40 wasn't bad but with the 7B I could feel the bass drum as much as hear it. The 40 had a slightly better top end although it might have been due to the lower bass output. Overall, they didn't sound all that different to my 61 year old ears. :D I'm sure I'll be very happy with the 40s in my HT, especially at the Newegg price.
Post edited by lmacmil on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited February 2010
    7Bs are more of a FULL Range speaker...depending on what model tweeter is in there their highs could be even sweeter than the M40s.

    I'd say the 7s are the better speaker but the M40s are a decent bookshelf...

    Enjoy

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited February 2010
    I'd take the 7's all day long myself.

    Do your 7B's have Peerless tweets?
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited February 2010
    I like my 40's as well, but I must say the sound of the vintage speakers will always win out in my heart. :D

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited February 2010
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    Do your 7B's have Peerless tweets?

    I have no idea or even how to tell. It's a 1" dome.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2010
    What color is the dome? Do the leads run at an angle from to dome, or straight out?
    Upgrade your crossovers and maybe tweeters.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited February 2010
    ben62670 wrote: »
    What color is the dome? Do the leads run at an angle from to dome, or straight out?
    Upgrade your crossovers and maybe tweeters.

    The dome is black and the leads angle downward about 45 deg. I have no need or desire to change anything.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2010
    YOu have the peerless tweeter:) No need to up grade that, but the caps only have a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lmacmil
    lmacmil Posts: 119
    edited February 2010
    ben62670 wrote: »
    YOu have the peerless tweeter:) No need to up grade that, but the caps only have a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
    Ben

    What would be the alleged sonic benefits of new caps? At my age, I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter