Hi,
I used to have a pair of MS10i speakers (Actually MS10i Pearls).
Now I have two pairs of speakers, a main pair for the lounge and a secondary pair for the kitchen.
The kitchen ones are small standmounts, Rega R1s. These are quite close to the Rega RS1s you can buy new now, if that is your preference. So, you should be able to find a dealer to demonstrate the RS1s quite easily. They aren't too far off your price range, I think. The R1s aren't the most detailed but they have a warm, forgiving quality about them. Very easy to get on with. Careful with the speaker terminals, which can be a bit fragile, as I know from experience!
The lounge ones are small floorstanders. I know you said you were looking for standmounts, but I really think you ought to consider broadening your search. A small floorstander can do better bass in the same footprint as a standmount, is no more visually imposing, and you don't have to buy stands so you can spend more on the speakers! If I've convinced you, these speakers are Royd Minstrels. They are in a different class to the Regas and the Mordaunt Shorts, much more revealing of good (and bad) recordings. A wonderful joined up, immersive quality, with a good recording and source, and reasonable quantities of bass considering. Best at low to moderate volumes though. They are only available second hand, cost around £150, and you should be careful to avoid any with gummed-up drivers.
I'm using them with a Naim NAC 62 preamp and an Avondale modified NAP 140.
Speakers are the most varied hi-fi component, and different people like different things. It is important to listen before buying, and best of luck!
Kind regards
- Garry
