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Best Two-Way Monitor Speakers under $700 New/Used

So, here goes. I have a good friend who needs audiophile recommendations (you guys) for two-way speaker replacement with a budget not to exceed $700 new (or used) for the pair of speakers. He will place the monitor speakers on stands - color is important. Expresso finish or black color is preferred because it matches his room furniture. With that in mind, let me know what you think. He's running a NAD integrated solid state amp (but I'm anxiously trying to convince him to purchase a tube integrated or separates). He has a Music Hall turntable and Morrow Audio interconnects and speaker cabling. I recommended Totem Mites, Dynaudio Excite 12 (used) and Paradigm. Any other ideas that come to mind? Thanks in advance for your help.
wescoman
manoterror
216 posts
 
At the beginning of this year I bought a brand new pair of Quad 12L Active stand mount speakers for $750 ($1,700 retail). Each speaker is bi-amped, with a separate amp for each driver. The detail, and dynamic capabilities of these speakers is truly incredible. Why waste money trying to find an amp that will have good synergy with speakers...when you can buy speakers that already have an amp designed for every driver in them.

They have an active crossover, which has tremendous benefits over passive, and a beautiful piano finish. I recommend checking out active speakers, as the bang-for-the-buck factor is huge. Unless you want to spend the time and money on separates...which admittedly, can be fun. :-)

My 2 cents,
Mot
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
^^^
I've auditioned the passive Quad 12L2's and they were very evenly balanced and musically engaging. The cabinetry is very nice. The active version avoids the possibility of a bad amp matchup. If you can really find some for $700 that would be ideal.
wchang
9 posts
 
I had great results running a Musical Fidelity tube buffer between the Quad 12L Active and Quad 99CDP (which has digital volume control). So a tube preamp in front of the 12L Active should be even better. I also put mousepads between the 12L and the desk, otherwise they sounded "hard".
branon
13 posts
 
What do people think of MBS-02 from SVS. Its being cleared out at $399.
Sorry to add to the confusion....
manoterror
216 posts
 
@Wchang: Thanks for that information. That is exactly the setup I am working towards. I have the Grant Fidelity tube buffer I am going to use with them. It has cryo-treated 6SN7 EH tubes. I am planning on having a sorbothane vibration isolation pad between them and the stands. I just bought 2 pair of Totem Beaks for them as well. Lastly, I read that the DefractionBeGone pads make a huge improvement around the tweeter, so I will get some of those this winter too.

Good to see others that love these amazing speakers as much as I do. :-)
Mot
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