Here's my room...what are my options?


My room is 12 feet wide, 18 feet long. There is a fireplace where the stereo would normally go. I only have room for monitors that will sit on a mantle on either side of the fireplace (firing down the lenght of the room), no more than 18 inches from the back wall, and maybe 24 inches from the side walls.

I have an all McIntosh system with the MA 6900 integrated amp, MCD 205 CD-changer, and MR 85 tuner. I listen to a wide variety of music.

Two intriguing speakers are the Joesph Audio RM 7si-II, and the Revel M20. I have read many good things about the M20 on other threads in this location, but not very much on the Joesph's. Can anyone speak to these or any other monitors (not B&W though, i've heard those) they have used in similar circumstances?

Thank you,
pardales
Maybe not a possibility for you, but I have exactly the same size room and it took me a year to figure out the the sound was way better using smallish monitors (Sonus Faber Concerto and Spendor S3/1) on the long wall, firing across the room. You end up sitting kind off close to the monitors, but soundstage is way bigger than on the short wall.
Also if this isn't possible, check out this link for details on speaker placement on short wall:

http://www.cardas.com/insights/index.html

I know I haven't said much about specific speakers, but in my opinion placement can be just as important as type of speaker in getting a great sound.
Both of your initial interests are highly regarded monitors...I am more familiar with the Revels since my local dealer carries them...they are a very clean,revealing,clinical type of speaker...and componet matching is very important....others have complained of brightness...but when I heard them driven by VTL tube gear they sounded pretty darn good...bass is a bit shy...but hey...these are monitors...I own the Quad 12Ls which have a similiar uncolored sound...albeit over 1/3 third less...good luck...also...Joseph Audio can be found at Soundcity.com if no dealer in your area...
Also..hate to post a speaker I have never heard...but Von Schweikert just came out with a monitor speaker...the VR-1...and there other speakers are highly sought after...check out their website...this is a full range monitor(40hz) as well...in a room your size...I wouldnt go with anything less...if you audition these...let us know...I am very curious as well...
I own the Joseph RM22si sig, which is pretty much a 7si sig as a floorstander. I bought the 22's after overhearing the 7si's at a local dealer. My room is also very similar to yours dimension wise, I am using a McIntosh amp (the old MC2105), and like Peteinvicta1 I have my speakers on the long wall (I got lucky in that they sort of had to go there). I think you have the right idea getting minimonitors for your space. My 22's are floorstanding, but still imploy the small, 2 way design of the 7's, and it works very well having smaller speakers for a smaller room (especially when placing them on the long wall).

I can tell you the Joseph's are very nice speakers and that they image well and are not too picky as far as placement compared to other speakers. Some of this opinion comes from what I have read; what I can hear is limited as I am a new audiophile. I have also read that the 7si mk2 is a very significant improvement over the original. I can only imagine how good it sounds. I would definitely recommend going with the Josephs (hearing with your ears first would be ideal).
Given the set-up, my speakers will need to fire the long way. They will have to sit on a mantle fairly close to the back wall, so flexible placement is critical. I do plan to listen to everything I can, and even demo when possible. I have a feeling the more flexible the speaker, as far as placement, the better.

Please keep the suggestions coming, and thanks,