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Mini monitors?

Considering a 2nd system: Speaker recommendations please? Small foot print is a must, sound capability obviously, cost is less of a concern except for the truly outrageous. So far have looked at ProAc, Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, Harbeth (too big), Dynaudio. Anything you wish to recommend? I listen to mainly jazz & blues, including fusion, some rock, funk, occaisional classical...so needs to be an all arounder if you will, and play well at low volumes
henryhk
17 responses Add your response
bignerd100
515 posts
 
Spendor LS3/5A (or any LS3/5A). Great mini with surprising bass output for its size. Not even close to full range but darned enjoyable to listen to.
jameswei
883 posts
 
From your list, I have been happy with the ProAc 1SC's, supported by a decent subwoofer.
lousyreeds1's avatar
lousyreeds1
286 posts
 
You might consider a high efficiency/SET combo. Little comes close at low volumes. How about the Omega speakers? Cheap and musical.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I dunno if the Green Mountain Callisto is too big but man they sound awesome, I have not heard every monitor out there, but this cabinet simply isnt there. I hope if size works for you that you atleast look into them, another less atractive monitor is the Eminent Technology LFT 10, it is a ribbon hybrid and it sound awesome, but isnt the best looking, hell it might be the worst but a grill could be made easily....clarity is this speaker strength.
rubinken's avatar
rubinken
102 posts
 
Engaging sound & stunning visually . They do like power though. Seldom available used. Website has reviews & info:
http://www.focusaudio.ca/index1.htm
upstateaudio's avatar
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
Totem Mites
efficacy
17 posts
 
For a smallish room, requiring nearfield listening, I have not experienced a more moving feeling than what I get out of my Micro Utopia BEs.
Cheers,
Mark
jond's avatar
jond
5,780 posts
 
I own, and love, a pair of JMlabs original Micro-Utopias, typically available used for around $2-2500, depending on condition and whether or not they have matching stands. Anyway, they sound amazing, have surprising bass-usable output down to 40hz, and are incredibly easy to drive, I'm currently using 18 watts with no problems. And on top of all that they're gourgeous, the fit and finish is truly impeccable. Needless to say, highly recommended!
cellorover
417 posts
 
Penaudio Rebel 2 or Charisma. You can upgrade either by adding the Chara woofers that replace the stands. Chara actually take up less space than stands.
hepl
147 posts
 
Totem Acoustic Model 1 Siganutes or better yet the Mani-2.
henryhk OP
648 posts
 
Thanks the recommendations...the Utopia Be was one I was planning to audition. What about sat sub combos? Are there any that you would consider audiophile quality? Have heard some that were OK but not good enough
digsmithd
913 posts
 
dyn 52 se,s,totem rainmakers,mani,s are also sweet,dyn 1.3 se always surprising me still.
arrakian
36 posts
 
Henryhk,

Before you settle on anything, do yourself a favor and check out the designers that view time/phase-coherent sound with the utmost importance; you won't want to go back!

I , like Chadnliz, chose the Green Mountain Audio Callisto. Outstanding speaker!!! The also make subwoofers to facilitate a full-range system.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
I would recommend you audition 3A De Capos. Doing away with the x-over seems to do wonders! No, I am not connected in any way with the company.
thewizard
60 posts
 
spica TC-50
szutinglee
91 posts
 
for a super transparent and detailed sound, try acapella fidelio monitors ($6k)
henryhk OP
648 posts
 
wow, lots of recommendations...definitely have my work/auditoning cut out for me!
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