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My M20s were humbled

Well, this weekend I got to listen, quite extensively to the new JMlab Micro Utopias. As much as I love my M20s the wind has come out of my sails. I compared (M20s) them to most of the other monitors out there, before and, even, after, my Revel purchase. Never looked back; until now. Yeah, they cost 3x as much: $5700-ouch! No they're not 3x better, but the Micro Utopias are in a class all to themselves, for my ears. This is one killer monitor. Beautiful bottom to top. Midrange, highs (ooh la la) and sweeping deep soundstage to die for. Everything. Still needs a sub, but what monitor doesn't. I'm really quite excited by this ear popping, tympanic tittalating audition. Now, where am I circumlocuting to?--Harmonic Precision Caravelles. Got my order in for a pair of these babies, and now I'm more excited than ever. Why is that? Reliable ears have indicated to me, (quite humbly), that I will do better, for a fair comparison, to compare these new Caravelles to speakers a notch or two higher than the Micro Utopias. I'll keep you guys posted when the deed is done. Also: no subwoofer needed. Monitor speakers that don't require a sub? This is exciting stuff. Probably another month before this happens. Can't talk from experience, now. Just literal hear say. But good hear say.
peace, warren
P.S. You can get more specs on the Caravelles from their website.
128x128warrenh
aball
2,016 posts
 
The first time I heard the Micro Utopias (not Be), I was amazed as well. I thought it was the expensive vinyl source that was silky but a Rega CDP still sounded fantastic. I have never forgotten those little speakers.... I will look for auditioning HPs next! Arthur
bluefin
111 posts
 
Just hear:
Be micro utopia side by side with dynaudio S3.4.
Dynaudio has more details and bigger soundstage.
For $500~1K more, why not get the fuller range dyn's.
Add one good stand, they are the same price, plus you probably don't need a sub for S3.4.
Micro uptopia definitely needs a sub, low to ~50Hz only.
New dyn's are easier to drive compared to old models also.
JMLab, micro and mini, looks better to me though.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Phasecorrect: Nothing produces a soundstage like a point source radiator that dispurses 360* horizontally. I've got monitors with time aligned stepped baffles that are treated with damping material and there's NO comparison between the two. Sean
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warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
Since I started this thread (and I appreciate everyone staying with the theme) I'm just going to go a bit tangential. I was talking to an Audiogon buddy, last night, and we were talking about how many killer monitors are, probably, out there (as good, if not better than the Jmlab Micros) that will NEVER get the press nor have the advertising budget to happen. How many of us (and I include myself, big time) are confident enough (and humble enough not to make a $$ statement etc. etc. you know the deal) to trust our ears and go with the virtual unknown/no track, in the press, speaker. There are apeaker manufacturers out there, creating killer stuff, that I don't even condsider, because I haven't heard of them. Maybe this is the reason I should brave the crowds and go to the next Audio exhibition, when it comes around in NYC. Probably the best place to hear what I would never give a thought to check out. I am going with the HPs over the Micros, and they are not ubiquitous name droppers, in the high end world, like Jmlabs, or the like. This is growth. Just something to throw out there. Love to hear your take on this. Thanks for your feedback, guys. peace, warren
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
You'll hear a lot more of the lesser-knowns at CES than at the HE show in NYC, though you should go there too. Hearing what's out there is a real problem, you are correct.
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