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Best stand mounted monitors

I need your help please as I'm replacing my floor standing KEF Ref. Series 104/2 speakers with stand mounted monitors and probably a subwoofer due to the wife-acceptance-factor. I'm looking for comments from people who have listened to and hopefully compared the following monitor speakers that I'm considering:
(1) REFERENCE 3A - MM Decapo i
(2) PROAC - Response One SC or Tablette Ref. 8 Signature
(3) VON SCHWEIKERT - VR-1
(4) REVEL - M20 or the new M22 due out Q1 '04
(5) ATC - SCM 10-2 or SCM 20-2 either active or passive.

Other things you need to consider before offering your advice:
--> I will be replacing a very old Sherwood receiver with a new tube preamp and either tube or SS amp. I'll get the speakers first and then match the amp to it.
--> my room is about 4,800 cubic ft (40*15*8) and is average "aliveness" so having a higher sensitive speaker (e.g. >89dB) is desirable as it'll will mean less power required. I listen mostly to jazz with some R&B and classical.
--> budget is around US$2K-$3K (new retail price)
--> Id like to buy a REL subwoofer to match (e.g. Stadium II or III)

Many thanks.
kevinzoe
abe_av
78 posts
 
Speaker efficiency won't be too much a problem since you are getting speakers FIRST and a power amp afterwards to fit. In light of that, I highly recommend you try Dynaudio they make probably the best monitors around. If WAV is important, try out Special 25's (87dB) with gorgeous birsch finish, also you can consider 1.3SE (86dB) or the new 1.4S. If you don't care too much about looks, consider Dyn's pro version of the 1.3SE -- BM6 which can be got online brand new for $800 shipped!

Try audition Dynaudio at dealers if possible.
tennisjunky
12 posts
 
I second the green mountain europas. Worldclass transparency and superb soundstaging. Plays extremely well at low listening levels. In my opinion one of the greatest bargains in audio at only $900 pair. I have them complimented by a Rel sub but the bass is tight and accurate down to the upper 40's. Also easy to drive with most any amplifier. Roy the designer is a great guy to deal with and very helpful. I am in no way affiliated with Green Mountain Audio just an admirer of an excellent product.
response34's avatar
response34
169 posts
 
If you have the oppurtunity, give the Usher X-series a listen. You may find these speakers offer everything you are looking for and well below your budget. Their largest stand mount is $1,000 and has been compared to speakers costing upwards of $3k-$4k. If you do an internet search for Usher speakers, you should be able to find out much more information if you cannot get to a local dealer.
kevinzoe OP
167 posts
 
Wow, lots of good feedback to my post - thanks all for your contributions! Some new names I'll check out including: Green Mountain Audio, JM Renaud, Usher, Shamrock, & Pen Audio.

General question to you all is did you buy the speakers & amp at the same time or did you buy one of them first and then later 'match' the other to it?

Thanks for your thoughts
keivnzoe
s23chang
619 posts
 
I bought my speakers first because of its size (always the wife factor) I then got the amp to match the speakers. Sometimes it is easier to find an amp than a pair of speakers you like ( due to size, appearance, or type.)
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