Mini Monitors - Dynaudio and JM Labs


After 11 years with my Thiel CS22 floorstanders, I’m ready to make a change and have decided to try out some mini monitors because of room size 15’x17’x7.5’ and the fact that I have a REL Stadium III to take care of the low end. I’ve narrowed my search down to two brands, Dynaudio and JM Labs. I’m looking at the Micro Utopia Be and either to the three Dynaudio models, Confidence C1, Special 25, or Contour 1.3SE.

I listen to pretty much all types of music but the majority being Jazz, Rock, and Alternative. One thing about the Thiel’s that I have always had a difficult time dealing with was that the listening position was extremely critical. The way that I have my speakers positioned, only one person at a time could truly enjoy the music from my Thiel’s. I’m hoping that I can improve my predicament with the speakers listed above as well as moving a step up in the quest for the absolute sound. I believe I have plenty of power to drive any of the speaker listed. A list of my associated equipment is listed “my system”.

Please, your recommendations or comments are welcome if you have compared or owned any speakers listed above.
islandflyfisher
My experience with the Micros was not as positive as those above. I found it a bit lacking in bass and low mids. I love cello and and it did not seem to give the fullness that even my little Dynaudio 52se did. They were much better at the general midrange and highs where the Micro's excelled. I really like the Special 25's and felt that they offered a wider dynamic range and larger sound stage but this was with completely different source and amplification that I am sure was a contributor. I would really like to hear the C1's, this may be one of the finest stand speakers out there from what I have heard. If anyone has auditioned the C1's please let us know. All great speakers though.
I would agree with Washline. I came very close to purchasing to a pair or 1.3se's but something was just missing. I owned a pair of JM Labs in the past and sold them to a good friend. I actually listened to them on Friday and I sometimes wonder why I sold them. The Micro BE's are truly amazing especially with good tube gear.
Hello, I don't have the micro utopia Be's but am using the older mini utopia's with the REL Stadium III sub. I have found off axis listening to be very good and in geneal I don't find the speakers to be fussy about set-up. Blending the sub with the speakers has been straighforward. They are currently crossing over at 28hz which may seem low but it sounds the best. I also listen to all types of music and think the micros would be very good.
i have to say i prefered the 1.3se over the special 25,a little swetter sounding,jm micros are a fine speaker too.just depends what you ears tell you,they are all good in the system imho.
After looking at your system, I would strongly suggest you also consider the Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors. They would compliment your system nicely and are in the same price range as the Dyns and the JMS.

chris