Monitor Shootout

Thanks for all the responses. The Linns are not something I had considered, but would like to give them a listen. most of the above I don't have the chance to listen to without driving two hours. One of my good friends had the JM Labs Concord. The big brother to the Trente. I can't say they did anything for me.

As far as supporting my local dealer, I would love to. And have many, many times in the past. But, I'm tired of what they have to offer. (With the exception of the Paradigm Sig) Has anyone listened to a JM Labs/audio refinement setup? I heard one about a year ago and was very impressed. But, once again, about a two hour drive in the opposite direction as the rest.

There is a pair of Platinum Audio Duo's for sale here on Audiogon, and although I only owned mine for a short time, this was a uniquely endowed monitor speaker. Can sound special in a moderate size room. Of course, my idea violates the "rule" about first hearing for yourself, but when you read about them on the net would be easy choice.
I have no relation to the seller, but if a used speaker is a possible choice then worth checking out the ad.

You should consider adding Merlin TSM-MX's to this list. I own a pair and love them. But first,...

Revel M22 is a very good speaker. The only reason I can't call it great is because I've never heard it image well. I've listened to it extensively (2 hrs.) in one showroom on multiple occasions, and briefly (5 songs) at another dealer. It has excellent frequency response, bass extension for its size, is smooth and not shrill, and try as one might, it's difficult to find a weakness. No suckouts, gaps or exaggerations. But the puzzling thing to my ear is it just doesn't seem to throw up a soundstage.

The Paradigm S2 is also a very good speaker. I did a head to head comparison with it, the S4 and the M22. I was initially bowled over by the S4 and S2's, but after extended listening, it became plain as day to me that the M22 had the better midrange. It was more articulate and detailed. Male vocals were more distinct. The Paradigms image better than the M22, and have more bass extension, but I preferred the uniformity of the M22, and its versatility for all kinds of music.

Haven't heard the Dynaudio, or the B&W 805 Signature, but I have heard the new 805S which is supposed to be close to the Signatures. In my opinion, both the Paradigm and the Revel are better choices.

The Merlin TSM-MX's... they are smooth, uniform, have no frequency suckouts, gaps or anything like that, AND they image like crazy. They sound three dimensional like 2 channel stereo is supposed to do. I don't have enough technical background to elaborate in objective terms, but I'm telling you, they make me want to listen to music more and more. I never felt that way with my previous set of speakers (B&W CDM1NT's). They teach you quickly what you're best recordings are and which are lousy, then they make you want to listen again and again to all your good stuff, and then buy more good stuff and listen to it. They aren't perfect and they aren't for everybody, but in my opinion anybody looking at the other monitors you mentioned should consider the TSM's. You should email their manufacturer, Bobby Palkovic, and let him help you see if they'd be a good fit.

Thechair, thanks for your well thought out response. Your comment about B&W is quite interesting to me. I've owned the sig 805, and the 805S. I prefered the sig, but they are very close in comparison. For you to state that the M22, and Paradigm are better is encouraging to me.

However, I've heard good things about Merlins in the past. I don't know any price ranges on the Merlins, but do have interest in checking them out. When you bought yours, did you audition in home, or at the retailer?

In your case, I would just replace the amp. Love the sound of the good old McIntosh MC240 to go with the B&W 805 series.