Best Small Speaker System You've ever Heard


I'm learning so much from the "best speaker thread". I'd like to understand what the best small speaker system is that you've ever heard is.

I'll start:

JMlabs Micro Utopia BE driven by Manley 300B push pull mono-blocs; cabled with Nordost Valhalla

source was a TNT HRX with the heavy platter option and w/dynavector cart (not sure which one but around $4K)
through a Herron phono and pre amp

The 'little' system with the little speakers has a sweet treble that goes on for ever, flat frequency response, can be real punchy when they need to be, tonally very good (not Quad ESL 57 but very good), reproduces all genre except large orchestra

What makes it work in my opinion is the amps, cable, speaker synergy in this case.

Anyways wuod love the read about some best small speakers you have all heard.

/.cheers
V
wav
Active speakers (great with MP3 and computer):

Audioengine 5 $400
Blue Sky Audio EXO and Pro Media $300 to 500
ATC SMC 16A $3,600

Passive speakers (hi-fi):

Paradigm Atoms $300
PSB Alphas $350
Era Design 4 and 5s $500 to 600
ATC SCM 11s $2,000

I second what S23change says. Hard to beat ATC--very neutral with excellent soundstage. They run circles around most speakers but require a powerful amp. They just came out with the 16A model with integrated amps. Very nice and precise--play all genres well.
The best small speakers I have heard are the Artemis EOS Signatures being driven by Gryphon electronics. Fantastic soundstaging, great tonality, and even reasonable bass from a small cabinet. They later also came with the bass modules, which reinforced the bottom end. I haven't seen too many of these used on Audiogon.
I still have a pair of the original Red Rose ribbon monitors that -while not perfectly neutral - are amazing little transducers.

Marty