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Small Floorstander/Monitor good with tubes

Need suggestions for my next speaker. I currently run Totem Rokks with a parasound multi-channel amp, but will be moving to medium power tubes soon (16-60 watts). The new speakers will need to work well enough with the parasound now, while I get funds for a new amp, and for movies going forward.

Must Haves:
1. Room is small, so must work at about 22" from wall and the speakers can't be big.
2. Sensitive or benign enough impedance to be driven with medium power tubes.
3. No more than $2500 used, and preferably under $2K.

Priorities:
1. Timbral accuracy
2. PRAT with decent bass extension (at least to 40 hz)
3. Imaging/soundstage layering

I listen mainly to studio-produced rock and jazz, but like a transparent enough speaker to dig deep into bluegrass and classical. I recently auditioned the Devore Gibbon 8 against the Dynaudio Focus 220 run by a small Leben Integrated and liked the Dynaudio better, even though I suspected the Devore was more accurate-- I liked the Dyns' "thunk."

Among those I've considered:

Dynaudio Focus 220
PSB Synchrony 2
Totem Model 1 Sig.
Acoustic Zen Adagio
Joseph Audio RM25si
Old model Merlin VSM or more recent TSM
Old model Living Voice Avatar

Appreciate your help.
dkidknow
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
dkid,
if you want to use the vsm near a wall to reinforce the bottom end, then simply damp the wall behind them with drapes or wall hangings and the imaging will improve dramatically.
the more you damp the wall behind them the closer you can use them to it.
did the same thing at the ces this last show and the depth and imaging was a good as i have ever heard.
many show reports will be up on the main page probably 7 or so when finished.
best,
b
goatwuss
877 posts
 
I would stay away from Dyns in your case.... they really do need some space behind them. I used to own S1.4s, and ultimately sold them because even 2-3 feet behind them was not enough in my room. You are really going to want to avoid any rear ported speaker.

I replaced them Merlins which worked much better in that room.

With your budget and priorities, I'd look into the best used pair of Merlin TSMs I could afford, and then plan on augmenting with a sub later on when more funds free up.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Gallo Reference 3.1s should be on your short list to audition. Available on Agon for $1500-2500, well within your budget.

-RW-
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think that the Merlin VSMs are among the finest speakers available, period. I would follow Bobby's advice on placement and treatment, he seems to get great sound at shows, no matter what room they stick him in.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
North Creek Kitty Kat or Big Kat if you must go close to the wall ( 3 to 8 inches ).

Great-sounding at a great price too.

http://www.northcreekmusic.com/
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