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Monitor with sub or Full Range Speakers

I have a budget of $3,000.00 for a pair of used speakers. I am buying used so that I can maximized my choices. My listening is mostly jazz, old R&B, and contemporary Christin music.

I have seen speakers in this range for monitors like JM Lab Micro Utopia for $2,000 and then I would add sub-woofer. Or Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Sig System 2pc for $3,200.00 shipped. Is there a big difference in sound between monitors and a good sub or a full range. I have only owned full range speakers and thought I might try something different.

Looking for comments from those who have owned both and why they preferred one or the other.

My room is about 18 x 14 with 9ft ceilings.

Equipment:
CD player is Cary 306/200
LSA Signature Integrated Amp
Verastarr Cables and interconnects
BPT ac conditioner

Thanks.
revrob
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Bob & Revrob,

I don't know the Mirage OMD 28, but A'gon'r Johnnyb53 recommends it highly. You might want to e-mail him since that pricing is certainly aggressive. With the discount it fits both your budgets, as well.

I've heard the XD in 3 different rooms (2 NHT dealers and a furniture?! store) and it sounded good all 3 times. The XD is a very fine system and, given the current pricing, a good value (and I suspect that Mirage is probably, as well). Both systems, however, will be limited by the room.

Marty

PS If NHT stays out of business, you might want to make sure that you're comfortable buying a a complex, idiosyncratic system like the XD. Not suggesting you shouldn't be comfortable, just food for thought.
revrob OP
105 posts
 
Martykl,

I read one of the review for the Mirage and the review stated that when he inserted the DK Integrated amp in place of the Simaudio I-7 the bass sounded boomy and he would not recommend the speakers with this amp.

Seeing that I own the next version of the amp, LSA Signature, it may not be a good fit. Also I am only looking for 2 channel stereo, this set-up will not be a part of home theater.

Thanks for the info. If I was looking at HT I would gives these some consideration.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
06-27-09: Revrob
I read one of the review for the Mirage and the review stated that when he inserted the DK Integrated amp in place of the Simaudio I-7 the bass sounded boomy and he would not recommend the speakers with this amp.
The ported Mirage floorstanders, and particularly the OMD-28, need an amp with a low output impedance, lots of current, and preferably a high damping factor. My personal experience and one A-goner's recommendation indicate that these speakers like switching amps. I use an Onkyo A-9555 integrated (a switching amp) to drive my OMD-15s. The Onkyo's damping factor is a rather low 25, but it's still an excellent match, probably because the Onkyo is fast, has lots of instantaneous current on tap, a wide bandwidth, and doesn't crap out on impedance dips. I can see where certain tube amps might not be a good match.
revrob OP
105 posts
 
I decided to go with a pair of used Salk HT3 for a little more money. They are exactly what I was looking for, a full range speakers that I can live with for the next 5 years. I am very please with my purchase.

I was getting a little overwhelmed with the choices for speakers at the $3k price point. Once I got a chance to hear the Salks I pulled the trigger.

Thanks for all who responded to my question? I guess the debate about full range or monitors with subs will be for me answered another day.

Peace.
deebarnes
13 posts
 
HI REvrob,

We pulled the trigger several years ago on full-range speakers (Vienna Beethovens--very musical speakers) with an added REL SW for the ultra-low-end addition. Just curious for an update--have you added a subwoofer to your setup?

I too listen to the same type of music. Do you have LPs? If so, what Christian LPs/CDs are very well-produced? I have only a couple done well--2nd chapter of Acts, Phil Driscoll, Chuck Mangione...looking for better quality spiritual music...Jazz and Classical tend to blow away the Christian market in LPs and Cds. Makes me sad...

Deborah
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