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Which monitors for my tube system in a large room?

Hi guys,

I was completely happy with my system---Devore Nines, Leben CS300XS---when I got blindsided by a new apartment and a new baby. Between those two life-changing factors, my space and time to listen to the system have shrunk. In this apartment the rig has to live in the living/dining room, which means the Nines are suddenly Too Big---not purely WAF, I also concede that they are looming weirdly over my shoulder when I'm eating dinner a few feet away.

Luckily, I can keep them---I will move them across town to the studio where I work, which from now on will be my serious private listening space, and where I'll build a new system around them (the fun silver lining.)

At home I don't want to give up having a serious setup, even if it will have to be used more for background-listening. My plan is to keep the Leben, which I love, and get some bookshelf speakers with stands, which won't be as imposing as the Nines. Obviously there will be a sacrifice in bass and so on, but maybe I'll have fun and discover the joys of smaller monitors!

They will need to work well with the 15w Leben, and the ability to play well from corners is a plus. They will be positioned on the short wall of an 18x21' room with 8' ceilings. I won't be listening very loud in the home setup, and at least for a few years probably won't be up late doing serious solo listening. I just want musicality and listenability.

To that end, been thinking about small models from Omega, Spendor, Coincident, Proac, Usher. I live in NYC and can demo some of these, others not.

Any advice?

Thanks so much in advance for your ruminations!
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mapman's avatar
mapman
22,203 posts
 
"I had figured that the Ohms would want more power than the little Leben can offer (not out of the question to also change amps, was just hoping not to have to.)"

Good point. I missed the specific amp indicated in your post.

15 tube watts should do OK, especially for background listening, but more would certainly help.

That or integrate a sub to lessen the low end/bass load for the Walshes. I think OHM still sells subs as well but not certain.

If you live close by, I'm sure you could easily work out an in home audition and hear for yourself without even having to deal with shipping costs.

If you go by teh OHM shop, let us know your impressions. I have never been there but my understanding is it is quite unassuming.
tlhiii
16 posts
 
Someone has already suggested the Esoteric MG-20; their MG-10 monitors are also excellent if you don't want floorstanders.

I'll also second the previous recommendation of the Reference 3A MM de Capo i.

Here's why...I recently completed my own search for new speakers. I set out looking for smallish floorstanders around $2k, but the only 2 speakers I fell in love with (in my price range...) were the Esoteric MG-10 and the Reference 3A de Capos, both monitors. I ended up buying the Reference 3As here on Audiogon.

For my tastes, both of these little speakers are giant killers!
kclone's avatar
kclone
679 posts
 
How about VSA Unifield 1s?
dover
2,243 posts
 
Compact floor speakers - Tannoy Kensington's are superb and well suited to the Leben.
jdoris
972 posts
 
Gallo ref 3.5s are surprisingly small, and very good (I'd prefer them to the Nines), but they might require changing amps. I'm guessing they are pretty placement flexible, too. Exposed drivers might be issue with kids, but they'd still be unobtrusive with the "grills".

John
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