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Need a monitor while floorstanders in storage

I need some recommendations for a monitor speaker at $500 or less used. Some of the Totem small floorstanders are out of my price range even used, like the Arro or Staff. I have been reommended PSB Alpha-1, Music Hall's new speaker called the Marimba. Will appreciate any recommendation. Thank you
sunnyjim
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Geez, what doesn't beat out the LS35a's in dynamics? Or bass extension? LS35a's are the poster boy for whimpy, albeit clear and realistic, sound.
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
How mature.
llanger
27 posts
 
I don't think you can go wrong with Paradigm Studio 20's. I can only speak as to the original version. They were the best "bookshelf"/"monitor" speakers I have heard.
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
Jim, while you mentioned Totem, have you considered (or could you)making use of a small sub backed out of the mix to add a touch of foundation and going with a set of Dreamcatchers?

A fellow out West has a set and also owned a set ob ProAc Tablette II's. He says they are quite similar, but the Totems are a touch less picky about placement off axis with their imaging and the mids are a touch less analytic.

There is a set advertised here for 450 used and there are all kinds of subs around.
Is this something you would consider?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/totem-dreamcatcher-loudspeaker

Even the reviewer loved them, save for the bass.

My system was a Canton passive sub with a Crown D150 (of which I might have used 1/4 of). I used to run the levels on the amp about 1/3 open to just add a touch of foundation. The inexpensive nature took nothing away from my system because of this. Even a small powered unit adjusted in this way would be helpful.

What is the rest of your gear?
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Gummy....Good suggestion regarding the Totem Dreamcatcher and a subwoofer versus Totem Arro. However, I have never been a fan of subwoofers. The theory makes plenty of sense, but the sound is often unpredictable, that is boomy in small rooms

There are several other small monitors I considered. Dali's Sensor 1; the Pro-AC SC-1 and Tablette. Though, I often wonder what all the fuss is about these speakers. I decided to buy the Music Hall Marimba speakers....they seem to have a very wide frequency response unlike the Wharedale 10.1 which I tried, liked, (but not enough to make them keepers) and sold.

I will audition MA's for a while; and, if they are not musical. I will sell them. The other gear in my system are: Red Dragon digital monoblocks; Bel Canto PRe-3 line stage, and a Rega Apollo player

Yes, I could easily put the Music Hall "cans" in orbit with 250 RMS Thanks, Jimbo
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