Top big-name monitors current versions .


1. Focal Diablo
2. Totem Mani 2 Signature
3. B&W 805D
4. Dynaudio C1 Signature
5. Wilson Duettes

Any comments on these? I thought these were the usual suspects (but I'm open to other suggestions.) Thanks in advance, of course, for your time. I left out the Harbeths because as a former SHL5 owner I never liked them because they didn't have enough resolution and detail. I like lots of character and good texture on vocals. I don't need deep or propulsive bass, just detailed controlled tight bass, not thick bass, bass that is "just there" as a foundation when the music has it. I also left out Joseph Pulsars because after a listening session at the NY Axpona show I thought the vocals did not have enough definition. I liked Kharma 3.2's level of definition, but they were too piercing and tipped up in the highs on popular music for me (and I don't want a floorstander, just a standmount, probably under 60 pounds so I can carry them up & down stairs easily by myself if I need to). Thanks.
rgs92
Not sure of the wieght, but I just heard the 805Ds with a Classe preamp and power amp. Very impressive, and I think in line with what you want. Very clean, detailed, but not overly bright. The bass is as you like it, and the soundstage dimensionality was better than any B&Ws I've yet heard.
I recently had a pair of Green Mountain Audio's top Eos-HX monitors for extended audition and demonstration to a local audio society. Eos-HX has a heroic cast marble cabinet, a simple first-order crossover, and precise time allignment with minimal phase shift across a wide frequency range. This one offers rare value at $4K MSRP. I was most interested to register the effects of time allignment and low phase shift-- both hallmarks of the GMA brand. Stable images, fast and precise transients, excellent depth and width, and very natural when seated at the sweet spot.
acording to internet "owners" almost anything these days (even Polk audio) is "better" than Focal Diablo and Magico Q :) but Diablo ahve most of the virtues you described. you wont belive diference in details,speed and midrange texture theses speakers are capable of. Duettes more bassy speaker, and c1 with totem is as well.
Of the ones you've listed I've heard the Totem and B&W, and far prefer my Amphion Argon. More punch, livelier, great imaging and dimensionality, fuller and more "present" sound to me.