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
Out of the five speakers in the list I would listen to the 805 Diamonds and C1 Signatures. The Diablos are very classy and the costliest in the group I believe.

A cheaper alternative among the plethora of monitors is the Proac Response D2 which I consider as one of the better sounding bookshelf in the mid-end market.
Hi Rgs92, I would be interested to see what your end up with. I am also looking at 1, 4 and 5 of your list as upgrade to my existing Dynaudio C1. I have heard the Diablo, and it would seem to fit what you consider as important.
Of these speakers I have heard the 805D, Mani-2 and Diablo. I loved to Mani-2 IMHO one of the best monitor speakers there is. Also, I forgot the exact model but I heard some Von Schweikert monitor that also wasn't bad. Pesonally I would also check out ADAM Tensor Delta/Gamma. I have a feeling these might be good.