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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
danielk141
489 posts
 
Rgs92,
OK. Here goes.
I'm familiar with all the brands you mention.
I haven't heard all their current offerings.
I am partial to my Avalon Avatars. I know these aren't current, but they do everything I want in a 2 way, very well. I just can't part with them.
This week, I'll be changing to my Usher BE-718s. This speaker is a giant killer, IMO. This Usher tweeter beats every brand you mention (again IMO) except the Dynaudio.
If you haven't heard a pair, I think you should try them...
socrates7
77 posts
 
Joseph Audio Pulsar is my current favorite monitor. The 3xl from Devore is also quite good. For Totem, the Element Series is their new top-of-the-line, and I think the Torrent driver is "better" than the HiVi (still used in their older line, including the Mani). The Focal Diablo is a beast, but just make sure you feed it lots of red meat. The Marten Duke also got recommended to me as a tour-de-force in this segment.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,858 posts
 
Rgs92, IF you can find a pair of Sonus Faber Guarneri's, I would suggest giving them a listen. The original Hommage is my personal favorite, but the Evolutions (which I have not heard) are the latest in the line and look very promising. The Memento's are worth a listen if you cannot find the Hommage's, which is a tough task these days.
On vocals and strings, IMHO these are the speakers to own.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,481 posts
 
With Bobheinatz, I have Intuitive Design Summits, incredible speakers.

Dale does need to revamp that antiquated PDF website, otherwise I could care less when listening, they're that good.
jpbas1
43 posts
 
As its been said before... All fine speakers and as it would be it simply comes down to personal tastes, system synergy, and source material. I've owned the B&W 805D twice and is my current transducer. Previously, other floorstanders; monitor designs to include Merlin MMe's; Sonus Faber Cremona M Auditors; Liuto's; Nola Boxers; and considering leaping for others to supplement my current front end. Simple changes in cabling and SS vs tube based pre amplification made considerable changes in sound downstream. Despite a desire to try a pair of Joseph Audio Pulsars in the future... You have to give yourself the opportunity to sit and listen; home trial being optimal but not ruling anything out based on a show or expo demo. Conditions which I am sure were still less than optimal.

Two cents.

Volent, Kudos, and Franco Serblin.... Too many to mention but let us know how you make out.
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