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Best Two-Way Monitor Speakers under $700 New/Used

So, here goes. I have a good friend who needs audiophile recommendations (you guys) for two-way speaker replacement with a budget not to exceed $700 new (or used) for the pair of speakers. He will place the monitor speakers on stands - color is important. Expresso finish or black color is preferred because it matches his room furniture. With that in mind, let me know what you think. He's running a NAD integrated solid state amp (but I'm anxiously trying to convince him to purchase a tube integrated or separates). He has a Music Hall turntable and Morrow Audio interconnects and speaker cabling. I recommended Totem Mites, Dynaudio Excite 12 (used) and Paradigm. Any other ideas that come to mind? Thanks in advance for your help.
wescoman
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
^^^
I've auditioned the passive Quad 12L2's and they were very evenly balanced and musically engaging. The cabinetry is very nice. The active version avoids the possibility of a bad amp matchup. If you can really find some for $700 that would be ideal.
wchang
9 posts
 
I had great results running a Musical Fidelity tube buffer between the Quad 12L Active and Quad 99CDP (which has digital volume control). So a tube preamp in front of the 12L Active should be even better. I also put mousepads between the 12L and the desk, otherwise they sounded "hard".
branon
13 posts
 
What do people think of MBS-02 from SVS. Its being cleared out at $399.
Sorry to add to the confusion....
manoterror
216 posts
 
@Wchang: Thanks for that information. That is exactly the setup I am working towards. I have the Grant Fidelity tube buffer I am going to use with them. It has cryo-treated 6SN7 EH tubes. I am planning on having a sorbothane vibration isolation pad between them and the stands. I just bought 2 pair of Totem Beaks for them as well. Lastly, I read that the DefractionBeGone pads make a huge improvement around the tweeter, so I will get some of those this winter too.

Good to see others that love these amazing speakers as much as I do. :-)
Mot
trip
84 posts
 
I agree with Telescope, Aon 2 or 3. You should here these.
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