Floor Standers Vs. Book Shelf Speakers

One thing I've always thought was a myth is that there is a substantial size benefit to "bookshelf" speakers. If you put them on stands, they take up just as much usable room as most reasonably sized floorstanders. (Obviously, if you actually put them on a bookshelf, there are significant space savings.) Perhaps monitors on stands take up less visual space, though.

Gunbei, actually my musical tastes are much more broad than that. I'll from time to time listen to Dave Brubeck, Enya, Johnny Cash etc...I'm really all over the map when it comes to my taste. I guess the perfect word to describe my listening preferences is eclectic!

You mentioned Sonus Fabers and Proacs. These are both speakers that I've heard a great deal about! If you wouldn't mind, could you please list what there strong points are? Also, would pairing either of those models with a good sub bring them up to the level of outstanding floor standers? Thanks a lot!

Jamma, I've had good luck with both the Sonus Fabers and the ProAcs in my setup.

In my view the strengths of the Concertinos are their organic sound. They seem to accentuate the woodiness of acoustic stringed and woodwind instruments. Voices sound very nice with them too. Originally they were bright in my system, but since upgrading my CD player to a transport and adding a DAC that issue has been resolved. The SFs are very easy to listen to for extended periods. I like these a lot, but am considering selling them.

The Proacs Tablette 50 Signatures are the little guys I'm really enamored with right now. From what I've heard there seems to be a ProAc sonic characteristic that is consistent throughout the Response and Tablette line. And that is, a huge soundstage, precise imaging, and good harmonic detail. These have more extended highs than the Concertinos, so if your system is lean and bright, the ProAcs will not hide that. My musical tastes are not too unlike yours, and the Proacs create an involving musical experience like I've never had. Sometimes it even sounds like the performer is in the same room with me. Very spooky.

I've had good success integrating both mini-monitors with an older NHT SW3P subwoofer. I run the monitors full-range and have the sub's crossover set very low. Around 40hz. When you use Bookshelf speakers with a sub you need to find a good place for the sub and tune the crossover so it doesn't intrude on the purity of the mini-monitor's midrange. This can be a difficult and time consuming process, but also quite rewarding.

You might want to consider small floor-standers such as the excellent Meadowlark Kestrels or Vandersteen 2s. I haven't heard either, but I did consider getting them. Mateored is correct in that floor standers such as these take up roughly the same foot space as monitors on stands. I just like the smaller appearance of monitors.

If you have anymore questions, I'll do my best to help. I've been down the same road as you, and I'm sure you'll get great advice form the other more experienced forum members here.

Have fun.

Floorstanders move more AIR and "bookshelf" speakers can only TRY to keep up by using such tricks as double-coned bass drivers like e.g. Totem Manitou's...possibly a good choice. Remember that with smaller speakers you will need to get them up off the floor so that you can hear them properly...so good stands are neccessary...an extra cost! How about a used pair of electrostats...Martin Logan Sequel II's or Aerius are great value, plentiful, reliable, and a step toward revealing source limitations as well as fitting your room. Have fun!

I agree, good stands are very important. Since I'm using little monitors, I have them up pretty high on Lovan Imperial 29" stands. They have good adjustable spikes, and I filled each stand with 20 pounds of steel shot to deaden any harmonic resonances. Good luck with your search Jamma!