Non fatigueing speaker under 1500

I too agree you have a good list going. I'd add spendor to the list as well.

I just received a new pair of the Meadowlark Swallow's, the monitor version of the new Swift, a couple weeks ago and they are absolutely fantastic. I echo all that Mike of Father & Son Audio has said. I agree they have holographic imaging, soundstage, and bass and no detection of cabinet resonance, but let it be known as well that they are very accurate in tonality and timbre. They possess a natural and balanced tone that is very non-fatiguing and engaging. A music lovers speaker for sure (Swift or Swallow).

just listened to the new ProAc not sure the model number but the price was $1500 and it sounded pretty good for a cone design in that price range.

Many years ago I tried professional studio monitors, reasoning that people who (a) have to make their living listening to music and (b) have to listen for hours at a time every day, would be very sensitive both to accuracy (for want of a better word) and whether a speaker was fatiguing or not.

So far it's worked for me. I've now used Tannoy System 12 and 15 DMT monitors for several years and still marvel at the combination of detail and dynamics that never grates or irritates.

Of course, one's source components are an essential part of this equation. Also, if you want real 20 Hz bass, you'll need a subwoofer. Standard practice with studio monitors, even the huge main monitors, that use two large LF drivers, sacrifice the last octave in favour of sensitivity and dynamics and use a sub for LF reinforcement.

Driving 95-100 dB speakers with 1000 watts on the bottom and 500 on top may seem like madness, especially those who favour 5 wpc SETs for this purpose, but I've listened to a lot of audiophile setups, some costing as much as my house, and none compare to what I've heard from the main playback monitors (not the mixing monitors) in a good recording or mastering studio.

Some of my friends use the Tannoy DMT series speakers, too, and have rebuilt the crossovers with paper-in-oil caps for what they find is a smoother sound.

Hope this helps.

Soliloquy 5.3 would be an ideal choice with "non-fatiguing" sound. I have the 6.3 and can listen to them for very extended periods of time. The 5.3 are slightly smaller, but very musical also. They can be found used or b-stck at or below $1500.

go buy yerself a used pair of ProAc 1SC's for around 1200. At the bottom of every page in the ProAc owner's manual are the words "perfectly natural". And on this, I would definitely agree. I do appreciate the comments regarding Meadowlarks - I have owned the Kestral HR, and have heard the Swift. But honestly, the ProAc's are in another league altogether. Down the line put a good sub on them, you'll then have the whole enchilada, and for the money you'll be in audio heaven...