Monitor with a full range sound?

Hi, The Platinum Solo's are a full range used monitor bargain at $700 to $800 if you provide your own stands, probably more if the optional factory stands are included.(more expensive to ship.) The company is gone, but the loyal listeners occasionally put their speakers up for sale. I have driven them successfully with 35 watt per channel Sound Valves tube amp, and Quad 303 transistor amp The speaker easily reveals subtleties in recordings along with startling, accurate bass from modestly powered amps when listened to at nearfield monitor distances. This may be worth a few weeks wait to see the next time it comes up on Audiogon, or Audioweb. P.S. The premium version called the Reference 1 is a more expensive and awe inspiring monitor speaker, but have not heard the De Capo lauded in the first post in this thread, for comparison.

Vandersteen has a monitor he wanted to get flat to at least 40hz to mate with his sub's 6db/octave crossover. (On the drawing boards still?) Wilson Benesch monitors go fairly low. For less money, and less extension, there is the Infinity 2.6 active or the Revel M20. The Totems mentioned above are a good choice, also. But I agree the question is worth examining - floorstanders really can take up just as little room by the time you add stands, and have extra cabinet volume. Monitors are not for full range sound. They are for imaging and lack of cabinet vibration and/or mating to subs.

I own, and love the Revel M20s. While their extension is quite amazing, they require a sub (for me that is). They, also, require, like all monitors, killer stands, to sound their best. The stands that come with the M20s are horrible. (but then, again, the stands that come with the 805s, are equally poor) I use the Sistrum Mini Monitor support system. While pricey, it cannot be beat, for taking your monitor to places where no other stands can. My review is in the archives.

Disclaimer: I am a Talon Audio dealer.

Tcpip...You didn't mention your budget, but I highly recommend you add the Talon Khite-C to your short list. You won't believe the BIG sound that comes from these small speakers. They are FLAT to 35Hz and can produce SPL that is incredible given their size. As mentioned above, the Totem Mani-2 is also a very good monitor that produces a big sound and decent SPL.

Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio

I have heard, though not firsthand, the Avalon Monitor (no longer in prod) is quite good. Sweet mids and satisfying, though not exactly visceral bass. Ditto on the nod to the 3a's above. I have found my Proac Response 1sc's to be an excellent compromise between tonally coherent lower octaves and the palpable magic of the midband. If you want full-range, however, clear the room for a floorstander and get out your checkbook.