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Recommend a good Monitor for my existing system

Hello All,
I been reading many of your threads to gain insight into my next purchase. You guys have some great things to say about Audio gear and Music.
I'm looking for a Monitor for my dedicated 11.5 x 17 x 8 h sound room/getaway.
I want to add a speaker with increased midrange magic.
I want Refinement with Involment, Emotion and Comunicativeness.
If you have other speakers to recommend I would like to stay below $1300. new/used. Sounds pretty low but I know it can be done.
I listen to all kinds of music except for rap and country. My current system includes:
Wadia 830, Pass Labs Aleph 30, Audio Electronic Supply Super Amp Signature, Magnepan MMGs (w/mods), REL Storm III and various cables. I will NEVER sell the maggies. The MMG has got to be one of the best speaker values out there. With a couple of mods, good placement (5 feet from front wall) and a decent front end they are hard to beat. I'm on my sixth maggie (IIIa, IIc, SMGc, 3.3, 3.5) along with 20 others including dynamics, electrostats, ribbons, hybrids, horns-STOP...I've had 'enough'; I'm getting off the merry-go-round now. I sold audio equipment at one point, been thru many systems, and many speakers, downgraded my equipment from a high of nearly 50K down to currently(if you only count one amp running, which I do) less than 8K - AND IT SOUNDS MORE MUSICAL THAN ANYTHING I HAVE EVER OWNED IN THE PAST.
I am currently, strongly considering the Sonus Faber Concertinos, ProAC 1SC (used), Epos M12, Quad 11L/12L, Harbeth HL-P3ES, various Spendors and Green Mountain Continuums.
You see, here in Charlotte NC I am in an Audio Wasteland.
Any help from the knowledgable music lovers, audio enthusiasts, audiophiles or audio gurus would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
David
dh114307
s23chang
619 posts
 
My room is 11.5 x 22 x 8 h
I'm using ATC SCM10 passives driving with 55Watt/ch tube gear. Very clean, sweet, fully bodied and yet good punchy bass (tks to the non-ported enclosure.) No wonder many studios has choosen the ATC as their studio monitor speakers. I personally do not like ported speakers as much because the bass is less solid feel. However, the ported speakers are more efficient.
ATC are very well known for its drivers. They make one of the best nearfield speakers.
You definitely need a good stand (Target R4/R5 or Atlantis 24XL) for any monitor speakers. The stands would set you back $300 to $400 in used market.
The current model is SCM12 with 1/2 inch larger cone.
Also, the SCM10 is the smallest size in its class. A good amp is required.
The bigger brother SCM20 has more bass.
scotty_910
119 posts
 
I can't comment on the continuums, but I love my green mountain audio europa's. I think they fit all of the musical criteria you mentioned above.
eeerie1
43 posts
 
Someone is selling a pair of Europas right now for $650. I've never heard them, so I can't comment. However, I do own the Continuum 1.5s and I'm extremely happy with them. They are out of your price range, though ($2500 is what I've seen them for). Good luck!
wrayray
40 posts
 
Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference Monitor is a glorious speaker. Great soundstage, very musical, accurate; good down to ~40hz and available used here on Audigon for $1000. Also, second that emotion for the Europa from Green Mountain.
dh114307 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks Fellas,
For all your responses. I meant to say Green Mountain Europa's - I followed the thread on them and they sound very interesting, especially for, I think, $880 pair new.
I heard the M20's at a salon with Jeff Rowland front end and they sounded a littl analytical- maybe it was the gear- I'm not sure. I kinda wanted to stay away from metal domes,
but maybe they are improving, they always seemed to fatigue me. I have'nt seen the De Capo's selling for the price range I'm considering but I'll keep an eye out for them.
I'll check out the Living Voice's as well.
Tyler Acoustics look interesting as well.
I have heard great things about the ATC's but thought they were out of my price range.
You guys are great---keep up the information sharing; it only makes us better/more informed individuals.
- "Right On"
David
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