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My M20s were humbled

Well, this weekend I got to listen, quite extensively to the new JMlab Micro Utopias. As much as I love my M20s the wind has come out of my sails. I compared (M20s) them to most of the other monitors out there, before and, even, after, my Revel purchase. Never looked back; until now. Yeah, they cost 3x as much: $5700-ouch! No they're not 3x better, but the Micro Utopias are in a class all to themselves, for my ears. This is one killer monitor. Beautiful bottom to top. Midrange, highs (ooh la la) and sweeping deep soundstage to die for. Everything. Still needs a sub, but what monitor doesn't. I'm really quite excited by this ear popping, tympanic tittalating audition. Now, where am I circumlocuting to?--Harmonic Precision Caravelles. Got my order in for a pair of these babies, and now I'm more excited than ever. Why is that? Reliable ears have indicated to me, (quite humbly), that I will do better, for a fair comparison, to compare these new Caravelles to speakers a notch or two higher than the Micro Utopias. I'll keep you guys posted when the deed is done. Also: no subwoofer needed. Monitor speakers that don't require a sub? This is exciting stuff. Probably another month before this happens. Can't talk from experience, now. Just literal hear say. But good hear say.
peace, warren
P.S. You can get more specs on the Caravelles from their website.
128x128warrenh
ksales
228 posts
 
Warren I have heard the HPs and I agree they are incredible for monitor speakers. It is not a fair comparison for the M20s with the JMlabs even though I love the M20s. I think a better head to head would be with the Revel Ultima Gems which believe hold their own with any monitor speaker. I didn't have an opportunity to a/b the gems with the HPs, but when I heard the HPs for less money I pretty wowed by the soundstage. I would still want a sub even though the HPs had a pretty darn good low end.
kchahoc
85 posts
 
My understanding is that with all speakers there is a tradeoff between sensitivity, size, and bass extension. To adjust any one of them is to change the others. I'd be interested to see if a small box can really do 39 Hz at +-1.5dB and maintain 87 dB sensitivity! That is not quite subwoofer territory yet even with the claim of a transmission line (which cannot be all that long due to the size of the enclosure unless it is a BOSE:)). I remember ProAc has a small monitor that will do real low bass but it is not very sensitive. You can also do what infinity has done and just power the crap out of the woofer! Keep us posted. That kind of money will also buy some very nice towers.
calanctus
151 posts
 
Warrenh, were the Micro Utopias the new Be model with the beryllium tweeter? I too own M20s (among other speakers) and am still looking around for the perfect monitor, and have thought about the Micro Bes.

A recent issue of Hi Fi Choice said the MU Be's were really transparent, but said they were just a bit lacking in dynamics. They still awarded them a 90% rating, which is very good. What did you think of the dynamics of the MUs that you listened to?
sutts
700 posts
 
"...Still needs a sub, but what monitor doesn't..."

Totem Mani-2
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
They were incredibly dynamic to my ears. They did require a sub. Hey let's face it, not only monitors, but many claim-to-be- full range speakers could use a sub. I heard them with a Rel sub, as well. Ecstasy. Calanctus, those HPs will be coming out soon. You may not need to go to $5700. The Caravelles cost $3500. Not small change, but neither is the sound. They'll be here soon enough. I'm psyched. peace, warren
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