2. speakers
  3. 1066526923

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
theaudiotweak
2,801 posts
 
Caravelle prototype I heard many months ago was the most tonally intergrated speaker I had ever heard.. Must have to do with that series crossover? Much texture, bass down to 40hz. or so, with impact and weight..Would play Loud and remain dynamically coherent..Tom
sean
6,231 posts
 
Calanctus: I agree with your comments. Then again, if one is using a monitor or smaller speaker on a stand without additional bass reinforcement, that in itself is more of a sacrifice to me. After all, you can't have efficiency, extension and spl in a small box. Sean
>
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
It is easier (and that's still a tough assignment) to get two drivers to work together, rather than three or more. Cabinet resonances/CROSSOVERS are a very big deal. True the bass extension is compromised a tad, but isn't it on most speakers? There is no panacea here, of course, but monitors can become addicting. True, the footprint, in the end can be just about the same given the stand and all. It's probably a wash in that sense. A world class monitor's, (other than bass) midrange and highs can stay with the biggest boys, still in a relatively smaller space, given the use of a sub. A monitor on a quality stand, (visually we're talking, now) has a airier look. More space under the speaker (perceived, because of openess) has, to me, a nicer eye appeal. Everthing is a trade off in this audiophoolish world. I think you can attain greatness with a killer monitor, sub, and stand, less expensively and easier (if you will), than you can with a floor stander.
peace, warren
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin
3,275 posts
 
But you can stay with a two-way design, just get more bass extension by buidling it into a larger cabinet, can't you? And what do you give up?

Warren, why do you say they can become addicting?
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
I don't know if addicting is appropriate. Perhaps it's the intimacy, soundstaging, that I love. Monitors (great ones) are very revealing, and when the recording is right they're awesome.
More to discover