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Selecting Monitors for the First Time

I am scheduled to have my DNA-225 upgraded to Steve McCormack's Platinum level performance. Will be selecting a balanced linestage soon to complement the Mc and my tube phono stage. I listen almost exclusively to vinyl with probably a 90%/10% split between vinyl and CD. I listen to a wide variety of music - from hard driving rock, jazz, soul, bluegrass, female vocals, reggae. Nearly everything save classics, which get only a very occasional play.

Currently, I own Vandersteen 3A Sigs which I like very much with the McCormack - the synergy between the two is well discussed. So, I guess I'd say I am relatively happy with the Vandy "signature", as it were.

I have not personally owned a pair of high-quality monitor-sized speakers in decades (excepting some smaller PSB’s in a HT setup). I'd like to try a pair of monitors in my 23X17 room. I prefer a balanced sound with a large 3-D soundstage, a sweet midrange, articulate top end, and DEEP and tight bass but I DO NOT want to use a subwoofer, for various reasons.
What would folks recommend in the $4-5K retail range? Or am I asking too much of a monitor? Thanks in advance.
4yanx
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I agree with Labtec, but I will tell you that I went from a pair of DNA 0.5 A+ and a pair of 2Ws, to Merlin VSM-MMs + BAM. You can certainly pick those up used in your price range and Bobby may even know of a used pair that's available. I went tube amplification as well, and I am very happy with what I have now. I do not listen to much bass heavy R&R anymore, but I imagine I will queue up for the Merlin sub, if it ever becomes available. One other thought- if you stretch your budget a little, you may be able to find Model 5s, now that the 5As are out there.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Earlier this year I purchased my first set of monitors, not counting some earlier “stereos” when young. Now in hindsight I realize how I did things backwards and could of learned a lot by, at least, starting out with monitors, but I was always stuck in “bigger is better”.

All that said I find my monitors are the best speakers I have owned. They will not do some things that full range speakers do; you can take that as good or bad in some respects. They do not go as low as other full range speakers I have had but they do have the best bass I have had. (To be fair, I didn’t use my current electronics on past speakers.)

I may go back to a full range speaker at some point, knowing myself as I do, but I will have better knowledge and suspect my monitors will not leave until I have heard the other speakers in my system. My guess is that if you are asking you are questioning something.
maxxc
177 posts
 
I own monitors that go to 45hz and they sound great in my 13x12 listening room. Without a sub though I really don't see monitors as being the answer in your large room.

I also agree with Labtech. You will get responses telling you how deep of bass some monitor can produce. This may be true but a full range floorstander makes more sense with your budget and room deminsions.
4yanx OP
1,576 posts
 
The comments thus far are both interesting and appreciated. I was certain that I'd get some good perspectives to weigh in making an ultimate decision, or not making one at all! :-)
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
I own the Harmonic Precision, Caravelles. The best darn monitors these tympanics have heard. I reviewed them a ways back. Check the archives. 6moons.com is reviewing them next month, I believe. They made quite an impression at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. The Caravelles with dedicated stands can be had for $5k. Yep, they are pricey, but they deliver more than 5k worth of sound. You'll never know what a monitor can do until you hear these babies. peace, warren
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