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Monitors that compete with quality floorstanders??

Like to know if there is a monitor, (even a larger monitor than bookshelf) that can compete with high quality floor standers across the board. I realize that bass response will always be problematic, for example, one 6 inch woofer in a monitor versus two or three 5 inch woofers in a floor stander which will produce better bass, and upper midrange

I could spend $2500-$2700 for such a monitor and stands used or new. I am not particularly interested in using a subwoofer. Smoothness, wide soundstaging, precise imaging and overall musicality are very important characteristics of such a "monitor" Thanks
sunnyjim
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,298 posts
 
That is a long list to regurgitate ,with many contenders that can even soundly smoke floor standers , starting with the various Harbeths and the ATC SM 11s new model.

The shorter answer to that question itself is directly dependent on what the rest of your system is, with particular reference to the front end and amp.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,737 posts
 
$999 is a far cry from $2700!
manoterror
216 posts
 
I got a pair of Tannoy Definition DC8s, and they are tremendous. Best stand-mounted speakers I've heard to date. Doesn't matter if I'm listening to Tool or Jim Evans Trio...they sound fantastic no matter what I throw at them. The only con to them is they are a bit directional. Worth a look.

http://www.whathifi.com/review/tannoy-definition-dc8

http://www.soundstage.com/equipment/tannoy_definition_dc8.htm

Mot
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I also recommend the Decapos. They are among the very best monitors anywhere close to their price I've listened to but then some might be a bit turned off by their liveliness, a reason I prefer them, among other attributes that I haven't heard in similarly priced monitor speakers. They most CERTAINLY compete quite well with my long term well regarded and reviewed former 2-way floorstanders. You won't get the lowest octave but you will get fast accurate mid/upper bass, great staging and excellent imaging. Very punchy natural drum attack and great with percussive instruments in general.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I also recommend the Decapos. They are among the very best monitors anywhere close to their price I've listened to but then some might be a bit turned off by their liveliness, a reason I prefer them, among other attributes that I haven't heard in similarly priced monitor speakers. They most CERTAINLY compete quite well with my long term well regarded and highly reviewed former 2-way floorstanders and exceed them in several key areas of performance, at least to my ears and expectations. You won't get the lowest octave but you will get fast accurate mid/upper bass, great staging and excellent imaging. Very punchy natural drum attack and great with percussion instruments in general. Solo piano is just sublime and most natural.

I also concur with Akg_ca, it really is dependent on the rest of your system.
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