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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
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Sunnyjim: How can you say that the Totem Mani-2 Signatures are overpriced if they do something other monitors can't do at their price--provide true deep bass and room-filling dymamics from a stand-mounted monitor?

The Joseph Pulsar also qualifies, but it's $7,000.

If you want a stand mount with a full bass for less, there's the GoldenEar Aon3, but those are only $1K/pair. They *do*, however, give you excellent imaging and dynamics plus the tonal balance of a mid-sized floorstander.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Magico mini 2 /Q1 are better!!
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
For the bigger sized monitors, I'd pick Event Opal amplified studio monitors. A pair would be $3k, but they're active and need no amp. They're powered approx 450w each and produce enormously big sound and soundstage not only in near-field as they're designed. They also have room equalizer and other useful features to easily set them up.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Sunnyjim, IMO you have just made one of THE best posts ever on A'gon !

Those who were not around in the days of the Dynaco A-25 etc,
have no idea what a sucker trap audio has become.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
Totem Mani 2 are not cheap, but priced pretty competitively these days when compared to many other overachieving, overbuilt monitors. Magico Mini being an obvious comparison. Both hit well above their size.

I would jump at a pair of right priced used Mani 2s in teh right situation. Magico Mini used prices seem to be coming down, but not sure I would go for that over the Totems or not. Dynaudio monitors would also be strong contenders at most price points. My small Dynaudio Contour 1.3mkII compete with quality floorstanders quite well, especially in smaller rooms.
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