Speaker pairings with Pass INT-30A

My speakers are PBN Montana EPS2s, Mariasplunge. A very musical pairing, IMHO. Definitely not monitors, though. But why are monitors a requirement? The EPS2s are big (as are many comparatively efficient speakers), but they play pretty close to boundaries, a variable that has as much to do with practicality in living space as size, IMO.

My room is almost exactly the size of yours, by the way, in an "open floor plan." My critical listening is mostly south of 80db.

One intriguing possibility would be speakers with powered bass unit (eg Zu Def 4); the limitation of the 30A is mainly in the lows, if one doesn't listen too loudly.

I think you'll get more helpful advice if you narrow your price range.

John

One intriguing possibility would be speakers with powered bass unit (eg Zu Def 4); the limitation of the 30A is mainly in the lows, if one doesn't listen too loudly.

Exactly. In fact, going beyond a "possibility" it would be a necessity in order to obtain more or less full range reproduction.
In this respect, the Zu mentioned above are ideal on paper -- hi sensitivity, independantly powered bass, etc.
The Revels mentioned are also very good speakers btw -- but far less easy to drive. They too would need to be paired with subwoofs (Revel make their own).

Not monitors, but I had the XA 30.5 paired with Zu's and that was a great combination.

PMC "TB2i"or "DB1i".EASY to drive,excellent Bass from small/med. size cabs & reputation for fantastic sound reproduction.What's not to like?

SOme more great suggestions. Thanks all. The Zu definitions look intriguing but out of my price range I believe.
Maybe the MK III's on the used market MIGHT COME CLOSE.

I'm looking at about $2000-3000 budget wise.

Monitors mainly because they have to have a high wife pleasing factor right now and that means relatively small!

I once owned the Merlin's vsm-mme with BAM. Really liked that speaker. Wonder if the 30A could cut the mustard with the TSM though?

Revels sounds like a possibility but I hear you on needing a sub.

Rest of my system as it is now consists of the 30A Clearaudio Concept table and MC cart, K&K phono pre, acoustic revive cabling. Just need the speakers to make it all sing.

No opinions on the Paradigm S2's?

I mainly listen to rock/pop, a fair bit of jazz, not really classical. My goal is an accurate system that sounds musical but also fairly neutral. I appreciate speakers that can perform well on female vocals for example but also have the drive and snap to carry electric guitar.

Thanks for the continued help!