Best high end monitors?


I'm considering monitors for a 2 channel setup (to be paired with a couple subs - probably JL Audio Fathom 113's).

Looking for suggestions on brands/models to consider. I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly rock and jazz. I'm looking for large soundstage, detailed with with meat on the bones.

I don't have a set budget, but wouldn't go as high as Magico Minis or anything crazy.

Thanks in advance.
madfloyd

Showing 5 responses by madfloyd

Thanks for the responses.

I'm considering non-full range speakers because my room is problematic. I want the sound of full range, but feel I might be better off being able to position monitors for the best soundstage and use an EQ'd sub to deal with problematic bass nodes.

Currently trying JM Focal Electra 1007 BE's. Don't have the sub(s) hooked up yet, but find the tweeter a little forward and the image a little smallish for my taste. I am considering the Micro Utopias because I've heard the tweeter (although BE) is not as forward and midrange is better. So I thought I'd ask about alternatives before moving forward.
Room is 14 x 26 x 7.5. Room is soundproofed and seems to retain bass energy. Current speakers are Aerial Model 9'
s and their 4 woofers produce too much bass.

Amps are Theta Citadel 1.5 (400 watt monoblocks)
Anyone else try Usher Tiny Dancers (BE-718)? Great reviews but (and this sounds kinda snobby), they aren't very expensive.

I'm very drawn to trying the Focal Micro BE's (as Rello mentioned) but I have bi-wire and this makes it a pain (as it is with the Electra 1007 BE's I'm currently using) because I switch speakers when watching theater.

When I was auditioning floorstanders, I tried the Dynaudio C2 and they sounded like bookshelf speakers to me at the time (bass was anemic) but I'm guessing the C1 would be a good contender.

Lots of suggestions for brands I don't recognize - I have some research to do!

Thanks to all.
So my search for really good monitors continues. Here's what I have been auditioning:

Focal Electra 1007 BE
Very nice, but midrange is too lean for my tastes and the tweeter can call attention to itself (pretty much exactly how TAS called it).

JM Labs Micro Utopia
I love the midrange on these speakers. They have meat on the bones, but they are dark as hell up top - at least in my room. Saddens me because I'm in love with these otherwise, but I need that sense of air that these seem to mask.

Salk SongTowers
Not exactly a monitor, but light enough that I can move it in and out of the room (which is a necessity as I setup my 2 channel listening in front of a huge movie screen). It gets rave reviews but sounds very solid state and harsh to my ears (and with my Theta Citadel 1.5 amps). It does however allow me to hear what's on the recording which I appreciate otherwise.

Aerial Model 9's
These are my home theater speakers that excite the room way too much (4 bass drivers per speaker). I only mention them for reference. Not my cup of tea for 2 channel.

So I don't know what to try next? Usher Be-718? I'm looking for detail, air but meat on the bones. Don't care about extremely low bass as I have a Bryston crossover and a pair of F113 subs.