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Best stand mounted monitors

I need your help please as I'm replacing my floor standing KEF Ref. Series 104/2 speakers with stand mounted monitors and probably a subwoofer due to the wife-acceptance-factor. I'm looking for comments from people who have listened to and hopefully compared the following monitor speakers that I'm considering:
(1) REFERENCE 3A - MM Decapo i
(2) PROAC - Response One SC or Tablette Ref. 8 Signature
(3) VON SCHWEIKERT - VR-1
(4) REVEL - M20 or the new M22 due out Q1 '04
(5) ATC - SCM 10-2 or SCM 20-2 either active or passive.

Other things you need to consider before offering your advice:
--> I will be replacing a very old Sherwood receiver with a new tube preamp and either tube or SS amp. I'll get the speakers first and then match the amp to it.
--> my room is about 4,800 cubic ft (40*15*8) and is average "aliveness" so having a higher sensitive speaker (e.g. >89dB) is desirable as it'll will mean less power required. I listen mostly to jazz with some R&B and classical.
--> budget is around US$2K-$3K (new retail price)
--> Id like to buy a REL subwoofer to match (e.g. Stadium II or III)

Many thanks.
kevinzoe
911mariposa
4 posts
 
For my ears the best "bang-for-the-buck" are the Totem Model 1 signatures. But be prepared to feed them with a strong amp.
I have compared the Mani with the Model 1 signatures while sitting right beside Vince himself. I commented to him I thought the Model 1's sounded cleaner. He admitted he compromised the midrange on the Model 1 to add base for the Mani.
Go with the Model 1, signature if you can > it's worth the extra$$.
scotthieb
1 posts
 
If you like the kefs and want a pair of stand mounted monitors might I suggest the KEF KM1's. These are self powered (3000 total watts) studio monitor mains. You can contact me at scotthieb@aol.com for more information.
audiotrest
12 posts
 
Why don't you try Dynaudio?
One of the best monitors: Contur 1.1, Contur 1.3 and variations.
Good Luck!
twilo
357 posts
 
Artesuono monitor speakers from Italy. They sound great with the Rel Stadium sub. There's a pic of the Artesuono's on Audiogon. Just type in Artesuono in search.
tunes4me
98 posts
 
I have a pair of Usher X807's ordered from Goldman audio, they should be here the end of next week. I have this gut feeling that they are going to ring my bell..
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