Monitor/Bookshelf speakers for 20w SET-cost no object

This site has a lot of recommended speakers for your interest: http://www.welbornelabs.com/recomendspeaks.htm

I have heard a KR amp (i.e., not your Cary) driving: Mini Utopia, A-Physic Step+sub; Proac2 with a different set-up.

I personally preferred the JM & Step experience with jazz/blues: the source equipment was cdp (YBA 1) with both speakers, and the s/ware bog-standard, discount S-Vaughan compilation, Keb Mo. The JM sound was placement critical (it took a good hour to tame the tweeter). The Step were less so. I found that fast cabling with good extension was necessary (critical?) to get the best out of these combos (in both cases it case N. Valhalla, maybe overkill price-wise). So, placement and cabling are, IMO, very important parametres to take into account along with the actual model you utlimately choose!

I must admit that the sound, in both cases, was IMO majestic: large soundstage, good transient attack (to which I'm partial), better upper register than bass... but this "compromise" did not register when I was happily listening.

Good luck!

You really should look at both the Merlin TSM Millenium if the room is really tiny and the VSM Milleniums if the room is small to medium. Both speakers are great as near field monitors. I know some audiogonners are listening as close as 5'-6'. Their flat 8 ohm+ impedance is very OTL and SET friendly along with a reasonably high efficiency of 90db 20 watts should be plenty in a smaller room.

If you are looking for a fair price on either of these you should talk with Mike at www.alternativeaudio.com , my local purveyor of things that sound very good. If you were interested in the 3A M.C.R. monitors recommended in the last post I believe Mike just took a pair in on trade.

the MM DeCapo or the pricier Master Control Reference monitors are outstanding speakers for SET amps.