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Monitors under $1500?

Many of you are helping me make the transition from consumer gear to separates. For that I am greatly appreciative.

I find myself, however, all over the board with respect to speakers. I remember the many pairs of monitor-sized speakers I've owned in the past (none of any truly notable lineage) and was wondering which monitors I should be considering as stepups. I've read about Spendor, Linn, Paradigm (Reference/S), Dynaudio, DefTech, etc. Don't really know much about the mid-end of the monitor spectrum.

Would any of you care to make some suggestions in the $1250-$1500 bracket, new and/or *lightly* used?

Thanks in advance!
ivyinvestor
13 responses Add your response
cdc
1,783 posts
 
Amphion has $1,295 speaker amazingly low distortion and was Soundstage award winner.
tlh28
90 posts
 
Hi,

I have owned a number of mini-monitors: Totem, Linn, Quad, Spendor, and heard several others. While each of these has its advantages and disadvantages, my favorite, and the one I still own, is the Spendor S3/5. However, ... if you want something that has a more "exciting," rather than to my ear natural sound, these are not for you. Also, forget about low bass unless you intend to get a sub. I briefly heard the older Harbeth years ago and was impressed, but haven't heard the new one so can't comment on it. Also, associated equipment, room and music preference will make a big difference in which one you might prefer.

TLH
ehoehn
169 posts
 
ACI Sapphires.
mikesinger
572 posts
 
if you can find them....the samll but mighty celestion 700 se...

very, very, special speaker that can still hold it own againest new designs...
tonnesen
137 posts
 
There is a pair of Sonus Faber Signum's listed in the classifieds for that price - you might want to check them out. I've had a pair for 3 years and continue to be amazed at how good they sound. I've also tried 2 floor standing speakers, Martin Logan SL3 and Audes Jazz, and I feel that the Signums are much more natural and musical sounding than the others. The Signum's are the lowest price speakers in the SF Classic line. You would want to get the SF stands to go with them, and I think they do well with good tube amps.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin
3,274 posts
 
I think that both ProAc and Aerial have highly-regarded models at around that size. Also, perhaps the Reference 3A Dulcet, or is that too big?
ivyinvestor OP
37 posts
 
Okay...Thanks so far!

What about if I *really* need something small - not *too* much bigger than the Mites, for example...

Thanks!
elsneb
126 posts
 
The nice thing about Green Mountain Audio is that their speakers, large or small have "weight", fill a room with a huge sound stage, have great mids and highs and the bass you can feel. Read the forums. I've had several full range speakers that could not come close. Green Mountain Audio is about the music. Enjoy!
soundwatts
221 posts
 
Dont forget the Totem Hawk, Model one and Rainmakers all excellent speakers.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I agree with Jay douglas. If you intend to put monitors on stands they will take up the same floor space as full range speakers. I set up a small listening using monitors on stands but always felt something was missing. Weight is a good word to describe the missing element with monitors, air is another word. Those qualities are difficult for monitors. Good luck.
extra_action
52 posts
 
Linn Katans; apart from being dynamic and extremely accurate from the outset, they offer what few other monitors do... scalability. Katans make a quantum leap when they go from passive to active configuration... you can start with a passive system and slowly add... first a sub to fill in the base and eventually active amps. I started out several years ago with Katans and rotel amps. Over the years things have come and gone (eventually settling on an all Linn system), but the one thing constant has been the monitors.
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
unless your space is extremely confined, buy midsized full range or tower speakers. there great values out there and you get greater satisfaction from a wider variety of music. imaging is one thing but weight is something even great great monitors can't fake
elsneb
126 posts
 
Green Mountain Audio-Europa & Europa Max are in your price range. Great company and very musical. Check the forums-worth your time.

http://www.greenmountainaudio.com/
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