S7horton,
Happy Xmas Eve,
I am hearing mixed reviews about the Mini's. I heard them once with some Paradigms (not sure which model)and I liked them. However, that was six months ago. I never considered Paradigms because I was always so PSB centered. The Revel M20's, Proac Tablettes, and some of the Dynaudios are on my short list. I am also intrigued by the Energy Veritas 2.2's. I should start another thread asking about the Energie's. Thanks for your response though. One other thing, what exactly did you find wrong with the Mini's? what were you looking for as far as sound? |
Timrhu,
Merry Xmas to you. I checked out the Totems and by looking at them, I would think they are a Proac/Dynaudio Hybrid. I have a small listening area also and I have always preferred monitors anyway. The Paradigm Studio 20 v3's look really good and they are more in my price range right now. Its either $1000 for an Integrated amp or speakers. You are not the only one thats told me about the Stratus Mini's. Something tells me to stay away from them. PSB is all I used to buy but my loyalty is changing. I am using an old B&K amp that I'm trying to sell and it is really fleshing out the shortcomings of my current PSB B25's. |
Merry Xmas Upstate,
I went to the website and the Totems sure seem to get a warm reception. I will consider them. I am also looking for a good DVD/CD soundsource. That plays a huge role also. |
Megasam,
Right now I am looking at two possible scenarios. First off, I may use my B&K ST 202 for several more months in a rather small listening area and I am trying to find a good sounding monitor that would match. Secondly, I am also considering either a Krell KAV 300i or Class Cap-100 in that same listening area. I live in a loft apartment with limited room. I am currently using a pair of PSB Image B25's and while they sound decent, they tend to be "boomy" with the older B&K Amp really fleshing out their weaknesses. I have another question. Several people have told me that they find the B&K Amp to be slow. It doesn't appear that way to me. My budget right now would be $1500 right now for a used Integrated and monitors. There are so many good speaakers in this range making ot hard to decide. I also like the Revel M20's. I wonder how they would sound with B&K. |
Hello out there,
Does anyone know for sure if the PSB Stratus line is going to be re-introduced? I am hearing that they are going to launch a whole new Stratus line. |
Megasam
I believe the B&K ST 202+ is a mosfet design and it does sound very nice. I am using PSB Image B25's and there is plenty of headroom thats for sure. When I turn the amp up to 9 O'clock or so it lights up my apartment. Jazz and acid jazz recordings sound very crisp and transparent. I just want to move on to some new equipment. I am trying to sell the units as you can see from my other thread. There are so many speakers out there. I had the list narrowed down to 2-3 but now there is perhaps ten. I have always been a PSB Fan and the Stratus Mini still interests me. I suppose sound is subjective and alot of it also depends on acoustics, atmosphere whatever. From what I am hearing, the Krell KAV 300i would sound good with just about any speaker. It may be a good match for the Stratus Mini's. I am going through a seperation so money is more of an issue this year. If I could get a used Krell, decent monitors and a reasonable CD/DVD source I would be happy. $1700 has to get it done. |
Jndean
I have read a dozen or more reviews over the years of the Stratus Mini's. My gut tells me that they would appeal to me. I have owned all of the PSB Lines except the Stratus and I have been happy with them all. I did a demo of a pair this past July with a Newcastle Amp and I was impressed. This of course was a sound room at a dealership near Buffalo, NY. It was your typical 10-15 minute audition. I remember very vividly the speakers. They jumped out at me. Now, the more I talk about speakers, the more opinions I get. I remember having a debate with the salesman regarding PSB vs Paradigm. He was convinced that the Paradigms were just as good as PSB and cheaper. How do feel the Mini's would sound with a Krell KAV 300i? Its 150wpc of Krell. This amp of course is comparable in sound and price to alot of quality seperates. |
Jndean,
I am leaning towards the Mini's. I can't wait to get a pair. I have several places in mind and I am going to try to get a good deal. I saw that auction on Ebay. Didn't the seller say they were out of service, just sitting in a closet or something? What kind of arrangement do you have with your Stratus line? I mean, different rooms and roles right? |
I have heard the Mini's. At least long enough to know I like them. I am using B25's right now and the Mini's are so much better. Sounds like a nice set up you have. You like Marantz? I remember I started out with an old Marantz 1030. I had a pair of Utah Speakers. Remember Utah Speakers? |
Hi Dave,
Yes, as good as the Mini's sound, there seems to be something lacking in them. You are right, even though they present a pretty big soundstage for their size, they are certainly not the most detailed speaker. I am using them with an an Acurus A150, and there is something about the mini that I like. Most people I talk to, say that they get attached to them. I am thinking of moving up to the Silveri. As far as the 2B, B25's are concerned, yes, they start to rattle and vibrate, and I had to sell them because of the resonance. I am intrigued by the Energy Veritas 2.2i monitors. For $1000 and under, I still find the Stratus Mini hard to beat. What monitor can can be found for $1000 and under that beats the Mini? Vienna's? Von Schweikert? |
I keep hearing about the Revel M20's, and in fact, I was in a position to purchase a pair here on the Gon back in the early winter. However, I was visiting a local audio store in January and I found a great deal on a pair of Stratus Mini's with stands instead. I have a feeling the Von Schweikert's are a little overrated anyway. As we all know, sound is subjective, and these Mini's are everything the critics have said about them. They are "moody" and some days they sound so good that I have trouble getting out the door. I am using some Acurus gear that I believe would take $2000 to replace...namely Bryston. I put together an outstanding system for $1500 that would have cost me $3500 if everything were brand new. I am happy for now. |
Dave,
I have never even heard of those makes, but my audio interest is making me more familiar with equipment each day. I am putting my Stratus Mini's up for sale to move up the food chain, and I must say that they are quite an impressive speaker. The Bass is incredible, and they throw a good soundstage. I wish I could keep them. |
