Small speakers for a small room

There are some very good small monitors available, and a moderately wide price range. For example, the Totem Rainmakers offer a lot of performance for $900 (retail); the Paradigm Signatures are also very good, but cost more than twice as much as the Rainmakers ($2200); and the Sonus Faber Cremona offer both fine sound and gorgeous cabinetry, but at a significant increase in price. All of these speakers will do a fine job with jazz and classical (altho' large symphonic pieces may present a challenge if you want high volume levels). Can you offer some further clarification on your selection criteria and budget?

The Paradigm is to expensive and not known in Belgium, Totem could be an option.
I like low level listening.

Neat Petites
AVI Neutrons
Linn Katan or Tukan
All three of these are excellent small room, low level monitors.

I really loved the sound out of the Katans, powered by a Linn integrated amp. I would say they are very strong at this price point.

---Dave

JM Reynaud Trentes. Work well in small rooms, great with jazz and classical. A bit on the warm side.

ProAc tablette REF 8 are very fine speakers for smaller rooms. Retail around $1200 and have occasionally been seen on Audiogon for around $800. Even better the REF 8 Signature but difficult to find used.

If you like listening at low levels (volume) you'll need something that is clear and open sounding like Merline TSMs or ProAc Response 1SC. My choice would hands down be the Merlins but they also may not be available in Belgium.

The Linn Katan is a step forwards but I will not go active and I don't like the way Linn is going now ( to expensive
and moviestuff has nothing to do with musical emotions.)
The Totem Rainmaker cost about the same but I can't compare
them with the Katan.

Hi,

I would like to recommend Source loudspeakers. I have the 1.5WV. It is an outstanding speaker and very transparent. It has an L pad on the back which is a Godsend when it comes to room compatability.

http://sourcetechspeakers.com

Pete