He might have bought something by now he’s had 3 1/2 years to look. Hell while I’m here Reference 3a Decappo and a rel t5x
Very small room! Help me with monitor speakers
I am sure some of you are tired of reading all the similar posts asking for help picking the right monitor speakers, but with the risk of boring you, please read this one too!
When I was really young, I was fascinated by very small salt-water aquariums full of vibrant, beautiful live plants and fish since I knew the smaller the tank, the harder it is to have the occupants stay alive, let alone do well and thrive. I experimented with building my own and was semi successful... ;-)
I now find myself in a similar situation. I am trying to build a good sounding system in my very small (10 x 9 ft small!) office. Unlike many here, I don't have a big budget. I have painstakingly upgraded many parts in an old EL34 based tube amp (around 35 watts per channel) that I would like to use, or I could go with a Rotel 100W per channel solid state stereo amp depending on the speakers. For source, I'm using an Oppo DAC connected to my Mac for digital music (Flac and DSD files). I will be adding a turntable and phono preamp later. My current speakers are Martin Logan Motion 15 bookshelf speakers and while they sound okay, I feel there is a lot of room for improvement. I listen to many types of music, but primarily Jazz, some mellow rock and old electronic music (the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, The Art of Noise, etc.). I have done some acoustic treatments to my room which has helped. Speakers will be fairly close to the back-wall (around 1ft) and about 6-7 feet from each other.
I am looking for speakers under $2k, and here's what I am hoping for:
- Good sound at lower volumes since I listen a lot at nights, but with the ability to handle higher volumes when needed
- Large sound stage, revealing, a little warm, clean, and with high dynamics and definitely good with vocals
I am not looking for really analytical and super accurate speakers - I want to listen, relax and enjoy the music late at nights.
Since I can't go to stores and listen to different speakers, I've been reading a lot and feel these speakers could be good. If you have any real life experience with these, could you please tell me about what you liked and disliked and if they meet the criteria above? BTW, I am definitely open to buying used as well...
- LSA-10 Signature
- Silverline Minuet Grand
- Revel Performa3 M105
- Canton Reference 9k
- Xavian Perla Esclusiva
I appreciate all your comments and help!
When I was really young, I was fascinated by very small salt-water aquariums full of vibrant, beautiful live plants and fish since I knew the smaller the tank, the harder it is to have the occupants stay alive, let alone do well and thrive. I experimented with building my own and was semi successful... ;-)
I now find myself in a similar situation. I am trying to build a good sounding system in my very small (10 x 9 ft small!) office. Unlike many here, I don't have a big budget. I have painstakingly upgraded many parts in an old EL34 based tube amp (around 35 watts per channel) that I would like to use, or I could go with a Rotel 100W per channel solid state stereo amp depending on the speakers. For source, I'm using an Oppo DAC connected to my Mac for digital music (Flac and DSD files). I will be adding a turntable and phono preamp later. My current speakers are Martin Logan Motion 15 bookshelf speakers and while they sound okay, I feel there is a lot of room for improvement. I listen to many types of music, but primarily Jazz, some mellow rock and old electronic music (the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, The Art of Noise, etc.). I have done some acoustic treatments to my room which has helped. Speakers will be fairly close to the back-wall (around 1ft) and about 6-7 feet from each other.
I am looking for speakers under $2k, and here's what I am hoping for:
- Good sound at lower volumes since I listen a lot at nights, but with the ability to handle higher volumes when needed
- Large sound stage, revealing, a little warm, clean, and with high dynamics and definitely good with vocals
I am not looking for really analytical and super accurate speakers - I want to listen, relax and enjoy the music late at nights.
Since I can't go to stores and listen to different speakers, I've been reading a lot and feel these speakers could be good. If you have any real life experience with these, could you please tell me about what you liked and disliked and if they meet the criteria above? BTW, I am definitely open to buying used as well...
- LSA-10 Signature
- Silverline Minuet Grand
- Revel Performa3 M105
- Canton Reference 9k
- Xavian Perla Esclusiva
I appreciate all your comments and help!
32 responses Add your response
Since you'll need stands for any speakers recommended, you might also consider a small footprint floor-stander intended for smaller rooms like the Monitor Audio Silver 200 7G. Designed to be placed near the back walls, it's dual port design allows you to adjust the bass for your specific room. Don't take my word, read this: https://www.whathifi.com/monitor-audio/silver-200/review My second choice would be the KEF R3. A much more livable speaker than it's super-analytical nearfield monitor cousin, the LS-50. More restrained than the MAs, I still can't imagine anyone with a small room being disappointed with them. |
They went plenty loud and.sounded great with 40 watts of EL34 goodness. I also used them with a McCormack 125 and they didn't disappoint. They are one of the few small speakers I've used that maintain their composure at louder , more realistic levels. They have really good bass for a small speaker , at night they were plenty satisfying without a sub. With a really good sub I think the combo rivals more expensive floor standers. |
oddiofyl, thank you for the comment regarding Revel M106. It is definitely on my short list. Was it easy to drive and listen to at lower volumes? stereohans, Dynaudio speakers, specifically the Evoke series were on my list initially, but some of the not so great reviews and also the need for high power to drive them made me decide against them. That's one of the negatives of a speaker getting a lot of attention, like the Dynaudio Special Forty or Buchardt S400. A lot of reviews get written and while most are really great some will not be that great. On the other hand, the speakers that don't have a lot of following only have one or two reviews that are generally really good. Schwantner, thanks for your response. Yes, there are many, many bookshelf speakers and also many used ones on sale. I am not looking for wireless or active speakers, and I am also looking for a few specific qualities such as high efficiency in the speaker as stated in my original post. |
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649496129-dynaudio-xeo-4-wireless-speakers-black-newinbox-full-w... There are multiple options on Audio Mart as well as here. |
You should also consider Dynaudio speakers. I had the Fourty for about three months. A monitor sized box that sounded like a big one after a month of "burning in". Very high resolution, stunning colors, deep and wide soundstage and very clear definition of instruments and voices. If you listen to hires files out of your PC, this could be an ideal match. Also look for "normal" (not jubilee) Dynaudio models in this range. Their midrange/bass drivers are world class, but don't cost a fortune. Greetz, Hans |
I heard a nice pair of small Spendor but couldn't get them home. I did try a pair of NOLA boxers a bit bright but good detail. Paradigm prestige and KEF 100s are what I am running now and I switch between them. I really like the KEF new R series as well. Warmer than the others so depends on what you like. Will you be able to try before you buy? Dynaudio and ProAc are also good. Have fun. |
If you can find a pair of older AR308HO speakers they would fit your requirements, front firing ports with the woofers on the side, there is a pair on sale in Cherry on Reverb for $250.00 I currently own 2 pairs of these speakers and will not be getting rid of them ever.They work well with SS amps and tube amps as well I have a pair set up in my bedroom hooked up to a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated and they sound smooth and articulate at all listening levels, my room is around 16' X 14' |
This is the 3rd post regarding this in 4 days. Go jump on those music culture rl-21 on usaudio. Extremely rare, from Germany, Wolfgang meletsky( mbl fame) designed. Silk dome tweeter with Davis driver. Midrange that would make you cry with plenty o bass to boot. read the reviews. You’ll never see another pair for sale. I heard these at an audio show in 2015 and was blown away. They’re listed for 2200. Good luck! |
Some great suggestions here. The best speakers I have used in my office have been Totem. A little power hungry but 100 watts ss should do nicely. Also had a pair of Paradigm studio 20s that were great although geared more to rock than jazz. You can get a nice used set for <$1000. Enjoy the affliction! |
I wanted to upgrade my surround speakers. My old KEF Q 15.2 speakers were still good, but it was time to find something a bit better. I looked for a better KEF speaker, but couldn't find any in my price range. I then found a pair of beautiful Pioneer S-Z9 monitors that were built by KEF, designed by Andrew Jones. They are very fine sounding speakers, easy on the eyes, and ears, too. Only $450 for the pair, in mint condition. If you find a pair, you might consider giving them a try. Best regards, Dan |
Can't thank you all enough for all the responses to my post with the great suggestions and information. I really appreciate it. Now I have more research and reading to do! The Harbeth P3ESR, Spendor A1s, Larsen 4, Omega Super 7 speakers are all great suggestions that I am going to read about. Any chance anyone has any more insight on LSA-10 speakers? Thanks again! |
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I always recommend omnidirectional speakers for small and problematic rooms. Speakers featuring off-axis drivers work with the room better and off-axis reflections make the room sound larger. An additional benefit is that many of these speakers provide a large, room-wide sweet spot and great imaging on the wall behind them. If you like it it's a very captivating sound. When I was a dealer I sold a lot of Larsen speakers. The Larsen 4 is a small, unobtrusive floorstander that has worked in every "bad" room I have tried them in. And they are in your budget. Last year I bought my younger daughter a pair of Neat Iota Alpha speakers for her tiny NYC apartment den. Even smaller than the Larsens, they work great and provide lots of bass. I would can also suggest you look at Ohm Walsh (1000 & 2000 series) and Shahinian (Compass and Arc). Everything but the last should be in your price range new, and would of course be much less if previously enjoyed. Have fun! |
If you are willing to buy used, there are a couple of good choices for sale on US Audiomart that would fit the bill. LSA-1 Statement. Very nice and at an attractive price Vapor Audio Breeze. Top notch drivers and really good sound for the price. Tyler Acoustics Linbrook monitors. Seas Millennium tweeters and magnesium midwoofers in a solid cabinet. They would work well in a larger room as well. All of these would be in your price range and should do what you are looking for. For the money, my choice would be the Vapors. |
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Harbeth P3ESR. I have them in my small computer room (about 12' X 12'). They are driven by a Vincent SV 237 integrated and I have a Power Sound Audio 15" subwoofer. I've had a lot of speakers in this room including Focal 1008BE, Canton Vento Reference 9 DC, Klipsch Heresy, and a few others. Pretty much everything seemed like "too much" for the room. The Focals were really nice, the Harbeths are nicer. The Cantons are good, very neutral and lots of bass for a small monitor, but not very dynamic and not as detailed as the Harbeths and Focals. I've had the Harbeths for a few months now and can't imagine swapping them out for anything. They are the Goldilocks speakers for this room. They will not play super loud, so if you want to crank things up once in a while, something like the Cantons might be better, but for low volume listening they are wonderful, very detailed and dynamic and the midrange is to die for. |
Hi - Similar situations over the years, I can tell you what speakers have worked for me. Keep in mind, placement is key, especially for late night listening. All below are outstanding with vocals. Totem Mites. Owned these for a time. The equivalent now would be the Skylight mini monitor Omega. Super 7 MKII monitor (I own now) and would be my first choice. Though the Super 3i (owned) would work out ok too. Rega RX1 (owned these as the Rega Aras). Rich |
Rfarrassat, I haven’t heard any of the speakers on your list but I have researched them. Shooting from the hip, I would go with the LSA’s. I’ve been researching canton quite a bit and was interested in the reference 9k as well. I read that the Ventos are actually less bright. Accessories for less has some Vento 826.2 that you should look at. The 826 looks to be the same speaker so look at that one as well. The 836 and 836.2 might overload your room with too much bass. I just had some Fritz Carrera BE’s on review and they were sublime. I’m sure you’d love them but they are a bit pricey. It appears from all the reviews that I’ve read of his speakers, they all have a nice musical warm sound that I think you’d find appealing. He’s working on a new model, called the Carbon 6. It will use a 6” carbon fiber SB Acoustics midbass with a 1” soft dome tweeter from scan speak. His series crossovers are awesome! The way they integrate the 2 drivers is exceptional. It’s my guess that he will be done with all of the design work with the Carbon 6’s next week. Unless something changes, they should be around $1500... |
Check out Fritz. His series crossovers are particularly good with tubes, and if you tell him you want a true bookshelf he can adjust them accordingly. :) http://fritzspeakers.com/ The slit-paper mid-woofers he uses are among the warmest, best sounding mid woofers I know of. Wilson and other major brands agree. :) Best, E |
