Need a monitor while floorstanders in storage


I need some recommendations for a monitor speaker at $500 or less used. Some of the Totem small floorstanders are out of my price range even used, like the Arro or Staff. I have been reommended PSB Alpha-1, Music Hall's new speaker called the Marimba. Will appreciate any recommendation. Thank you
sunnyjim
I don't think you can go wrong with Paradigm Studio 20's. I can only speak as to the original version. They were the best "bookshelf"/"monitor" speakers I have heard.
Jim, while you mentioned Totem, have you considered (or could you)making use of a small sub backed out of the mix to add a touch of foundation and going with a set of Dreamcatchers?

A fellow out West has a set and also owned a set ob ProAc Tablette II's. He says they are quite similar, but the Totems are a touch less picky about placement off axis with their imaging and the mids are a touch less analytic.

There is a set advertised here for 450 used and there are all kinds of subs around.
Is this something you would consider?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/totem-dreamcatcher-loudspeaker

Even the reviewer loved them, save for the bass.

My system was a Canton passive sub with a Crown D150 (of which I might have used 1/4 of). I used to run the levels on the amp about 1/3 open to just add a touch of foundation. The inexpensive nature took nothing away from my system because of this. Even a small powered unit adjusted in this way would be helpful.

What is the rest of your gear?
Gummy....Good suggestion regarding the Totem Dreamcatcher and a subwoofer versus Totem Arro. However, I have never been a fan of subwoofers. The theory makes plenty of sense, but the sound is often unpredictable, that is boomy in small rooms

There are several other small monitors I considered. Dali's Sensor 1; the Pro-AC SC-1 and Tablette. Though, I often wonder what all the fuss is about these speakers. I decided to buy the Music Hall Marimba speakers....they seem to have a very wide frequency response unlike the Wharedale 10.1 which I tried, liked, (but not enough to make them keepers) and sold.

I will audition MA's for a while; and, if they are not musical. I will sell them. The other gear in my system are: Red Dragon digital monoblocks; Bel Canto PRe-3 line stage, and a Rega Apollo player

Yes, I could easily put the Music Hall "cans" in orbit with 250 RMS Thanks, Jimbo
If you took a pair of Tab's home for a week and went through your collection, you would understand.
They are the most invisible mini I have ever owned.

I wish they filled my current room.

You are right about the sub integration. The trick is not trying to get a set of minis to sound like a set of big boys.
It is still a compromise.
I wish I could hear your amplifiers on my Sequerras...