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best monitor available?

I am looking for some input on a potential upgrade to my totem mani2's. I only want to upgrade if it is an obvious improvement (therefore no mani 2 se) and I do not want to change my electronics. (EAD amp/pre pro with latest dacs.) All listening is nearfield, 20ft w by 12 ft deep b7 8 ft high exercise area with speakers on the wide wall 1 foot out. Listening to all but classical, with a velodyne sub for lf. Large amount of off center listening of music and open to small floorstanders if necessary. Have thought about revel gems, wilson benesch, jm lab, verity and others, but only have current experience with revel and totem. I am flexible on price. thanks for your input.
emster
abe_av
78 posts
 
You bet! Dynaudio Special 25 Anniversary Edition.

It has the Esotar2 and 20mm woofer directly from the top Confidence line. Gorgeous birch finish ... Yummy! It sounds like sparkles from a beautifully cutted diamond.

Abe
lordgorian
133 posts
 
Having carefully researched this issue, i have a thorough understanding of most of the best monitors out. Here is a list of them.

Sonus Faber Guaneri Homage
Sonus Faber Extrema
Dynaudio Confidence 3s
Dynaudio 25th Ann
Dynaudio C2s
Talon Peregine X
Talon Hawk
Talon Hawk Diamond
JM Reynaud Offrande
Revel Gems
Jm Labs Mini Utopia Be
TAD Monitor
B&W 25th Anniversary Silver Special
ATC has a few good ones
hmmm there are a few more but i forget them right now.

The best speaker of all of these are the Hawk Diamonds from my experience. They list for 16k, the hawks are almost just as incredible and are only 8k. Now you wont find these used. If you want a great deal on a used speaker i would reccomend JM Reynaud Offrandes. For about 2500 used they are vastly better than the totems i would know as i presently own them both! My hawk diamonds will hopefully be coming shortly. Look into the talons seriously if you want to spend 8k or up, if not go for the offrandes, they are worth 500 dollars more than the Mani IIs. Hope this helps...
soliver
67 posts
 
Nice list Lordgorian.

A couple other speakers that I can think of that should probably be on the list are:

Wilson Benesch Discovery

Rosinante Dulcinea

Peak Consult Incognito

But as a two year owner of Offrandes, I can't imagine a need to spend more money than what the Offrandes cost, new or used. They are a tremendous speaker.
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