AudioNervosa
Systemic Development => Speakers => Topic started by: topround on November 12, 2010, 02:54:13 AM
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A friend is looking for a pair of small monitors, like Proac Tablette or a little larger size, bookshelp monitors.
He is using a Onkyo seperates system, not very high end, but to him it is super high end.
He asked my advice for small speakers. I really came up short with suggestions, I thought I would throw it out to you guys. Used is fine, budget is $400.
Thanks
Mike
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Probably not what he's looking for, based on age and budget, but I LOVE the Celestion Diton 100. It was origianlly available in the early to mid 80's and sold new for about $250/pr. they were the best sounding little speaker I ever heard. The were easy to drive and had a beautifully sweet tonal character that was extremely musical and lovely to hear. Truly a great little (inexpensive) speaker.
I've seen them used selling for $125-$150/pr.
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There's a pair of Dynaudio Audience 50's for $475 and a pair of Paradigm SE1's for $425 on A'gon right now.
Bryan
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Another idea that is more in line (but also somewhat old) is that Paradigm Compact Monitor. They were made in Canada during the mid 90's. They are a good sounding, punchy little speaker and a great match for Onkyo mid fi. They sold new for $600 and generally can be found used for $200-$300/pr.
(http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/uploads/55/126391_thumb_43c82eb1af80e83c744a432e787178e6.jpg)
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Or Dynaudio....
I've never heard the Pardigm SE1's.
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I realize the AV123 name is tainted with recent events, but the older speakers were always strong, and value priced.
I have Rosewood 250MKIIs as my rear surrounds in my HT, and often pull them into my office for stereo listening. Here's a pair for $400, user claims never used, I'd snap them up if I had $400.
http://www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3523
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Bit more than the budget but a GR Research Neo2x (http://www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3545)
(http://burbey.smugmug.com/Other/For-Sale/IMG1402-crop/1077880435_SRQdn-L.jpg)
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I have a pair of NHT Super One's in a second system that I really like. (These aren't mine, but they're the same model speaker. BTW-They do come with grill cloths.)
(http://pic4.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1286126849.jpg)
He could look for a pair of Super One's (as shown above) used or go to AA and check out NHT's Absolute Zeros.
(http://www.audioadvisor.com/images/NHTAZB_000.JPG)
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NHTAZ
I'm not sure how they compare to one another, but buying new and having a 30 day return policy on the Absolute Zeros may be the best route. Especially since they're in his budget.
Just a thought...
SN
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Yeah, I've wanted to hear those NHTs.
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PSB Alpha at $279, Paradigm mini monitor $478, Focal 705V. All new and list price. Just add a sub.
charles
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Just poked a bit more on AGon - there's a pair of Spica TC-60's for $415
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Mmmm...Spica. Tasty
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JM Labs 706S Chorus - $350
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1293938696&/Jm-labs-Chorus-706S
Celestion SL600 - $425
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1292756964&/Celestion-SL600
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Mike
You still need a stand for the monitors. You can buy these from me
http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=2560.0 (http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=2560.0)
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The speakers are not for me, in fact I don't think he will need stands, he will probably keep them in (on) a bookshelf, or something.
He is not an audiophile....lucky guy...
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The speakers are not for me, in fact I don't think he will need stands, he will probably keep them in (on) a bookshelf, or something.
He is not an audiophile....lucky guy...
You mean you have non-audiophile friends? That's it, I now know you went out and bought a full Bryston setup
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He is not an audiophile....lucky guy...
Then be a good friend and make sure the speakers aren't too good, or he might catch the bug. 8-[
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I have a pair of Boston A40 Series II that have been looking for a good home. New woofers about 5 years ago. Sound good, and can be had for cheap.
Chris
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Chris,
Currently I am using Boston Acoustic A 70's, because I blew my tweeters on my Virgo's.
They were given to my son by a fellow audiophile, and they are great!
I am running a SS Carver 5 channel amp, autoformers and a TT and they are great.
How big are the A40's? My friend is looking for something small. And where are you located?
Thanks
Mike
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Chris,
Currently I am using Boston Acoustic A 70's, because I blew my tweeters on my Virgo's.
They were given to my son by a fellow audiophile, and they are great!
I am running a SS Carver 5 channel amp, autoformers and a TT and they are great.
How big are the A40's? My friend is looking for something small. And where are you located?
Thanks
Mike
Mike,
If size is a concern you should definitely check out the Paradigm Atoms. Can be had used on A'gon for somewhere in the area of $200. (Although ebay usually has a better selection of Paradigm speakers)
Great writeup in Stereophile. Check out the reviews here:
http://www.paradigm.com/products/paradigm/bookshelf/monitor-series/atom-monitor
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The answer to your prayers...... :thumb:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1294333991&/Usher-S-520-Piano-Black-pics
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http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-4631.html
Here's a little review of the A-40's. They're currently boxed up, but they're about the size of the Spendor S3/5. I'll send you a PM.
I'm in Raleigh, NC.
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The answer to your prayers...... :thumb:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1294333991&/Usher-S-520-Piano-Black-pics
Wow, they look sweet!
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The Usher 520 is my favorite monitor of all time. I have had and heard countless small speakers but these took my #1 spot from first listen.
If you run a sub, they come across as seemless. Some complain of them being a bit hot in the upper end when run alone with a sub filling in with some lower frequencies. A few resistor changes in the crossover can bring them down though.
They also just came out with a passive woofer/stand system but I have not heard it.
Usher S-520 gets my vote :thumb:
Here is one of the pair of 520's I owned sitting atop the Usher D2 horn speakers (boy do I miss those D2's)
(http://www.responseaudio.com/_borders/canered9.JPG)
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Tmazz had his tongue in his cheek when he says not to get him something "too good," but he has a point. Getting him something fantastic like the Usher or Spica may be the wrong way to go. Really fine speakers will show off all of the flaws in the Onkyo, which will be counter productive (and and may give him the bug inadvertently). I'd keep it simple for him and run with the stuff made for the wider market, like the Bostons, late '90's Polk (not earlier, yecch),or Paradigm.
Keep it simple and he'll have the best results.
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Synergy with the Onkyo, right Allen?
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It's all about the synergy.
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thanks guys!!
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Cambridge makes a very good monitor for the money.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1294066601&/Cambridge-Audio-S20-loudspeake
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I ran a pair of Usher S-520s fed from an Onkyo receiver as my bedroom TV setup for nearly 2 years... it was awesome for the money invested. In a smaller room, it's a killer little speaker... worth waaaaaay more than the asking price.
One other option if the buyer really does intend to have them sitting on a bookshelf:
http://www.tbisound.com/dsp_products_monitors_d2.asp
I have a demo pair here that I could let go close to the top of the budget... not trying to shill for something I'm selling, but they're actually better than the Usher 520s in a more compromised position like a bookshelf... actually, the most ugly position you put them in, the better they seem to sound and image... I have no idea why that is, but it's definitely borne itself out in listening tests.... but out in open space, the usher has no peer in the $400 range that I've found....
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I use Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 ($350/pair) in my HT and love'm. Very musical, image like crazy, and huge content value (if you discount the cheap vinyl cabinet covering). The new versions should be better and can be had in fancier cabinets.
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Another vote for 520's.. They are front ported so no problem against a wall. I suggested them to a friend paired with a midrange Onkyo, very nice sound alone but great when he added a sub. If he ever gets into hifi, he's got a good starter speaker.
BTW, later Onkyo receivers are not like the ones in the 90's. They've got a warmer house sound now.
-C
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I have a pair of NHT Super One's in a second system that I really like. (These aren't mine, but they're the same model speaker. BTW-They do come with grill cloths.)
(http://pic4.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1286126849.jpg)
I actually have a super series setup in my HT (The ones fit the bill for my surrounds)... not fancy by any means... but they fit the bill for the time being.
Dave
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Another pair of Usher 520 showed up. They are listed as brand new for 325
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1293484911&/Usher-Audio-S-520-Brand-New-in
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Hey HTDoc, thanks for the heads up regarding the TBI monitors. I've seen them around for a couple of years now, but had only found "professional" reviews. They are roughly 5 inch cubes and would be perfect in a dorm room or small office.
(The TBI folks came out years ago with the Magellan subs, those amazingly tiny/fast subs that supposedly can be placed anywhere.)
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Hey Mike,
If your friend does get turned on by the MBI speakers, you may want to check out this soon to be released 3" driver based speaker -
Chase Home Theater (http://www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?p=63759#post63759)
Lou
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I showed him the Boston a 40's which he said look good, but I will show him the Ushers as well, they might be great. I will let him decide , it is his money.
I have the Boston A 70's which can be great, most of these older lesser hifi speakers where usually played with cheaper gear, when paired with good electronics and source, man they really shine!!!
I could set up the A 70's at my place and make peoples jaws drop....really!! Not because they sound great for cheap college dorm speakers ..but because they really can sound great!!
gotta love this hobby when things click
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Tried posting before, but lost wireless when i hit submit, so here's another version:
Best reasonable priced monitors: Paradigm Ref 20s. Even 10yrs ago, they were damn good and were my main spkrs for about a year. Great bass for their size, clean mids, maybe a bit tipped up on top. They played loud, too.
My fav monitors all time were the Levinson Red Rose 3's. There was a Dynaudio woof and a ribbon tweeter (Raven i think). They blew me away at the NY show in 2001. Never seen a pair for sale though.