2. speakers
  3. 1066526923

My M20s were humbled

Well, this weekend I got to listen, quite extensively to the new JMlab Micro Utopias. As much as I love my M20s the wind has come out of my sails. I compared (M20s) them to most of the other monitors out there, before and, even, after, my Revel purchase. Never looked back; until now. Yeah, they cost 3x as much: $5700-ouch! No they're not 3x better, but the Micro Utopias are in a class all to themselves, for my ears. This is one killer monitor. Beautiful bottom to top. Midrange, highs (ooh la la) and sweeping deep soundstage to die for. Everything. Still needs a sub, but what monitor doesn't. I'm really quite excited by this ear popping, tympanic tittalating audition. Now, where am I circumlocuting to?--Harmonic Precision Caravelles. Got my order in for a pair of these babies, and now I'm more excited than ever. Why is that? Reliable ears have indicated to me, (quite humbly), that I will do better, for a fair comparison, to compare these new Caravelles to speakers a notch or two higher than the Micro Utopias. I'll keep you guys posted when the deed is done. Also: no subwoofer needed. Monitor speakers that don't require a sub? This is exciting stuff. Probably another month before this happens. Can't talk from experience, now. Just literal hear say. But good hear say.
peace, warren
P.S. You can get more specs on the Caravelles from their website.
128x128warrenh

Showing 5 responses by warrenh

warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
I don't know if addicting is appropriate. Perhaps it's the intimacy, soundstaging, that I love. Monitors (great ones) are very revealing, and when the recording is right they're awesome.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
They were incredibly dynamic to my ears. They did require a sub. Hey let's face it, not only monitors, but many claim-to-be- full range speakers could use a sub. I heard them with a Rel sub, as well. Ecstasy. Calanctus, those HPs will be coming out soon. You may not need to go to $5700. The Caravelles cost $3500. Not small change, but neither is the sound. They'll be here soon enough. I'm psyched. peace, warren
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
It is easier (and that's still a tough assignment) to get two drivers to work together, rather than three or more. Cabinet resonances/CROSSOVERS are a very big deal. True the bass extension is compromised a tad, but isn't it on most speakers? There is no panacea here, of course, but monitors can become addicting. True, the footprint, in the end can be just about the same given the stand and all. It's probably a wash in that sense. A world class monitor's, (other than bass) midrange and highs can stay with the biggest boys, still in a relatively smaller space, given the use of a sub. A monitor on a quality stand, (visually we're talking, now) has a airier look. More space under the speaker (perceived, because of openess) has, to me, a nicer eye appeal. Everthing is a trade off in this audiophoolish world. I think you can attain greatness with a killer monitor, sub, and stand, less expensively and easier (if you will), than you can with a floor stander.
peace, warren
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
Ideally, I like (that's why I love the M20s) a monitor that has great bass extension to begin with. I let the monitor run full range, and let the sub (in this case, I crossover at 40 Hz) do the rest. Hey, we're going tangential. 'tis the nature of the beast, I suppose....
warrenh's avatar
warrenh OP
2,299 posts
 
Since I started this thread (and I appreciate everyone staying with the theme) I'm just going to go a bit tangential. I was talking to an Audiogon buddy, last night, and we were talking about how many killer monitors are, probably, out there (as good, if not better than the Jmlab Micros) that will NEVER get the press nor have the advertising budget to happen. How many of us (and I include myself, big time) are confident enough (and humble enough not to make a $$ statement etc. etc. you know the deal) to trust our ears and go with the virtual unknown/no track, in the press, speaker. There are apeaker manufacturers out there, creating killer stuff, that I don't even condsider, because I haven't heard of them. Maybe this is the reason I should brave the crowds and go to the next Audio exhibition, when it comes around in NYC. Probably the best place to hear what I would never give a thought to check out. I am going with the HPs over the Micros, and they are not ubiquitous name droppers, in the high end world, like Jmlabs, or the like. This is growth. Just something to throw out there. Love to hear your take on this. Thanks for your feedback, guys. peace, warren
More to discover