I will second the Mirage OMD-5s. I use these in several different systems, and they are truly wonderful speakers. They sound especially good when running with hybrid amps. Tube pre/solid amp. In addition, if you give them a bit of room they are really impressive. I run them 2.5' from the back and side walls, and the soundstage is remarkable. If only I had that space for my OMD-28s. :-D
I've been trying to find monitors that will replace these, and haven't found anything I like better. Got them at vanns for $160 each. |
I hear no stridency or shrillness with my RS-1's, for violin or any other kind of music to which I listen. And I listen to a very wide variety of music genres. |
Hesson11, welcome. So many recommended Rega RS1 but it seems that not many are actually owning them. |
You folks recommending the Rega RS-1s, how do they do on violins? I'm wondering if they avoid the stridency and shrillness that seem to plague so many speakers. Thanks.
(I hope this is a clarification for the OP and not a hijacking!)
-Bob |
Thank you all for recommending so many options to me.
I see several major options:
Von Schweikert VR-1
KEF 103.2
Rega RS1
Silverline Minuet Supreme
I would like to know which is better in dynamic range.
Dynamic range is quite important to me for my symphonic music listening. |
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Have the both the Silverline Minuet Supreme and the VS VR-1. Can't go wrong with either one.
The Quad 11L and 12L are also contendors. |
I concur on the VR-1 recommendations. The RS-1s would also be a good choice if you can find a pair. Finally, if you can find a used pair of Eric-1s by Consonnace they should also fit the bill nicely for well under $500/pr. used. |
There not hard to resell at all. It's a very desirable speaker.
Eric at Tekton Design is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. His speakers have put a lot of the ones that have been mentioned here on the 'for sale @ AGon" list.
He also has a 30 day return policy.
I'm not connected in any way to Tekton Design except through ownership of his products.
Have a great day. John JW Audio |
Silverline Minuet Supreme speakers have a list price of $699 but perhaps you can find them on Audiogon within your target price range. |
Dear Zmanastronomy, Tekton design highly interests me. They looks just cute. I saw it was rated as "best value under 1000" on audioreview for its Tekton Model OB4.5. But they might be very hard to resell, compared to B&W, PSB or KEF. |
Rlwainwright and Schubert mentioned KEF 103.2. This interests me.
BTW, what do you mean by KEF sound? Since I listen to no other speakers substantially, I do not know if I will prefer other kind of sound. Moreover, is my KEF speakers of the typical "KEF" sound? |
Little Regas or Totems new.... Used an open book... |
Oops, missed your price point Hl10027, sorry.
Quad 9Ls (or 12Ls) actives are nice if you have preamp-outputs somewhere in your system.
I have both on computers & like them a lot.
The 9Ls can be found for about $500 used and are very silky and well defined at at the same time.
They can even be driven right from your source with their own remote volume control. |
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Here's another excellent choice for your situation and music taste. Mirage OMD5 sold by Vanns, brand new. A subwoofer could always be added later if needed. |
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KEF 103.2 would be a good choice.I recently picked up a pair of KEF 1.5 's which I found better than PSB Alpha B1
in a den situation. but a 1st row presentation re the PSB darker mid-hall sound.
Like you,I am a classical fan,having owned Paradigm Mini and Atom in the past IMHO they are voiced for rock and too
rough for classical.
The absolute best small speaker I've heard that can be found for your money is the Silverline Minuet. |
If you like the KEF "sound" (and it is a VERY good sound), you probably should consider a pair of KEF 103.2s. They will be used, but I've seen several pair here for right around $300/pr. I think these are some of the nicest bookshelf-type speakers I've heard...
-RW- |
The positioning of any speakers you get will hinder their full potential, so it's wise not to be spending a large sum of money for speakers for this use.
Your list so far seems well thought out and good value speakers.
Some other speaker suggestions are Usher S520's which are among the best speakers for their price that I've encountered, and will do classical well. Also, PSB Stratus Mini's are the best bang for the buck bookshelf speakers I've encountered yet. Some of the NHT offerings are solid, as well.
Good luck,
Michael |
Look into ERA D4 or D5 speakers. I was amazed by the sound these speakers put out. I listened to classical music from the D5 and was very impressed. |
The Von Scheikert VR1 is an obvious choice for a used speaker in your price range. And you have to be quick when they show up.
A better choice for a small speaker that can sit near a back wall is the Polk Audio LSi7. I have owned both, along with a few other nice small monitors, and the Polks are my favorite. They make music better than any under $500 speaker I have owned. |
Rgs92, thank you for your reply but Cremona Auditors are way out of my price range of $600. |
SF Cremona Auditors. They make real magic. I have the original ones & never heard the current Ms but if was looking for speakers in the size range you describe (or any size range, as my little Auditors are that wonderful) I would give the Ms a listen based on my love for the originals. I don't even have the stands for them and they are still awesome, despite being warned to the contrary. I have them on these little "Polywood" tables I got on Amazon. |
I am using the Von Schweikert VR-1s and love classical and small jazz group music through them. I did add a small REL sub but it really only matters with rock and new Jazz music. They can often be found at $600. And, mine are not for sale. |
You have a good short list so far. No substitute to going and have a listen with your own ears! Let us know what you decide. |
Try looking ay Tekton Design. They have just what you need at a price that is sane.
Highly reviewed also. |
