Suggestions: Sonus Faber, Monitor Audio, Elac etc?


Hi All,

I am currently in the market for a midsize floorstander. I am not a bass junkie, but I like tight, accurate bass which I can feel when required. I can get the following speakers (very limited range here in South Africa) within my budget:

1. Monitor Audio GR-20 and GR-60
2. Sonus Faber Grand Piano
3. Elac 207.2 or 208.2

The GR-60 appeals to me as I expect better bass response with them with the extra driver, but I would like some opinions as to wether the others (which have only single bass drivers, a mid and a tweeter) may perhaps be a bit bass light? I have a mid to large room, but in a long wall setup. Speakers are about 2m apart and I sit around 1.8-2m from the speakers.

I am downscaling from B&W Matrix 801's which were way too big and difficult to driver, but of reference quality. I thus want to DOWNSCALE, but NOT downgrade quality-wise. Any advice is welcome, but please try not suggest other speakers as there is very limited availability here. I am trying to gauge their overall bass response, and the mid and high range quality levels.

Thanks,
CL
xenithon

Showing 1 response by subaruguru

I would caution that you ensure that your seated listening height is appropriate for short floorstanders, as those deep crossover nulls appear just above axis. So if you're on the tall side plan to sit on a British style low sofa!
Many small floorstanders are simply filling market niches in between their better-sounding monitors and full-sized 3 ways, although I can't say if this is the case with the models you present. I personally found the Grand Piano of too small a scale for orchestral works...and I had to sit LOW!