2. speakers
  3. 170459-152854

What Monitors would you pick for my new office (bookshelf) >>

I just moved to a new office and am piecing together a small system.  I acquired a Grant Fidelity RITA 880 as the amp and running into that from a Bluesound NODE - better DAC on the horizon but using internal for time being.

I need speakers that will sit on built in bookshelf - so size does matter.  18"H and 15"D is about as big as will work.
I am currently running a set of pro-audio monitors that are too clinical, and lacking bass at low-level during the day listening.  Adding a sub is probably out of the question - its a private office but there are others working in adjacent areas. 

Goal:  Looking for something with a little more warmth and depth.  Aesthetics do matter in this situation but a far secondary consideration.

Budget:  ideally in the $2,500 range but could extend that up $3,500.
I have been looking at Harbeth 30.1, Joseph Pulsar 2s -- both pushing the budget (used).  This is turning into a third listening environment, most of the time at lower background levels.  

Welcome thoughts.  Or sell me on what you are selling!

twhitezzz

Showing 6 responses by twhitezzz

twhitezzz OP
39 posts
 
Great advice - really appreciating this.
The Fritz are moving up the list.  As our the Spendors.

arafiq: 
great comparison to the 30.1s  really appreciate that!

yogiboy :
Having done some light reading I think the Spendor classic could be a great fit here.  Agree with the rear port on the Fitz...but maybe not a total deal breaker

Any thoughts on fit and finish between the Spendors and the Fritz>
twhitezzz OP
39 posts
 
ProAc Tablette 10s are interesting...don't know much about them...open rabbit hole
twhitezzz OP
39 posts
 
I got so intrigued by the Watkins that I just called. What a great guy. Waiting list a mile long and the same supply chain issues as the rest of the world.

Not going to be the immediate answer but will absolutely give them a try when they become available.

So I am leaning Harbeth P3ESR XD (although some deals out there on the older version).

The Vienna Acoustics are great looking - going to check out the specs on these as well. thanks for that recommendation.

Any comments on the sound at lower listening levels?


twhitezzz OP
39 posts
 
Speed metal and hard-core rap mostly.

Just kidding. Wrong thread.

Broad range of rock, some jazz, some jam bands, vocals etc.  At the office classical occasionally but really not the focus.


twhitezzz OP
39 posts
 
Appreciate the great input and advice.
Pulled the trigger on the Harbeth P3ESR today - original version not XD.
Considered the Spendor A1 very seriously but were a little harder to find the Classic in the US.
On the waitlist for the Watkins Gen 4 and will see which win out. 
thanks for humoring my decision with your collective knowledge. 
twhitezzz OP
39 posts
 

Closing this off in the event someone else reads it.

The Harbeth P3ESR were a great choice.  They make me smile.  I find the vocal/midrange exceedling pleasant.  Bass at low-levels is warm - it fills the room  the way I wanted at day time listening levels.  I haven't had a lot of later night cranking it up - but the few moments they hold their own.  If it were my "listening room" I would be chasing a sub.  I find the trebble detailed without being annoying - my pro monitors were annoying me - to harsh.

I am driving them with a Grant Fidelity RITA-880 at 45W per channel.  In a dedicated setup they could proabably handle more input for a bigger room or if you want to shake the walls.  But noting I am comparing them against Dynaudio Evoke 50s driven by a PL EVO 400; not a fair comparison.

Placement in terms of close to the back of the shelf has little impact to me - closed cabinent was a good choice for this application.  Spacing and listenting position do matter - they shine when I can sit in the proper chair and listen.  its nice.

I mean this 110% positively - they are great speakers for background music.  For the size and price surprisingly adequate for more critical listenting.  They are really nice looking - I never liked the looks in pictures but IRL I now get it.

If/when I can try the Watkins these may find their way into my formal living room as I think my audio impaired wife might enjoy the warmth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More to discover