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The best mini monitors you have heard?

Two ways, either stand-mounted or small floor standers. If you have good experience, could you share? I have been using the Kharma 3.2s for a few years, so take that as my reference point. I have heard the Magico Minis...impressive initially but too aggressive for prolonged listening..and arguably overpriced IMHO. I haven't heard the MKII version. I recently heard the Dynaudio Confidence C1, driven by Plinius electronics. I was impressed, esp when i found out it can be had for 1/3 to 1/4 the price of the 3.2s or the Minis. What else is out there? please share.
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ckoffend
684 posts
 
Have you considered the Totem Mani speakers? For a very small monitor speaker they have a dual woofer arrangement that produces exceptional base for either a small floor standing speaker and certainly a monitor.

They image well, throw a deep stage, are overall a well balanced speaker.

To boot, there is a pair available on EBay right now, presently at under $1400 for the pair. Not sure what they will go for, but one could estimate somewhere in the 1750-2200 range, maybe more now! (no, these are not mine, not a friends of mine, just a mention).
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
If you can find them, KEF made some wonderful speakers 20 years ago that are very small and lifelike. Look for KEF models 104/2 and 102's. They have a cult following. They can be tweaked for great results.

You will also see many threads around Harbeth. They are used by the BBC studios and are very efficient. I have a friend who engineered many of the live BBC shows from the 1960's and 1970's (think Led Zep and the Faces) and he swears by these.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,835 posts
 
IMHO, my Sonus Faber Guarneri Hommage's are the best small (I wouldn't call them mini) monitors I have heard.
Absolutely beautiful to look at and they dissapear leaving just the perfomers in my room.
billyg1
81 posts
 
check out the escalante fremonts!!!!
ckoffend
684 posts
 
I too have heard the Excalante speakers are very nice. No dealer in my area :-(

At this price range, it really is worth listening to the Wilson Duettes and many others. But per the initial comments about the satisfaction with the Dynaudio's, why not go with those. They make a nice speaker that perform well. You don't hear of too many people that grow dissatisfied with them, other than to possibly work up their line. Very well rounded speakers.
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