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Good inexpensive temporary speakers

Until we move out of our condo in about a year, I'm looking for a good temporary (probably monitor) set of speakers. Once we purchase the house we'll be moving to, I'll be able to make a better decision about final speakers.

Since they're temporary (and will be up on audiogon in 12 months) I'm looking for something inexpensive but good enough to listen to for a year. I'm thinking Nola Boxers (never heard), Maggie MMG's (heard and not crazy about but good for the price), or other in the $1500 and under range.

In my new campaign for simplicity the electronics will be the Wadia Intuition 01. It includes preamp, 200 watt (8 ohm) amp and Wadia DAC in once unit. It's a bit on the warm forgiving side but great sounding overall.

My preference is always for highly musical, timbre-ly correct and non-fatiguing. Any ideas?
larrybou
larrybou OP
130 posts
 
I had the impression the MG 12 was basically the MMG plus their bass module. A Mag dealer told me the MG 12 usually still needs a subwoofer, so it's a better deal to get the MMG with a REL sub and have more versatility and bass response. Not true?
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Pioneer 22s
linesource
11 posts
 
I've never heard Magnepans sound as good in the store as they do when you get them home. I'd go with the MMGs and use their upgrade offer if you move within a year.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

07-16-14: Larrybou
I had the impression the MG 12 was basically the MMG plus their bass module. A Mag dealer told me the MG 12 usually still needs a subwoofer, so it's a better deal to get the MMG with a REL sub and have more versatility and bass response. Not true?
The MMG plus the DWM bass module is called the Super MMG. The MG 12 is a different speaker altogether. It's bigger, with a larger radiating surface. The MG 12 is 17.5"w x 51"h x 1.5"d and has 329 sq. inches of radiating diaphragm. The MMG is 48"h x 14.5"w x 1.25"d, so its radiating diaphragm is probably around 220 sq. inches.

A REL is certainly not the only option for fleshing out the bass. Maggie's DWM panel offers some advantages, such as transient response as fast as the MMGs, reasonable price, versatile placement, etc. For a conventional sub, REL is certainly not the only kid on the block. My little Mirage MM8 subs are perfect for my 1.7s, but unfortunately most Mirage is now out of production. Still, there are other offerings from Velodyne, Paradigm, Def Tech, PSB, etc. that may make for an easier blend than the REL.

I say this because the other subs I mentioned have a more extended, flatter frequency response. The REL T-5, for example, contributes a sharp, resonance-driven spike, and relies on corner or wall placement to excite room modes to broaden the frequency curve. I like subs that don't rely so much on that because it makes it easier to blend the sub's timing iwth the panels. I have my little subs sitting right next to their panels, and don't have to fuss with the phase knobs. The integration is seamless.
courant
119 posts
 
Have you heard the updated B&W 685 ($700), or the NHT Classic 3 ($900) ?

Both work well in the confined space of a condo, and neither puts out excessive bass (high neighbor approval factor). The updated tweeter in the 685 makes a world of difference.

Owned the Classic 3 when I first moved into my condo. I eventually upgraded, but it was a nice starter speaker in my then new home.
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