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Sensitive Monitors

Hi guys. I own and love my Revel M20s. Since I moved them in my listening room, they even sound better, but I am more aware, than ever, of their power requirement. Need lots of quality juice. I've got the quality (100 watts per), but am now thinking of going with a monitor that will give me more bang for the size. I've heard the M20s compared against, the Dynaudios, Sonus Fabers, 805s. Anybody out there hear (please only first hand tympanic experience) the JM Labs Micro Utopia? I can get a killer price on the Minis. How 'bout those babies? If you've heard a monitor that is sensitive and equal to the sonics of the M20, please show me the light. If you don't have the, first hand, tympanic experience, do you know of some reliable second hand experiences? Remember, we're talking monitors/stand mounties, here. Thanks again, my fellow audiophools. peace, warren
128x128warrenh
rogerroger
76 posts
 
Let me start by saying that I am NOT a fan of the Revel sound, greatly prefering Proac and Sonus Faber. However, if its high efficiency you're looking for, I would like to suggest Reference 3A. The sound is not at all like Revel, being warmer, more liquid, and in my opinion more musical. If you like the Revel sound they may not be your cup of tea. But, they are 94db efficient, an easy load to drive, and very nice speakers. They have been reviewed several times in the audio magazines, so additional information on their sound should be easy for you to get. Good luck and have fun looking.
reubent
6,936 posts
 
I agree with Rr about the Reference 3A MM DeCapos. I own these speakers and they have gotten me off of the perpetual upgrade train.

However, Rr is not correct about the effeciency number. They are actually 92db eff., but they are a very easy speaker to drive because of the lack of crossover (uses a single cap, on the tweeter only). They do seem to be much more effecient than the 92db rating would indicate.

This is the first monitor that I've ever owned that had completely satisfying bass. I drive mine with a choice of amps including 3.5 watt 2A3 SET Tube, 8 watt P-P tube or 30 watt P-P tube. ALL of these amps produce more volume than I can use in my 14X12 room and the bass is deep (for a monitor) and accurate. Mids are excellent and highs are very satisfying to me. However, my non-i version is not as extended on top as some speakers I've heard. I prefer this as "bright" is not the sound for me.

For me, the Ref 3A DeCapos are the best combination of resolution and musicality that I've heard in my system. But they are not ultra high resolution (listener fatique?) or ultra musical (boring) like some speakers I've heard.

Also, there is a great following for these speakers, so, find a good price on a used pair, try them in your system and either love them or resale them at no loss (or very little).

Enjoy,

TIC
cmo
471 posts
 
I have heard the JM Labs Mini U's and Dynaudio Special 25's at my local dealers showrooms (So I can only give a half informed report). From my point of view I much preferred the Dyn's (they were on the receiving end of an ARC system/ VT-100, LS 16.....). They had great extension, produced a very musical sound. The JM labs seemed to miniaturize everything...... I felt like I was watching little tiny performers on a little stage, almost like viewing a TV as opposed to watching a movie in a theater (these speakers were being driven by McCormick amps). Both speakers sounded good in thier own way, I just preferred the big vivid presentation of the Dynaudio's.

Having said all of this, I have never heard the Revel's and I think the Dyn's need some juice too.
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