Speakers that turn your analytical mind off?

As our own Jeff Day reminds us, there's a music lover's perspective which deviates from the studio monitor credo of 'warts'n'all'. Music lovers first and foremost insist on an emotional connection with the music. Secondly, they insist -- very sensibly if you ask me -- that all of their music and not just a very narrow selection thereof be enjoyable. The Diva Monitor conforms perfectly to this omnivorous demand. It's a tone monster. That makes it a fabulous addition to the retro/vintage sector of loudspeaker design where large paper cones with pleated cloth surrounds remain en vogue. Those counter the over-articulated 'starving super model' ideal that's pursued to excess elsewhere. It returns us to the earthy curves of a Sophia Loren, the power and brio of Classic Rock and the soulful tone of a Mesa Boogie.

Here’s the thing. They are not monitors. They are not meant to be monitors. I actually found sitting down and listening critically to record after record really difficult. What was happening was I’d sit down with good intentions and a pad and a pen in hand, but after a short while I was just letting the music get on with it, enjoying it for what it was and I was rapidly losing concentration…getting lost in the music. I wasn’t trying to pick out instruments in the mix and point out where they were panned to on the desk. I was being entertained by the tunes in a way that I’d not been in a long time and isn’t that what our hifis are supposed to do?