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Help chossing a good speaker. $ 3-5 K

Hi guys: Need some help. Trying to buy a good pair of speakers. I listen mostly to Classic, Jazz and some Rock from the 60-70's. The room is small (13 * 10 * 9). I have a Mc MC 352. I have looked at Harbeth (M30, SHL-5), ATC (SCM 19, 35 and 40) and Dynaudio Confidence C1. I'm looking for clear, non congested sound. I do have a REL strata III on hand that I could use to extend the lower frequency if a feel I need it. I usually listen at no more than 75-80 dB. Thanks in advance.

PS: this is a review/opinion based blind purchase. Dallas is an underserved City and the ones I have auditioned are too expensive or I did not like.
ebenai
mang53
83 posts
 
no brainer!

A) Dynaudio Confidence C1

B) Usher BE-718

C) and now a ringer> the S.A.P. Audio "Trio"

they love tubes and are perfect for your tastes.....will blow away Sonus Faber Auditors!

specs:

Phase-correct, 3-way, full-range monitor
1” Piezo horn super-tweeter
2" S.A.P. cone horn-loaded tweeter
Dual 5" S.A.P. full-range drivers
8" rear-firing, “tuned” passive radiator
Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 94 dB/1 m/ 1 watt
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms

http://www.sapaudio.com/

cheers
stereo
147 posts
 
My favorite mini monitor works great with a good sub (which you have). The ProAC One SC with Target stands. Very dynamic, musical, disappear in a room as good as the best out there, but very inefficient. If you have a high powered amp the One SC will blow your mind. I have never heard the Dynaudio C1 or the Usher BE-718, but have read great things about them also.
dodgealum
976 posts
 
If choosing between the ATC and the Harbeth M30 I'd go Harbeth. The ATC is really too large for your space and, going on my memory of the ATC 35 from which the 40 is based, is nowhere near as good a speaker as the Harbeth, particularly through the midrange.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
In Plano, go to High End Theatre and Audio to hear the Vienna Acoustics line, particularly the Beethoven Baby Grand. They're at 972-208-4382.

Audio Concepts on Preston carries ProAc, which is another excellent speaker, my second choice to the Baby Grands. They're at 214-360-9520.

Don't do a blind buy if you can avoid it. DFW has several good dealers, IME.

Dave
ebenai OP
5 posts
 
Thanks again. I have narrowed my choice to harbeth vs ATC. Dodgealum showed little entusiasm for the ATC. I undertsand that they maight be a little too big. The only reason I though they might work is that it is a sealed enclosure. The mid range has great reviews. Could you elaborate a little more? With regards to the dealers in Dallas, I have visited some of theme. I heard the Viennas and at my price range I did not think it offered a signifincat improvement over the JM Focal Cobalts 826 that I just sold. Have not heard the proacs. May try to do that today. The Wilson Benesch at AUdio Concept are great but above my spending limit.
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