Need a monitor while floorstanders in storage


I need some recommendations for a monitor speaker at $500 or less used. Some of the Totem small floorstanders are out of my price range even used, like the Arro or Staff. I have been reommended PSB Alpha-1, Music Hall's new speaker called the Marimba. Will appreciate any recommendation. Thank you
sunnyjim
Jim, while you mentioned Totem, have you considered (or could you)making use of a small sub backed out of the mix to add a touch of foundation and going with a set of Dreamcatchers?

A fellow out West has a set and also owned a set ob ProAc Tablette II's. He says they are quite similar, but the Totems are a touch less picky about placement off axis with their imaging and the mids are a touch less analytic.

There is a set advertised here for 450 used and there are all kinds of subs around.
Is this something you would consider?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/totem-dreamcatcher-loudspeaker

Even the reviewer loved them, save for the bass.

My system was a Canton passive sub with a Crown D150 (of which I might have used 1/4 of). I used to run the levels on the amp about 1/3 open to just add a touch of foundation. The inexpensive nature took nothing away from my system because of this. Even a small powered unit adjusted in this way would be helpful.

What is the rest of your gear?
Gummy....Good suggestion regarding the Totem Dreamcatcher and a subwoofer versus Totem Arro. However, I have never been a fan of subwoofers. The theory makes plenty of sense, but the sound is often unpredictable, that is boomy in small rooms

There are several other small monitors I considered. Dali's Sensor 1; the Pro-AC SC-1 and Tablette. Though, I often wonder what all the fuss is about these speakers. I decided to buy the Music Hall Marimba speakers....they seem to have a very wide frequency response unlike the Wharedale 10.1 which I tried, liked, (but not enough to make them keepers) and sold.

I will audition MA's for a while; and, if they are not musical. I will sell them. The other gear in my system are: Red Dragon digital monoblocks; Bel Canto PRe-3 line stage, and a Rega Apollo player

Yes, I could easily put the Music Hall "cans" in orbit with 250 RMS Thanks, Jimbo
If you took a pair of Tab's home for a week and went through your collection, you would understand.
They are the most invisible mini I have ever owned.

I wish they filled my current room.

You are right about the sub integration. The trick is not trying to get a set of minis to sound like a set of big boys.
It is still a compromise.
I wish I could hear your amplifiers on my Sequerras...
Gumby. I am sure the Tab's sound great, and there is a pair of Signatures for sale on AG right now.

It is good to hear that Sequerra is still in business. Without getting teary-eyed, it really brings back the grand old days of 1970's audio (Maybe not so grand in retrospect) With the recent death of Jim Bongiorno of Ampzilla, there are fewer of the pioneers of 70's audio remaining.

As far as the Red Dragon M-500 digital blocks, they are very good considering their discounted price, but they may not be the last word in resolution.

However, I think I fall subject to "they did not cost enough crowd" Call me crazy, but I am considering (again) downsizing to a integrated amp. like the Sim Moon I.5.3 currently on sale. Jim