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Good monitors used under $1000?

HI. I am using a small room, and need some downsizing options. My room is currently 14x16x9, and I listen to a variety of music-classic jazz, modern jazz, electronic ambient and trance, alternative rock, and classical. My front end consists of a Cal Audio Icon MKII CDP, C-J PV10A tube preamp, and B&K Ref 4420 (225wpc) amp. I need something that is great on vocals and strings, but doesn't give too much away on the bass, and doesn't sound horrible with less than perfect source material.

I have so far listened to the Paradigm Studio 20's and 40's, Sonic Faber Concertino (cheapest monitor) and Vandersteen 1C's. I liked all, but the Sonus Faber had great vocals and also sounded great on classical strings. The Vandersteens were more well-rounded, with better bass. The Paradigms sounded good, but they were in a different listening environment-they did have good bass response, at least the 40 V.2 did. I would also be open to other suggestions. I don't really want to spend over $1000 used, and may downsize my front end amp, if necessary (I doubt I need 200wpc to run a monitor).
dawgcatching
mijknarf
266 posts
 
Your room size is similar to mine. I owned Paradigm Studio 40 V2 monitors and have moved on to three other speakers since. The ones that are staying are the GMA Europas. They are in your budget (around $600 used) and will do what you are looking for. P/U a used set and compare them to any of your other choices. If you're not happy with them they are easily sold here on Agon. While they are not the last word in monitors, I'm thrilled with their openness, transparency and neutrality.
mauiaudioman
171 posts
 
You just described perfectly the Green Mountain Audio Europa which lists for the $1000.00 price new. Don't blow these off because of their low list price....they easily outperform a great number of speakers costing 2 or 3 times their price, including to these ears anyway, the Paradigm 40's as well as the Sonus Faber's at $1500/pair. Search the archives here for more info. Main strengths are best human voice I have personally heard anywhere close to their price and the ability to make bad recordings somehow pleasurable.
jfacker
85 posts
 
Third the Europas, they should work well with your amp and preamp combo. I'd keep the 200 watts, the current will bring out the best in them. If you're into trance, ambient, electronic, etc these are a good choice because the bass is tight and they are almost impossible to overload, as long as you keep the volume below Mt. St. Helens eruption level (and even then they'd probably be OK). I broke in a pair with Biosphere's "Cirque," which is mixed hot and has powerful transients and it gave them no problems whatsoever. They are ugly as sin, however, so if you're into furniture grade finish I'd advise you to look elsewhere.
dawgcatching OP
139 posts
 
Thanks for the info so far. How do the Green Mountain's sound against, say the Von Schweikert VR-1? Also, would a smaller floor-standing speaker work as well as a monitor in my situation (probably 2-way, as 3-way may be too much for my small room). Why or why not go with the monitor?
mcreight
11 posts
 
Dunlavy sc-Ia or SC-IIa
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