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Which small but great monitors?

I want to upgrade my small HT system in my bedroom, where I currently have Boston Acoustics VRM 60's and VRM-C for front and center speakers. The size of these speakers is right, smallish but not micro-monitors, but the sound for music or FM is not up to my standards (I use Proac Response 1SC's and Genesis 500's in other systems). I am considering upgrading to Coincident Triumphs, Spendor 3/1's, Soliloquy 5.0's, or ?? The size of the speakers I've listed is perfect for the Sound Anchor stands I already have (8" x 11" minimum footprint, height not crucial). And the price of these is around the $1000 mark for a pair. I know I love the Spendor sound because years ago I had BC-3's. I've never heard a small Spendor, though. I've heard great things about Coincident and think the cabinet work is beautiful. Has anybody heard any of these options against one another, or solo? Any recommendations focusing on audio performance rather than TV sound are welcome and will help me figure out where to go. I can listen to the Soliloquies and the Spendors at one dealer's, but can't find Coincidents around here (Wash. DC). Also--any other recommendations in this size and price range (around $1000-1200 for a pair)?
sc53
perfectimage
406 posts
 
Sonus Faber Electors. (not ElectorAmators) These are very small bookshelf speakers maybe 12 to 15 inches tall. They retail for $3500 but I have seen them used for around $1500. Not only are the wallnut cabinets simply gorgous but this is the best speaker I ever heard in this price range regardless of size. After countless auditions of other speakers I happily bought these.

These were my very first high end speaker and although I upgraded far above them I miss their sweet sound and always regret that I traded them in. I have considered many times building a second system just for an excuse to own them again. They also went very low for there size and have unbeleavable mid range and treble.
aisip
83 posts
 
The obvious choice is the DYNAUDIO CONTOUR 1.3 MK-II. It's dimensions are perfect for your stands, 8" WIDE, 11" DEEP. It is also the best sounding and most neutral of all the other speakers aforementioned. If you have deep pockets, go for the Special Edition (SE) version.

Enjoy,
Jojo
drrasta
224 posts
 
I like the Soliloquy 5.0's in that price range, but they do need to be placed out in the room. They mate well with push-pull tube amps. Someone's selling the Taylo mini monitors here on 'gon. Nice drivers. The Taylo reference monitors will run you a little more but are also nice for the $$--I have them. Look at www.tayloraudio.com. The ACI Sapphire III LE's may also fit the bill--use a scanspeak tweeter, image well and throw a nice soundstage. www.audioc.com.
sc53 OP
689 posts
 
Wow, great suggestions, and pretty much all in the 8 x 11 footprint that I require so I don't have to buy new stands! I will take some time finding the right monitors, but with so many possibilities, I feel I can't go wrong. I don't know why I just can't compromise w/sound. The Boston Acoustics were never supposed to be high end audio speakers, they were just for the TV for heaven's sake. They are my third set of speakers in a 3-story townhouse! Why can't I just accept them and not insist, always, on better? I am so spoiled. Again, thanks all.
Sarah
shelton
54 posts
 
I'm using the Coincident Triumph Signature UHS powered by a Blue Circle amp. It's a great combination. The UHS version is a more refined speaker than the regular sig. The highs have more sparkle and less splash to it. The mid range is incredible. Vocals are rendered life like without sounding congested. Overall, the UHS version has more life and energy to it. I'm more than satisfied with the performance of the Triumph Sig UHS. Here's another point to consider. Customer service at Coincident is world class. Israel Blume has been great to deal with.
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