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Best monitor for female vocals?

Live 5 hours from anything you'd consider an audio store. I can only audition gear in my business travels and need your help in narrowing the field. Looking for a monitor that excels in vocals, particularly female focals. Listen to blues, folk, jazz, standards at moderate levels with the occassional "crank it up" mood. To be used strictly for 2 channel audio now, maybe multi-channel audio in the future. Room is 16W X 28L X 8H. Listening position about 12' from where speakers will be on the short wall.

Willing to suplement bass with Velodyne DD-series sub if necessary. Will be buying new amp/pre or integrated amp for this 2 channel system, so current electronics not an issue. The only speakers I've auditioned so far that I'd buying are Harbeth Super HL5s. What others should I consider?

Budget of $2,500-3,000.(used)for 9/10 Audiogon condition. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
northwoods_maine
bignerd100
515 posts
 
In line with the Harbeths you are already considering are the Spendors.
Classic and Se series.
S8e is a great speaker.

Good luck!
gjrad
142 posts
 
Reference 3a DeCapo i about $1500 used
mjw55
82 posts
 
I love my Dynaudio Special 25's
I listen to Patricia Barber, Diana Krall, Fiest, Miles Davis, Joe Pass, and to many blues players to list. The warmth, space and detail of this speaker continues to amaze me. I do reccommend you use an integrated with some push behind it. I have used the Sim Audio Moon I5 the Rowland Concentra II and now the Musical Fidelity Tri Vista 300. I have heard some guys are using the Pathos Classic one with the Special 25 to great success. Stands are neccessary.
Enjoy the search it's half the fun of the hobby.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I agree the B&W 805s used with stands would be under $2,000
(I bought the DEMO pair with stands for $2000. locally... but I am a very long-time customer of that store.)
I am VERY VERY fussy about female vocals.. To the point that it is the primary focus of my purchase decision!
Other speakers I would have considered included made in New England Revel M20's (later units are made somewhere?? else after the company was sold)
And I am partial to Magnepans too.
So for female vocals I can promise (with good ancillary equipment) the B&W 805s will do the job. (the 805s now has a first order crossover.)
jamesw20
269 posts
 
Merlin tsm, bettered b&w sig. 805 in my system substantially and you can't beat company support.
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