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Standmount speakers 4k-8k

On the lookout for standmount/bookshelf in the 4k-8k range. I've now got Monitor Audio GX-50 which are great for the price but I'm looking higher now. 
So far I've heard Aerial 5t, Totem Element Fire and Kef Reference one. The Kef's offer a huge sound, but are, hard to describe it, a bit grainy in tone. The Totem are sweeter, but a little dead sounding. The 5t were really quite good--fast, clear, lively. None of them had noticeably better bass than what I'm using now! so I'm still in the hunt. 
Very interested to know if anyone has heard the new Monitor Platinum II line, particularly the 100s, which are what I'm interested in. 
I'll be listening to some Focals soon, and Dynaudio. 
Any other tips? I need to get something fairly small, and very conventional looking (that's why not listening to BW D3). 

Thanks folks. 
rsg
128x128rsgottlieb
almaaudio's avatar
almaaudio
18 posts
 
rsgottlieb,

If yashu's Dynaudio C1 is within your price range, you should definitely consider that. 
Otherwise, my choice would be the Evolution Acoustics MicroOne, at $4000 new. It's by far the best stand mounted speaker I've heard at that price point.
Then there's Dynaudio's active speakers. Since you're looking to upgrade the electronics anyway, maybe you should consider these too. The Focus 200 XD is $6999, and all you'll need is a source.

hifijones
100 posts
 
A Big +1 on the JM Reynaud Offrandes.  Reynaud has very limited distribution here in NA and it's baffling.  The Offrandes V2 are some of the finest standmounts I have heard at ANY price.

I would also recommend any Raidho speaker, however they would have to be pre-owned to be within your price range.  
whitestix
386 posts
 
Joseph Audio Pulsars or Dynaudio C1's.  Both are absolutely stunning monitor speakers.  

rsgottlieb's avatar
rsgottlieb OP
37 posts
 
I'm really grateful for all the input, advice, and good wishes 
What a great bunch on this site. 
Seems I have to get a new car before new speakers (old one has 170k miles so it's cool). 
But will check in whenever I listen to something, and eventually let folks know how it turns. 
My thanks!!!
mikapen
22 posts
 
Dynaudio has gone through almost their entire lineup in the past year or two, and are producing some very nice speakers. At all price points. New materials have made their way into all parts. There is a lot of trickle down of components. The result is a bunch of speakers that are catching the ear of many publications. ("Best of.")
I bought a set of Excites and I agree with the reviewers. They work with my vintage tube equipment (H-K Citations) as well as my Parasound SS setup.
And they don’t seem to have a favorite type of music. Impedance is well-controlled across the spectrum, so they are easier to drive. Their strength of lack of phase shift distortion, and it’s a nice relief - listener fatigue is gone.
Worth a listen. Their Active speakers are impressive, too.

By the way, I was looking for stand-mount speakers, too, because inherently fewer audio and placement compromises, and WAF. But I ended up with the Excite X34 floor-standers which don't visually dominate the room. Wife approves and prefers over the stand-mounts - a first!
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