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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
rsgottlieb's avatar
rsgottlieb OP
37 posts
 
UPDATE: 
I've taken the advice received here and started with improving my amp. Dealing with audiogon makes it financially possible. Just today got my Sony AE1, which is not very old, for 1/2 price. 
And you guys were right, makes a big difference. 
I've got an T and A cd player coming; and the monitor audio PL100II, all bought for remarkable prices. 
Systems sounds better already but I suspect that 
the best 
is 
yet to 
come!
murphythecat
98 posts
 
in that price range, id want to try:
vivid 1.5
harbeth shl5+
proac d2
graham ls5/9
amphion argon 3s

hedgehog's avatar
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hedgehog
144 posts
 
I don't own either, but would suggest the Penaudio Cenya or Cenya Signature. You'd have to drive to Nashua to Fidelis AV. I'm not affiliated with the shop, but did spend a fair amount of time listening to the Cenya Signatures while shopping components. Fidelis also carries the Harbeth line (they're the importer), which are worth checking out as well.
rsgottlieb's avatar
rsgottlieb OP
37 posts
 
LAST WORD: 
Well, that's it. On the advice of folks here I updated my cd source and my integrated amp. And the speakers arrived today: Monitor Audio PL 100 II. 
And the whole system at about 60% less than regular price, since I got all the pieces on this site. All of them look and sound new. All transactions were easy. 
Amp is Sony TA1
CD Player T and A Elektro Akoustic 1260
Even before the PL100s the GX50s were singing with the new source and amp. I really didn't realize how much difference that would make. 
But the new speakers: my goodness they are fine. Deep, clear, bright on top, spacious. They are in a pretty small room and the soundstage just spreads side to side and front to back. 
So...thanks for all your great advice and happy listening to us all. 


keithtexas
226 posts
 
ATC or PMC
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