Monitors to replace EPOS M-16i

Ja2austintx,

Funny Afranta mentions Dynaudios because in noting where you are from, I was going to suggest you go take a listen. I believe you still have a good Dynaudio dealer in Austin - I listened to and fell in love with a Rega table/PrimaLuna integrated/Dynaudio 52SE set up in that shop. I also heard some Dynaudio Audience 72's (now discontinued) with NAD separates and they sounded really good as well. I guess if you were to buy new, the Excite X32 would be the most comparable to Quad 22L2 or Epos M16i, but well above stated $1000 budget. Afranta seems to think the X12 could do the trick in your room, but I am skeptical. A good used pair of Audience 72's or 72SE's in particular, or even 52SE's would be very nice (although nobody in this price range comes close to the finish job on the Quads if that matters to you... nobody).

You're referring to Audio Systems. I've bought quite a bit of gear from them, but this time, I'm looking at used or blowout pricing.

That said, I just pulled the trigger on a set of 22L2 for an insane price. I'll let you know what I think. Thanks everyone for helping me wrap my head around this!

Will be interested in what you think.

You're right, Knownothing, I guess the X12s are really too small for my room (and the OP's). But, given my restrictions, they're great. I'm also curious to know how the 22L2s work for you, Ja2austintx. Sounds like a nice find.

UPDATE: got the 22L2s in yesterday, and so far so good. They aren't broken in yet, but I feel like they're definitely a step in the direction I was wanting to head. Plenty of detail, but not quite so much high end emphasis. So far, they don't throw as wide a soundstage as the Epos M16i, but things are more "solid" (no doubt due in part to the extra octave on the bottom end).

They are also quite beautiful to look at. I bought them from lanemart, who sometimes sells Quad here on audiogon, and got them for $775 because of a tiny blemish down low on one sidewall. I couldn't recommend his service more highly, and Quad actually vouched for him, too.

Can't wait to hear if things change as they break in. Thanks for all the help,

jim