The most dynamic & transparent bookshelf

For the most part, I agree. But you still have to like the speakers.

Zd542, no doubt that is true, but the speaker must provide the total package. I once owned a pair of speakers, and loved everything about them except that due to their low sensitivity they were not capable of the desired volume with certain music, even using a little more than maximum power for the speaker.

"I once owned a pair of speakers, and loved everything about them except that due to their low sensitivity they were not capable of the desired volume with certain music, even using a little more than maximum power for the speaker."

Power amp specs can't be trusted. For example, I have a basic 2 channel Sony receiver rated at 150 watts/ch I use on my computer speakers. The Sony is only a few hundred dollars, but compare it to my Ayre V5 that's also rated for 150 watts/ch, and the first thing you'll notice when you listen to them is that the V5 is vastly more powerful than the Sony. It also sounds vastly different.

As far as your comment about the speaker being the total package, I'm not sure how you would define that, but I know what you're saying. If you'll notice, up to this point I haven't made a speaker recommendation. The reason is that I can't think of any small speakers that will do what the OP is asking. I can think of plenty floor standers that he may like, but not monitors. That's why I asked the OP is he could provide some type of reference. There's just not enough info to go on here.

Tls49: Yes, I not only like Denton, but I have to say I love everything from sound to outlook of it, my whole music collection is listenable and enjoyable, as compare to Diamond 122 it does not earn "love" instead only like. So I think 86db sensitivity 6ohm could be not enough volume if I wanna do a party sound testing, but then speakers are design for different purposes, yes Denton is not suit for wild party aggressive kinda, but it actually pretty dynamic for me though, just on the absolute extreme benchmarking, it still lack ultimate punch, like some speakers that people mention about: Joseph Audio Pulsar or even the Grand Teton Gen2?

Speaking of power amp, yes I can assure that the Class D Audio power amp is indeed outstanding, I've got a NAD 3020i, the sound came out from Diamond 122, is bass overbloat, a little warm and less shine on treble, most importantly the sonic does not shine, I can spot this in classic track like Tutti! - Igor Stravinsky - The Firebird - Finale. So the things achieved on the Class D Audio poweramp is neutral, transparent and dynamic tonal balance. Also I notice at higher volume Class D Audio power amp able to control the woofer cone, absolutely fantastic! For small to medium, NAD 3020i still not bad, but not to the extent to cover all music styles and dynamic. So my current audio chain is pretty there, EXCEPT I need a more powerful mini monitor to complete my journey, sound not realistic huh?

Power amp specs can't be trusted. For example,

OK Zd542, you're preaching to the choir. I worked in the A/V industry for over 20 years, mostly with high end audio, and have always used quality amps like Threshold, Pass, etc. I am fully aware of what you are saying, and in no way whatsoever was there an issue of inadequate power in what I said in the previous post. As I stated, the problem was that the speakers sensitivity was just too low.

You should also notice that I have not made a speaker recommendation as well. I have only been trying to get the OP to understand that if a certain speaker of 86db sensitivity does not play loud enough and is lacking in dynamics playing loud, then a different speaker with that same sensitivity will not do it either, and lower sensitivity even worse. Sure, there may be an exception to this, but IMHO, I seriously doubt it.

The reason is that I can't think of any small speakers that will do what the OP is asking.

Again IMHO, the Coincident Triumph Extreme (94db) or the Reference 3A MM de Capo (92db) will likely satisfy his desire, although he will need to increase the budget or buy used.

As far as the recommendations listed here, and again, IMHO, the Goldenear AON 3 (90db) may have a good chance to work for him. I have not heard them, but have a friend that has a pair. This guy worked with me for a few years, and still works in the A/V industry. His company acquired the Goldenear line after hearing them at a show, and he chose the AON 3 for himself saying they sound very dynamic and much larger than one would think for their size.