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Which small but great monitors?

I want to upgrade my small HT system in my bedroom, where I currently have Boston Acoustics VRM 60's and VRM-C for front and center speakers. The size of these speakers is right, smallish but not micro-monitors, but the sound for music or FM is not up to my standards (I use Proac Response 1SC's and Genesis 500's in other systems). I am considering upgrading to Coincident Triumphs, Spendor 3/1's, Soliloquy 5.0's, or ?? The size of the speakers I've listed is perfect for the Sound Anchor stands I already have (8" x 11" minimum footprint, height not crucial). And the price of these is around the $1000 mark for a pair. I know I love the Spendor sound because years ago I had BC-3's. I've never heard a small Spendor, though. I've heard great things about Coincident and think the cabinet work is beautiful. Has anybody heard any of these options against one another, or solo? Any recommendations focusing on audio performance rather than TV sound are welcome and will help me figure out where to go. I can listen to the Soliloquies and the Spendors at one dealer's, but can't find Coincidents around here (Wash. DC). Also--any other recommendations in this size and price range (around $1000-1200 for a pair)?
sc53
tapashead
21 posts
 
i would add to this list the linn tukans - excellent - and meant to be placed against the back wall which makes it decor friendly. many naim enthusiast put this on the end of over 15K in gear (and you can upgrade to active with these things) - i have a pair of these as well as audiophysic tempos and i can't say that these aren't more fun that the expensive tempos. cheers. o, and sarah - i am a taurus (just kidding, but so rare to see a woman on this thing)
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Look at the Aliante Ones for sale here on Agon ($1200 or so), it's a $7,000+ speaker at retail. Other good choices: Aerial 5's, Paradigm Studio/20 or Active/20.

-Ed
gthrush1
241 posts
 
Acoustic Energy AE1 Series II
jd798ff8
55 posts
 
Considered by many, (including me), as one of the finest compact monitor speakers around. New, they are just in your price range. Beautiful build quality as well. ACI has been selling direct for 25 years and they have the best customer service in audio. Check them out and consider trying them, I think you'll be glad you did!
linfield
4 posts
 
A couple of years ago I purchased a pair of Tyler Acoustics Taylo Monitors. I have listened to most of the speakers on the list, and the Monitors are some of the best speakers you can by for the money. They use a Seas Revelator tweeter and a Seas 6" midrange/woofer. These speakers involve you in the music like nothing you've ever heard before. The design isn't fancy; they just use the best drivers available with a top notch crossover, and enclose them in a well built cabinet. They don't cut any corners. Furthermore, the owner, Ty Lashbrook, will give you first class customer service. He usually has a few used pair in stock and you might be able to talk him into sending you a pair for evaluation. (A used pair wull probably run you about a grand.) Give them a try, you won't be sorry.
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