Legendary French Monitors designed by Philippe Bernard, of Atelier de Synergie Acoustique. These beautiful speakers were purchased originally by audio innovator and designer James Romeyn, in 2007. I believe that I am the third owner. The enclosures are of incredibly dense and highly figured solid Ovangkol. Due to it's expense, this wood is no longer available, if one were to purchase these speakers from the manufacturer today.
While the cabinets are completely inert, the sound is lush, full, and very organic in nature. The speakers remind me of an earlier pair of Reynaud Offrandes that I once owned, but with a touch more warmth, as well as body. Imaging is excellent, as one would expect from a classic two way monitor design.
Per James' original ad, they were designed by a French recording engineer for extended day-long fatigue free monitoring. While they have very good treble extension, I've never detected a hint of shrillness. Bass extension is quite impressive for their size, particularly with acoustic bass and cello. The midrange is meltingly smooth, striking an excellent balance between transparency, detail and warmth.
They are in perfect mechanical condition. Cosmetically, I would rate them 8/10. There are some superficial light scratches, mostly on the bottom. These would only be noticed on up-close inspection, if one were looking for imperfections. One of the grill cover fames was bent, and partially cracked, by the previous owner. Both covers work fine however, and appear normal when in place. I had used them only in between playing sessions, for protection, preferring to keep them off when listening.
Please see the following link to the original owner's excellent description, for further information.
http://jamesromeyn.com/#/home-audio-gear/for-sale-used-asa-pro-monitors-3kpr-usd/Other comments can be found here:
http://www.stereophile.com/content/fifth-element-63-page-2and in the "summing up" section of this article, by Stereophile reviewer John Marks, who indicates that he and others, including Sam Tellig, found the ASA Pro Monitors to have a "musical trueness that's hard to describe."
http://www.stereophile.com/content/opera-callas-loudspeaker The article incorrectly states that they speakers are no longer in production, however. I've corresponded with Mr.Bernard within the last year, and he assures me that they are alive and well, and that he will support his product, should it ever need repair.
http://www.asa.fr/EN/monitor-pro/Unfortunately, I no longer have the original packaging, and would much prefer a local buyer. In fact, I will include at the asking price of $1,995, a pair of ideally matched 24" Osiris stands free of charge, if the speakers are picked up at my house in Mid-Michigan, zip code 48823. If this is not possible, I can ship the speakers at the buyers expense.
