Since Danny just reviewed the Mordaunt Short Festival 3's, providing upgrades. I wanted to share another excellent Mordaunt Short speaker suggestion, that would be worthy of Danny's upgrades. He hasn't reviewed or tested this model yet.
Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 (Bookshelf Speakers)
• Drive Units: 1 x 5.5" Woven Composite Cone, 1 x 25mm Soft Dome
• Sensitivity: 90dB
• Frequency Response: 55Hz - 20kHz
• Impedance: 4 - 8 Ohms
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 100 watts peak power, not RMS!
• Magnetic Shielding: Yes
• Dimensions: 12 9/16” H x 6 ½” W x 8 5/8” D
• Weight: 4.75 kg each / Approx. 10 ½ lb.
Evidently there different iterations of this model through the years. Mine are the final release of the Carnival 2’s. Note, Mordaunt Short is no longer in business unfortunately. Purchased brand new, on clearance from Jerry Raskin w/ Needle Doctor for $100.00 a pair. After buying the first set, they were so impressionable, I bought a second pair. Normally $250 a pair. Carnival 2’s sound best on stands, no surprise. IMO, they are ideal for small to medium size rooms. Since they are rated 100 peak wattage, these aren’t ever going to provide concert level output in a large room.
They have a very nice musical presentation, not to forward or laid back. Low end extension is impressive, considering it’s size. Although 1 or 2 sub woofers, would be a perfect combo. They offer nice detail without sounding shrill on the upper registers. Vocals / mid range are well balanced. These speakers are very transparent, they really excel in this area. What I truly appreciate about the Carnival 2’s, even set up with budget electronics, one could still listen for hours and not have ear fatigue. I consider these speakers to be well balanced, not too analytical or warm.
I’ve listened to these speakers through the years, with high end tube amps/ preamps, integrated tube amps, high end solid state amps. High quality interconnects and speaker cables and stereo subs set up as well. Usage even with higher end equipment, they won’t disappoint. They punch way above their price range. So much so, when I sold a 300B SET amp, the buyer listened to the amp played back through the Mordaunt Short Carnival 2’s. The buyer and his buddy were so impressed, both of them wanted to purchase the Carnival 2's as well.
Highly Recommend 
