[mdfoy]

I am considering replacing my Strata mini's with a less imposing speaker.  I really like the mini, but it is kind of large.  My room is 12 X 18, and open along one of the short walls, were the speakers are placed.    I know that I will not get the bass of the mini, but to me, soundstaging, imaging, mids and highs would be important than the low bottom end. Any suggestions on a quality monitor or smaller floorstander?

[Double Ugly]

The SP Technology Timepiece Mini.

A couple of reviews - here, and here.

[BrianM]

If you want to spend $3000, go with what Double Ugly said.  If you want to spend half that, get what I have.  If you want to spend less than that, the ACI Emeralds get a lot of positive press.

[mdfoy]

Brian,

What you do have?

[BrianM]

<----------- Ellis 1801Bs


Also, I mentioned the ACI Emerald but may have been thinking of the Sapphire; I get the names mixed up usually.  Both are highly rated, the Sapphire is the more expensive one (around $1200 I think). If you do consider my speaker, Jim Salk builds them for around $1700 and Dave Ellis builds them for $1500 I believe.  Jim would get it to you quicker than Dave can (Dave just sells Jim the kit and Jim builds the cabinets/assembles).  The kit costs $750.  Dave is about to release an 1801C so ask him for details about that, too.

Brian,

What you do have?

[BrianM]

...For that matter, consider the Salk HT1 as well.

[toocool4]

mdfoy like you I love small speakers. I love the tight fast bass they produce.

You did not say how much you want to spend but I use Totem Model 1 superb speaker. The price is a bit steep lately about £1700 when I got mine it was £1200.

Most people that listen to my system can’t believe the bass that comes of this speakers.

Check it out here www.totemacoustic.com/uk/products/compact/model-1_signature/

[TomS]

Merlin TSM-MM's would be nice - $1000-1300 used on a'gon plus stands or the ACI Sapphire XL's.  Easily get your money right back out if they don't work out.  I liked mine (with Osiris stands) but had to deal with a big dog and teens bumping into them so went to Rocket 760's, which are unfortunately even tippier.  The ACI's are sweet too.

[BrianM]

Most people that listen to my system can’t believe the bass that comes of this speakers.

Check it out here www.totemacoustic.com/uk/products/compact/model-1_signature/

Owners of smaller monitors tend to get that reaction to the bass a lot.
   
For the record, here are the low frequency extensions (+/- 3dB) for each of the speakers mentioned so far:

Merlin TSM-MM       55 Hz (+/-2 in this case)
Totem Model 1        50 Hz
ACI Sapphire          48 Hz
Ellis 1801               40 Hz
Timepiece Mini        40 Hz

The differences are probably to some extent attributable to cabinet volume.

And, of course, those numbers don't tell the whole story, as in-room response can be considerably lower.  E.g., the Merlins can boast -10dB @ 35 Hz.

[toocool4]

Do not believe figures, listening is the best way to know what is going on.
If you look at cartridges some of the worst trackers are some of the best sounding, so the best measurements does not translate into best sounding. 

[TomS]

Most people that listen to my system can’t believe the bass that comes of this speakers.

Check it out here www.totemacoustic.com/uk/products/compact/model-1_signature/

Owners of smaller monitors tend to get that reaction to the bass a lot.
   
For the record, here are the low frequency extensions (+/- 3dB) for each of the speakers mentioned so far:

Merlin TSM-MM       55 Hz (+/-2 in this case)
Totem Model 1        50 Hz
ACI Sapphire          48 Hz
Ellis 1801               40 Hz
Timepiece Mini        40 Hz

The differences are probably to some extent attributable to cabinet volume.

And, of course, those numbers don't tell the whole story, as in-room response can be considerably lower.  E.g., the Merlins can boast -10dB @ 35 Hz.

Agreed -10db at 35 isn't bad (slow rolloff in a sealed cabinet).  I ran my Merlins in the HT with 2 ACI Titans, but never used the subs for music.  Low grand piano and string bass sounded very nice and natural.  Imaging was very close to my VSM's, that is, really good.

[JLM]

Standmounts with kids or pets can be a problem.  I had 12 inch by 12 inch by 20 inch standmounts on 12 inch stands and saw my 4 pound cat take a running leap at one and knock it over (breaking a binding post).

I'd throw the VMPS 626 into the ring too.  Bass into the 30's (as I recall), the Jr's are only $1000/pair, and the ribbon extended midrange provides a very coherent sound. 

Not all floorstanders are that imposing either.  VMPS 30s for instance would be in the price range of some of the speakers mentioned when you add stands, are narrower, more stable, and you'd not be giving up bass.

[mdfoy]

All,

Thanks you for your informative responses.   I have sent a email to Salk for more info on their HT1, and Ellis 1801.  The timepiece look good also, and will look further into them also(I am trying to keep the budget < $2500.00). How do the Salk's' compare to the usual suspects, like B&W 805, Paradigm s2, Usher BE 718?

[mcgsxr]

Good that you included the room size, can you expand a little on what the ancillary gear is, and what your musical preferences are?

Thanks,

[cliffy]

There a pair of TDL Compacts and Super Compacts available from TheSpeakerShop.com.  TDL went out of business about 10 years ago and these are N.O.S.  The bass is listed as 28 or 30HZ depending on model.

Give them a call, I think they are available for much less than $1000 including shipping.

[mdfoy]

All,

After some initial research I am shortisting the Ellis 1801, Salk HT1, and TimePiece Mini.  Has anyone done a comparison of these?

The system consists of:

Amp:    Odyssey Khartago
Pre:     Odyssey Tempest
CD:      Underwood +1 modded onix cd-5
cable:   Cobalt Ultimate

zero surge
Onix rack
vibrapods and cones

Room:   GIK tr-trap. 244s

Music preferences mainly Jazz