Looking for a monitor speaker - Need suggestions

jcoat007 · « **on:** 24 Nov 2005, 05:19 pm »

This is for my father-in-law. He is using some McIntosh monoblocks for the front 2 channels and a Marantz SR19 for a pre-amp and HT processor. His current speakers are Vandersteen 4's. His setup is basically a large wall with built-in bookshelves and a built-in 65" Mitsubishi rear-projection tv. He would like a bookshelf speaker that will actually go on the bookshelves. A matching center channel would be a plus.

Any suggestions? I do not know his price range, so all suggestions are welcome.

I'm guessing rear-ported designs are not going to work in this configuration.

Thanks

Steve

rhart · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Nov 2005, 01:23 pm »

I would suggest PMC Db1, TB1, TB2. Used, these are fairly inexpensive and absolutely neutral. I have yet to read a bad review of PMC monitors.

jcoat007 · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Nov 2005, 12:39 am »

Any speaker manufacturers who would like to PM me with their suggestions?

I only suggest that if you are worried about self promotion in the open forum.

WEEZ · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Nov 2005, 01:18 am »

Hi,

I'm not sure that even a front-ported design would sound right in a bookshelf.....

My vote would be for a sealed design. Have a look at the following sites:

www.merlinmusic.com

www.nsmaudio.com

good luck,

WEEZ

bhobba · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Nov 2005, 03:40 am »

Quote from: WEEZ

I'm not sure that even a front-ported design would sound right in a bookshelf.....

I agree. Another possibility is a sealed Ellis 1801 - Salk could build you these:
http://www.salksound.com/1801.html
Or they could build another of their designs except sealed.
Another possibility is a sealed version of the Selah Audio monitors
http://www.selahaudio.com/id75.html

Thanks
Bill

suits_me · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Nov 2005, 05:12 am »

If the speakers are on a bookshelf then it would only make sense to have speakers designed for that pi space - against the wall. This doesn't necessarily have anything to do with being sealed or having a port on the front.

The ones I can think of off the top of my head are the Snell bookshelf with the pi space switch, the North Acoustics Spirit and the new Wilson Duette. Of course, the latter is 10k. The others are hovering around 1k.

eric the red · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 Nov 2005, 05:43 am »

I don't mean to be out of line (not that has ever been a concern of mine here...), but I have a pair of front ported KEF Coda 70s in great shape that are gathering dust that I would sell for cheap. PM if interested
http://www.tnt-audio.com/casse/kefcoda70_e.html

woodsyi · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 Nov 2005, 02:22 pm »

Quote from: jcoat007

This is for my father-in-law. He is using some McIntosh monoblocks for the front 2 channels and a Marantz SR19 for a pre-amp and HT processor. His current speakers are Vandersteen 4's. His setup is basically a large wall with built-in bookshelves and a built-in 65" Mitsubishi rear-projection tv. He would like a bookshelf speaker that will actually go on the bookshelves. A matching center channel would be a plus.

Any suggestions? I do not know his price range, so all suggestions are welcome.

...

Steve,

Didn't Audiojerry just do a review on SP monitors? Sealed monitor with wave guide may work in tight space. I ordered a pair with Bill at Response for a bedroom pair that has to be placed practically against a wall. They are a little big for bookcase speakers -- you will have to be able to adjust shelf height. I bet a pair of McIntosh monos driving these would be good.........

Harry P · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Dec 2005, 10:52 pm »

I have ACI Proteges and they are terrific. They make a special version for use in cabinet. Available both in vertical and horizontal versions. Highly recommended

bhobba · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Dec 2005, 11:39 pm »

Quote from: woodsyi

Steve,

Didn't Audiojerry just do a review on SP monitors? Sealed monitor with wave guide may work in tight space. I ordered a pair with Bill at Response for a bedroom pair that has to be placed practically against a wall. They are a little big for bookcase speakers -- you will have to be able to adjust shelf height. I bet a pair of McIntosh monos driving these would be good.........

I think any of the SP speakers would be an excellent choice if you have the space. A company like SP can provide advice on placing them next to walls etc. Either the Essences or a Timepiece. Drop Bob a line at
engineering10@4sptech.com
Great guy - can not speak highly enough of him. Took the plunge and will be ordering a pair of Timepieces soon. He has a 30% off deal until the end of the year.

Thanks
Bill