I need smal monitor advice

[topround]

A friend is looking for a pair of small monitors, like  Proac Tablette or a little larger size, bookshelp monitors.
He is using a Onkyo seperates system, not very high end, but to him it is super high end.
He asked my advice for small speakers. I really came up short with suggestions, I thought I would throw it out to you guys. Used is fine, budget is $400.

Thanks

Mike

[allenzachary]

Probably not what he's looking for, based on age and budget, but I LOVE the Celestion Diton 100.  It was origianlly available in the early to mid 80's and sold new for about $250/pr.  they were the best sounding little speaker I ever heard.  The were easy to drive and had a beautifully sweet tonal character that was extremely musical and lovely to hear.  Truly a great little (inexpensive) speaker.

I've seen them used selling for $125-$150/pr.

[bpape]

There's a pair of Dynaudio Audience 50's for $475 and a pair of Paradigm SE1's for $425 on A'gon right now.

Bryan

[allenzachary]

Another idea that is more in line (but also somewhat old) is that Paradigm Compact Monitor. They were made in Canada during the mid 90's. They are a good sounding, punchy little speaker and a great match for Onkyo mid fi.  They sold new for $600 and generally can be found used for $200-$300/pr.

[allenzachary]

Or Dynaudio....

I've never heard the Pardigm SE1's.

[etcarroll]

I realize the AV123 name is tainted with recent events, but the older speakers were always strong, and value priced.

I have Rosewood 250MKIIs as my rear surrounds in my HT, and often pull them into my office for stereo listening. Here's a pair for $400, user claims never used, I'd snap them up if I had $400.

http://www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3523

[shadowlight]

Bit more than the budget but a GR Research Neo2x (http://www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3545)

[StereoNut]

I have a pair of NHT Super One's in a second system that I really like. (These aren't mine, but they're the same model speaker.  BTW-They do come with grill cloths.)



He could look for a pair of Super One's (as shown above) used or go to AA and check out NHT's Absolute Zeros.



http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NHTAZ

I'm not sure how they compare to one another, but buying new and having a 30 day return policy on the Absolute Zeros may be the best route.  Especially since they're in his budget.

Just a thought...

SN

[richidoo]

Yeah, I've wanted to hear those NHTs.

[rollo]

  PSB Alpha at $279, Paradigm mini monitor $478, Focal 705V. All new and list price. Just add a sub.


charles

[bpape]

Just poked a bit more on AGon - there's a pair of Spica TC-60's for $415

[allenzachary]

Mmmm...Spica.  Tasty

[bpape]

JM Labs 706S Chorus - $350

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1293938696&/Jm-labs-Chorus-706S

Celestion SL600 - $425

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1292756964&/Celestion-SL600

[evan1]

Mike
You still need a stand for the monitors. You can buy these  from me


http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=2560.0

[topround]

The speakers are not for me, in fact I don't think he will need stands, he will probably keep them in (on) a bookshelf, or something.
He is not an audiophile....lucky guy...