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"Small" tower speaker comparison

2188 Views 15 Replies 12 Participants Last post by g.costanza, Oct 10, 2006

g.costanza

Discussion Starter · Sep 30, 2006

I'd like to try a pair of tower speakers. I've tried for years to get a good blend with various sat/sub set-ups, but I always find them lacking. There is just something about a floorstander's "full" sound that I simply LOVE! The last pair I had was a by Definitive Technology. They were simply a 1" tweet and 6" mid/woof, in a smallish vented enclosure. The model was "DR-"something". They were around $600/pair. I've always regretted selling them. Such is often the case with those us infected with upgrade-itus

Anyway, I want a pair of smaller footprint floorstanders for under $500 pair.

Here's my list so far...

PSB Image T45 or Alpha T1

Paradigm Esprit

Energy C-300

KEF IQ5

Infinity Primus 250

Polk Monitor 50 or RTi6

B&W DM 602.5 S3

Monitor Audio B4

Anyone have experience with any of these?

Due to my room, they MUST be under 8" wide. The narrower the better. I want these to sound good with all kinds of music, but they MUST be able to "rock" and perform well w/ home theater

I will be powering them with a Panny SA-XR57 and I MIGHT supplement the very low bass with either 1 or 2 Mirage S8 subs (although I may sell the subs I just recently got to pay for the towers). I listen to music more than movies, so a sub isn't a necessity for me right now.

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1 - 16 of 16 Posts

WestCoastD

· #2 · Sep 30, 2006

I use Energy C-300 for fronts, they're very good (especially for the price). Nice for two-channel audio, pretty good full-sound, although, probably better for Home Theater system. I'm using Yamaha RX-V2600, good combination.
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphot...r/7591395/sl/w

RC-30's are much nicer, I would do everything possible to get your hands on some.
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphot...r/7591395/sl/w

check out www.audioexcellence.com

I'm primarily a "music' person myself.

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billybob_jcv

· #3 · Sep 30, 2006

Just make sure you are getting a floorstander that actually has a low-end. IMHO any small "tower" that has 5" as it's largest driver and can't get below 50 hz is really just a bookshelf on a built-in stand. I'm not saying any of those are like that (I don't know all of them) - just a general statement about some "small" towers I have seen.

g.costanza

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 30, 2006

Based on specs and reviews, I'm leaning toward the Paradigm Esprit or Monitor Audio B4.

boxwes

· #5 · Sep 30, 2006

Grr, deleted because I missed your budget. Sorry.

Nick250

· #6 · Oct 1, 2006

The B&W 602.5 are certainly worth a listen. When I heard them I remember being surprised at how low they played.

Nick

ta-kid

· #7 · Oct 1, 2006

I vote for paradigm monitor series

g.costanza

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 1, 2006

Are the Monitor Audio RS6's TWICE as good as the B4's for the price?

Soundood

· #9 · Oct 1, 2006

Put the PMC GB-1's on your short list.

philo77

· #10 · Oct 1, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by g.costanza
I'd like to try a pair of tower speakers.

[snip]

Anyway, I want a pair of smaller footprint floorstanders for under $500 pair.

Here's my list so far...

PSB Image T45 or Alpha T1

Paradigm Esprit

Energy C-300

KEF IQ5

Infinity Primus 250

Polk Monitor 50 or RTi6

B&W DM 602.5 S3

Monitor Audio B4

[snip]

The Polk RTi6's are bookshelf, not towers, but they are within your price range. I have a pair of them on stands. The RTi8, 10 & 12 are towers, but they are considerably above your price target.

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ChrisWiggles

· #11 · Oct 1, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by g.costanza
Based on specs and reviews, I'm leaning toward the Paradigm Esprit or Monitor Audio B4.

While those are both excellent choices, I would recommend you base your leaning towards your own listening, rather than other people's subjective preferences.

That is the only way to purchase a speaker.

g.costanza

Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 1, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisWiggles
While those are both excellent choices, I would recommend you base your leaning towards your own listening, rather than other people's subjective preferences.

That is the only way to purchase a speaker.

If some place had these close to me I'd be there audtioning them RIGHT NOW

Unfortunately no one near me carries Monitor Audio. Often "good" speakers get some ink in the press SOMEWHERE. The Paradigm Esprit's don't appear to have been reviewed anywhere. A fellow AVS'er has some good condition, 2 year old B4's for a fraction of the new cost. I may just gamble on them

sethwas

· #13 · Oct 1, 2006

These are my favorite types of speakers for a home listening environment (basically they are bookshleves with built in stands). I'm curious to see what the results are.

Seth

Paulhoff

· #14 · Oct 10, 2006

I have had PSB T45's and a PSB C40 center speakers for over a year now and have been very happy with them. The T45's have replace a pair of SL-12 Celestions which are now in my bedroom.

Paul

cschang

· #15 · Oct 10, 2006

I heard the KEF iQ5 this past weekend....very nice sounding little tower. I see it is on your list and hope you get a chance to listen to it.

g.costanza

Discussion Starter · #16 · Oct 10, 2006

I bought a used pair of Monitor Audio B4's from a member here for $200. I'm VERY happy with them. No need for a subwoofer for music. EXACTLY what I was looking for

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